Child Life Facility Dog Handler

Thanks for your interest in Children’s Mercy!

Do you envision finding a meaningful role with an inclusive and compassionate team? At Children’s Mercy, we believe in making a difference in the lives of all children and shining a light of hope to the patients and families we serve. Our employees make the difference, which is why we have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top pediatric hospital, for eleven consecutive years.

Children’s Mercy is in the heart of Kansas City – a metro abounding in cultural experiences, vibrant communities and thriving businesses. This is where our patients and families live, work and play. This is a community that has embraced our hospital and we strive to say thanks by giving back. As a leader in children’s health, we engage in meaningful programs and partnerships throughout the region so that we can improve the lives of children beyond the walls of our hospital.

This position adheres to the standards set forth by the Child Life Specialist I job description. In addition, this position is responsible for department leadership and completing other duties as assigned. Responsibilities include facilitating quality improvement projects, mentoring new employees and students, providing educational experiences for staff, and serving as a Primary Handler for a Facility Dog. Facilitates best practices and professionalism, and completes other duties as assigned.

At Children’s Mercy, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed within our walls. A successful candidate for this position will join us as we strive to create a workplace we serve, as well as our core values of kindness, curiosity, inclusion, team and integrity.

Additionally, it’s important to us that we remain transparent with all potential job candidates. Because we value the safety of the patients and families we serve, as well as the Children’s Mercy staff, we want to let you know that the seasonal influenza vaccine is a condition of employment for all employees in our organization. New employees must be willing to be vaccinated if found non-immune to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chicken pox (varicella) and/or without evidence of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination since 2005.

If you are selected for this position, you will be asked to supply your immunization records as proof of vaccination. If you and have any concerns about receiving these vaccines, medical and/or religious exemptions can be further discussed with Human Resources.

• Clinical Services and Intervention:
  Generate positive behavioral, psychological, and physiological outcomes through individualized interventions with pediatric patients throughout diagnosis, treatment, transitions of care, loss, grief, and/or bereavement.
• Assessment and Treatment Planning:
  Assess and prioritize children and families and develop comprehensive plans of care based on psychosocial risk and need
• Provide exemplary care for Facility Dog, meet all expectations set forth by Canine Assistants.
• Leadership:
  Takes a lead role in the creation, development, and implementation of child life best practices
• Practice Management:
  Represent, communicate, and teach child life services appropriately to other professionals, volunteers, students, and the community; work collaboratively with all parties as needed to achieve optimal outcomes.

• Bachelor’s Degree required and 3-5 years experience Experience with owning and caring for a dog is required. Experience working with hospitalized children is required. Experience supervising volunteers is preferred.
• Master’s Degree preferred Experience with owning and caring for a dog is required. Experience working with hospitalized children is required. Experience supervising volunteers is preferred.
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) Required Upon Hire
• Dog Handler Certification (required within 1 year of hire) Required 1 Year
• Infant Massage Instructor Certification Preferred
• Recreational Therapy Certification Preferred

The benefits plans at Children’s Mercy are one of many reasons we are recognized as one of the best places to work in…