Child Life Specialist/Dog Handler

Responsibilities

The role of the Child Life Therapist/Facility Dog Handler is to assess, plan, implement and evaluate the psychosocial needs of the patients and families we serve. The Child Life Therapist will utilize the facility dog to provide psychosocial support, plan and implement activities to further the social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth of the child within the inpatient and outpatient settings. The CCLS will utilize appropriate principles of growth and development, act as an advocate for patients and families and provide age appropriate medical teaching and distraction, again utilizing the facility dog as an extension of their work to help meet goals and objectives during their hospital stay.

The Norton Children’s name stands for high-quality pediatric care across a spectrum of specialties and locations throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana. It comprises two hospitals, a medical center, regional outpatient centers, and primary and specialty care physician practices. Norton Children’s is a comprehensive network of highly trained pediatricians, pediatric specialists and support services providing care for children of all ages. As the need for pediatric care has grown in our region, so has the footprint of Norton Children’s. Our medical facilities currently serve more than 200,000 patients and see over 1 million patient visits each year.

You may be eligible for some of our programs:

• Relocation Assistance to help you make the Louisville Metropolitan or Southern Indiana area your new home.

• Employee Referral Incentive to support your networking and help others join our team.

• Comprehensive Benefits to choose from to support your needs.

Qualifications

Required:

• Completion of a 600-hour Child Life internship

• Bachelor's Degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, Education or other health-related field.

• Certified Child Life Specialist - Child Life Certification or must be eligible to sit for exam. Must obtain Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential within 12 months of hire.

• Must be willing and able to complete facility dog handler training through service dog organization

Desired:

• One year in a healthcare setting