Pawprints Facility Dog Handler/Child Life Specialist
 Boston Children's Hospital | |
dental insurance, 403(b)
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 United States, Massachusetts, Boston | |
 Apr 19, 2025 | |
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Job Posting Description
At Boston Children's Hospital, the quality of our care - and our inclusive hospital working environment - lies in the diversity of our people. With patients from local communities and 160 countries around the world, we're committed to reflecting the spectrum of their cultures, while opening doors of opportunity for our team. Here, different talents pursue common goals. Voices are heard and ideas are shared. Join us, and discover how your unique contributions can change lives. Yours included. Hybrid (1 day remote, 4 days in-person) 3 years Philanthropy funded role Pawprints Facility Dog Handler/Certified Child Life Specialist 1. Partners with a trained Facility Dog to provide comprehensive child life services and therapeutic interventions in a variety of clinical settings. 2. Assesses, plans, designs and evaluates program and interventional strategies to meet broad range of patients' age specific developmental and behavioral needs based on Child Life competencies. Facilitates adjustment to healthcare experience. Monitors and evaluates patient status and program effectiveness, modifying or adapting programs as needed. 3. Develops and maintains supportive relationships with patients and families. Identifies specific and/or special needs of patients and families and incorporates into patient care as appropriate based on Child Life competencies. Provides advocacy and initiates referral to services within the hospital and community as needed. Educates patients, parents and siblings regarding impact of hospitalization and therapeutic role of daily activities. 4. Maintains all requirements for the Facility Dogs as set by [TBD] regarding dog's certification, hours worked, weight management, veterinary care, home environment, grooming, training and reporting. 5. Continually assesses and prioritizes health and safety of the Facility Dog, ensuring it receives adequate rest, play and toileting breaks throughout the work shift. 6. Helps to develop the clinical education, learning, and supervision of student interns. Serves as liaison to academic supervisor, department director and other department staff. Delegates routine patient care responsibilities to Activity Assistant and/or volunteers as appropriate. Provides direction, supervision and follow up as needed to ensure duties are performed according to established standards, guidelines and instruction. 7. Develops and maintains advancing knowledge of current trends, practices and techniques through participation in professional organizations, attendance at conferences, seminars and other continuing education programs. Serves as a resource to hospital and department staff in areas of expertise. Serves as an accessible, effective resource and provides in service programs for department staff. 8. Serves as a member and leader of the department and interdisciplinary team. Communicates issues as they arise to the director of Child Life Services and/or nursing leadership. Assists in the orientation of new staff. Promotes an environment that fosters professional growth Bachelor's Degree required (Child Life or a closely related field and Child Life Internship) Eligible for certification as a Child Life Specialist by the Child Life Certification Commission. 2. Requires minimum of 2 years' experience working as a Certified Child Life Specialist in a clinical setting; 1 year at BCH. 3. Requires application acceptance, Facility Dog placement and official team training by dog organization. 4. Analytical ability to assess patient needs and develop and provide appropriate services. 5. Interpersonal skills to work productively with patients, families, health care professionals and other members of the community. 6. Technical knowledge related to the provision of Child Life services. Boston Children's Hospital offers competitive compensation and unmatched benefits including flexible schedules, affordable health, vision and dental insurance, child care and student loan subsidies, generous levels of time off, 403(b) Retirement Savings plan, Pension, Tuition and certain License and Certification Reimbursement, cell phone plan discounts and discounted rates on T-passes. Experience the benefits of passion and teamwork. Boston Children's Hospital requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and Flu, (unless you are eligible for a medical or religious exemption). Boston Children's Hospital is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or disability. | |