Pediatric Child Life Specialist: Animal Therapy

Phoenix Children's Hospital, Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Phoenix Children's Hospital, Inc. in Phoenix, AZ, is seeking a Child Life Specialist to lead the Pet Therapy Program using a facility dog to support pediatric patients and families during hospitalization.

The role emphasizes assessment, collaboration, and education to provide psychosocial care, stress reduction, and developmentally appropriate interventions while supervising interns and volunteers and ensuring safety and program integrity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Therapeutic Recreation or related field is required.
• Master's degree in Child Life, Therapeutic Recreation or related field is preferred.
• Completion of a minimum 480 hour professional Child Life Internship in a hospital setting required.
• Minimum of 4000 hours of professional Child Life Specialist experience in a hospital environment required.
• Experience with animals in a therapeutic setting preferred.
• Bilingual English-Spanish skills preferred.
• Current BLS certification for Healthcare Provider required.
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential required.
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential preferred or in process.
• Completed training/certification related to handling of service and/or therapeutic animal preferred.

Responsibilities

• Primary handler of a Child Life facility dog.
• Utilizes the facility dog to enhance clinical practice and meet patient goals within the child life specialist professional scope of practice.
• Actively participate in interdisciplinary rounds and evaluations as a member of the treatment team.
• Collaborate with staff and volunteers in the Animal Assisted Therapy program, coordinating referrals.
• Assess both the animal and patient for stress signals and ensure safety during interventions.
• Engage in marketing and program activities for the AAT program while adhering to hospital policies.
• Documents patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in the medical record.
• Supervise and train Child Life Assistants, interns, and volunteers.

Job description

Phoenix Children's Hospital, Inc. in Phoenix, AZ, is seeking a Child Life Specialist to lead the Pet Therapy Program using a facility dog to support pediatric patients and families during hospitalization.

The role emphasizes assessment, collaboration, and education to provide psychosocial care, stress reduction, and developmentally appropriate interventions while supervising interns and volunteers and ensuring safety and program integrity.