What are the responsibilities and job description for the Child Life Specialist Facility Dog Handler Full Time Days position at DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan?
Children’s Hospital of Michigan is an international leader in pediatric and adolescent medicine. Surgical services include general, thoracic, reconstructive and cardiovascular. Imaging technology designed specifically for children provides advanced diagnostic services including Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and MRI. The Children’s Hospital of Michigan Emergency Department is a verified Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center and dedicated pediatric burn center. Experts in pediatric critical care, rehabilitation, and neonatal and perinatal medicine provide care for thousands of children every year at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Children’s Hospital of Michigan - Troy and six ambulatory sites.
Job Summary:
Under general supervision, provides child life services for ambulatory and inpatient children and their families. Administers programs and provides services that reduce distress, increase adaptive coping and protect and enhance developmental integrity by offering opportunities to play, learn and interact with others in an emotionally and physically safe environment.
1. Partners with a trained Facility Dog to provide comprehensive child life services and therapeutic interventions in a variety of clinical settings.
2. Maintains all requirements for the Facility Dogs as set by Canine Assistants regarding dog’s certification, hours worked, weight management, veterinary care, home environment, grooming, training and reporting.
3. Continually assesses and prioritizes health and safety of the Facility Dog, ensuring it receives adequate rest, play and toileting breaks throughout the work shift.
4. Plans and implements a therapeutic play program to help hospitalized and ambulatory patients to adjust to the health care experience. Utilizes therapeutic play techniques, assessments and observations as diagnostic and treatment tools. Documents treatment plans, goals and observations.*
5. Assists in preparing and orienting children and families for diagnostic and treatment procedures using developmentally appropriate methods. Provides support and helps facilitate coping through stress reduction techniques.
6. Provides information, education and support to patients and families on issues pertaining to hospitalization, illness, medical experiences and growth and development. Supports family bonds and utilizes family and cultural strengths to provide consistent and quality care for children.
7. Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team through program planning and team meetings in order to provide services in a holistic manner. Consults with other team members regarding the developmental status and individual needs of children to promote adaptation to treatment.
8. Presents educational programs to health care professionals and to the community regarding child health and development, the impact of illness, injury and hospitalization on children and families and parent education.
9. Collaborates with other professionals regarding the psychosocial, emotional and environmental needs of the child to promote adaptation to hospitalization and treatment. Offers counsel specific to the impact of health care experiences.
10. Provides guidance and training to child life students and volunteers. Assists with maintaining oversight of the Pet Therapy volunteer program.
Qualifications:
1. Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Growth and Development, Recreational Therapy or related field.
2. Eligible for certification as a Child Life Specialist by the Child Life Certification Commission.
3. 600 hour internship experience including six weeks training in pediatrics preferred.
4. Requires minimum of 2 years’ experience working as a Certified Child Life Specialist in a clinical setting.
5. Requires application acceptance, Facility Dog placement and official team training by Canine Assistants.
6. Analytical ability to assess patient needs and develop and provide appropriate services.
7. Interpersonal skills to work productively with patients, families, health care professionals and other members of the community.
8. Technical knowledge related to the provision of Child Life services.
