Child Life Specialist / Facility Dog Handler Job at Beacon Health System, South Bend, IN

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  • Beacon Health System
  • South Bend, IN

Job Description

The Child Life Specialist / Facility Dog Handler provides emotional, developmental, and psychosocial support to pediatric patients and their families during hospital stays, outpatient visits, and surgeries. This role promotes a child- and family-centered care environment through therapeutic play, education, and emotional support. When assigned, the specialist also incorporates animal-assisted interventions using a trained facility dog.

Our Mission, Values & Service Goals

  • Mission: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
  • Values: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
  • Service Goals: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Key Responsibilities

Pediatric Support

  • Assess and address the developmental and emotional needs of patients.
  • Create individualized care plans with appropriate interventions.
  • Provide play, procedural preparation, and coping strategies.
  • Support children during medical procedures.

Family Support

  • Partner with families to support their child's care experience.
  • Educate caregivers on development and coping techniques.
  • Facilitate communication between families and care teams.
  • Assist siblings and other family members as needed.

Team Collaboration

  • Participate in interdisciplinary care planning.
  • Share child development expertise with staff.
  • Mentor volunteers and team members in child-friendly care practices.

Facility Dog Integration (If Applicable)

  • Use trained facility dogs to support emotional well-being.
  • Assist during high-stress or bereavement situations.
  • Manage the care, grooming, and handling of the dog.

Program & Environment

  • Maintain safe and engaging play spaces.
  • Plan special events and manage program materials.
  • Contribute to policy development and care environment design.

Innovation & Best Practice

  • Apply evidence-based techniques and creative interventions.
  • Support program improvement and patient engagement strategies.

Additional Duties

  • Attend meetings and complete required training.
  • Maintain certifications and respond to staffing needs as required.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Child Development, Education, or related field.
  • 500+ hours of clinical internship in a Child Life setting.
  • Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) or eligible within 6 months.
  • Facility Dog Handlers: Completion of an approved handler training program.

The Beacon Way

All team members are expected to:

  1. Leverage innovation
  2. Cultivate talent
  3. Embrace improvement
  4. Build accountability
  5. Use data effectively
  6. Communicate clearly

Skills & Abilities

  • Strong understanding of child development and therapeutic practices.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Excellent communication and emotional intelligence.
  • Proficiency in documentation and clinical systems.

Working Conditions

  • Regular work in clinical and outpatient areas.
  • May require flexible hours, including nights or weekends.
  • Physical activity includes lifting, kneeling, and organizing materials.
  • Dog Handlers are responsible for daily care and management of the dog.

Job Tags

Internship, Flexible hours, Night shift,

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