Outreach Specialist

Connecting Compassionate Professionals With All People Who Deserve Care

Position Title: Crisis Care Canine Outreach Specialist

Reports To: COO

Location: Naples, FL

Employment Type: Full Time/Exempt

Hiring Incentives: SIGN ON BONUS, Benefits, include but not limited to:
Medical, 401k and tuition reimbursement.

Position Summary:

The Crisis Care Canine Outreach Specialist is responsible for the care, deployment, and documentation of a certified Crisis Care Canine as part of David Lawrence Centers' trauma‑informed crisis response team. This role involves working closely with individuals in crisis, including children, families, and first responders, to provide emotional support and de‑escalation through animal‑assisted interventions.

• Provide daily care including feeding, grooming, exercise, and emotional support for the assigned canine.
• Maintain a safe and secure home environment for the dog, including a fenced yard or approved alternative.
• Ensure the dog is always in proper working attire (Golden PAWS vest) during public engagements.

• Coordinate and provide animal‑assisted supportive therapy services to clients enrolled in DLC programs.
• Respond to crisis situations as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Use discretion and trauma‑informed practices to determine appropriate use of the canine in sensitive environments.
• Participate in DLC employee wellness initiatives and activities as appropriate.

• Attend and complete all required initial and ongoing training through Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs.
• Maintain accurate logs of all canine activities, deployments, and training.
• Submit reports to supervisors and Golden PAWS as required, including incident reports and re‑certifications.

• Represent the program at public events and educational sessions.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to promote the program's impact.
• Uphold the Golden PAWS brand and mission in all public‑facing activities.

• Must have a Bachelor's Degree.
• Experience in behavioral health, law enforcement, victim advocacy, or related field is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work with individuals in crisis with empathy and professionalism.
• Comfortable working with and caring for dogs; prior experience with animals is a plus.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Ability to lift and handle a medium‑to‑large dog (up to 70 lbs).
• Capable of walking, standing, and engaging in physical activity for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to respond to emergency callouts and travel locally.
• Must be able to pass Drug Screen, local criminal background check, and Level II DCF Mental Health Fingerprinting (General Information can be found HERE).

• Ability to lift and handle a medium‑to‑large dog (up to 70 lbs).
• Capable of walking, standing, and engaging in physical activity for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to respond to emergency callouts and travel locally.
• Workday involves periods of standing, sitting, and walking, often across various areas of the site. Tasks may require bending, reaching, and other physical movements. A reasonable level of physical stamina and mobility is necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this role.