Pediatric Therapeutic Recreation Specialist - Dog Handler

Phoenix Children's Hospital, Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Phoenix Children's Hospital, Inc. is seeking a Recreation Therapist – Dog Handler (CTRS) to partner with a trained facility dog and an interdisciplinary clinical team to integrate animal-assisted intervention into patients’ plans of care in the hospital setting.

This role plans, coordinates, and facilitates therapeutic recreation services and activity-based interventions to support the emotional, social, cognitive, and physical well-being of pediatric patients and their families, while training

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy or related field.
• Pediatric healthcare experience preferred.
• Animal handling or training experience preferred.
• Current CTRS certification required.
• AZ DPS fingerprint clearance required prior to start date.
• BLS Certification for Healthcare Providers required.
• Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist Certification (C-AAIS) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Handle facility dog and ensure safety during interventions.
• Design and deliver animal-assisted interventions aligned with treatment goals.
• Assess dog and patient for stress or discomfort and adjust accordingly.
• Coordinate supplies, veterinary care, and grooming per policy.
• Train and supervise AAT volunteers as assigned.
• Document assessments and outcomes per hospital standards.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and share observations.

Skills

CTRS certification

Pediatric experience

Animal handling

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy

CTRS certification

AZ DPS fingerprint clearance

BLS for Healthcare Providers

C-AAIS certification

Job description

Phoenix Children's Hospital, Inc. is seeking a Recreation Therapist – Dog Handler (CTRS) to partner with a trained facility dog and an interdisciplinary clinical team to integrate animal-assisted intervention into patients’ plans of care in the hospital setting.

This role plans, coordinates, and facilitates therapeutic recreation services and activity-based interventions to support the emotional, social, cognitive, and physical well-being of pediatric patients and their families, while training