Department Overview The Child Life group promotes the continuous development of children to optimize their responses to medical care, to minimize psychological stress and trauma, and to increase understanding and coping with illness and health care experiences. Child Life provides children with opportunities for gaining a sense of mastery, for play, for learning, for self-expression, for family involvement and for peer interaction. As members of the health care team, child life staff advocate for children and families in ambulatory and inpatient settings. They serve as resources to all staff and to the community on issues related to child development and child health experiences. Position Summary The Medical Dog Handler position serves as a handler for an assigned dog, providing clinical interventions that meet the diverse psychosocial needs of pediatric patients and their families. This role supports medical staff across various settings, focusing on reducing distress, enhancing developmental integrity, and promoting adaptive coping through therapeutic interventions. During times when the dog is not with patients, the Medical Dog Handler will fulfill the same duties as a Child Life Specialist, Music Therapist, etc., consistent with their training and experience.

*Certification as a Child Life Specialist by the Child Life Certification Commission *Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required Education: *Bachelor's degree required, in Child Life Experience: *Minimum of 2 years' experience working in a clinical pediatric setting as a Certified Child Life Specialist or related field. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: *Strong understanding of child development and psychosocial needs of pediatric patients. *Excellent communication and collaboration skills. *Ability to create a safe and supportive environment for patients and families. *Experience in handling or working with dogs preferred.