Pediatric Facility Dog Handler & Clinical Support

Cincinnati Children's; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Cincinnati Children’s is seeking a Clinical Assistant/Facility Dog Handler for Pediatric Behavioral Health at the College Hill Campus in Cincinnati, OH. The role integrates a professionally trained facility dog into a trauma-informed pediatric behavioral health setting to support patient goals and staff wellbeing.

Responsibilities include facilitating patient interactions, coordinating visits, ensuring animal welfare, documenting outcomes, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams within

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Divinity, Psychology, Social Work, or related field.
• Experience in pediatric behavioral health or trauma-informed care preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and de-escalation skills.
• Experience with animal-assisted interventions or facility dog programs.
• Experience supporting staff wellbeing initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Integrate the facility dog into pediatric behavioral health care to support patients and staff.
• Facilitate goal-directed patient interactions focusing on emotional regulation and engagement.
• Coordinate daily visits and triage referrals per program protocol.
• Maintain animal welfare, safety, and documentation per hospital standards.
• Collaborate with the Child Life Program and other clinicians.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

De-escalation skills

Trauma-informed care

Animal-assisted interventions

Education

Bachelor's degree in Divinity, Psychology, Social Work, or related field

Job description

Cincinnati Children’s is seeking a Clinical Assistant/Facility Dog Handler for Pediatric Behavioral Health at the College Hill Campus in Cincinnati, OH. The role integrates a professionally trained facility dog into a trauma-informed pediatric behavioral health setting to support patient goals and staff wellbeing.

Responsibilities include facilitating patient interactions, coordinating visits, ensuring animal welfare, documenting outcomes, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams within