Facility Dog Handler

Role Responsibilities

The Facility Dog Handler is responsible for the care, training and utilization of a facility service dog in a Provincial Campus Based Care Centre environment, while also ensuring the current developmental and well being needs of moderate to extremely emotionally and behaviorally challenged youth are met in a trauma informed, campus based, intensive care or confinement environment for the duration of their shift and in collaboration of a team approach.

This position serves as a resource to person(s) served and the PCBC multi-disciplinary team in a service capacity by effectively supporting youth to heal from and work through care. The facility dog, trained in obedience and specialty cues, is used in the work setting under the direction of the facility dog handler who has been trained in specific techniques which enable the dog to serve as a motivator, thus enhancing the accomplishment of client-related goals. Facility dogs that work in the Provincial Campus Based Care Centre can provide a sense of calm, security, and non-judgmental support during daily living events, care sessions and service meetings.  Facility dog handler fosters the importance of holistic well being - Emotional (feeling), Mental (thinking) Physical (moving) and Spiritual (Connecting).

Facility Dog Handler must demonstrate:

• Child and Youth Care participation in supportive role and development of an assessment care.
• Control, keep the dog calm and display good social behavior while interacting with a variety of people in different environments.
• Ensure the safety, well-being and basic needs of the children/youth by supporting care according to the Agency policy and procedures, licensing requirements, accreditation standards and best practice.
• Understanding of canine care and health.
• Participate as a member of the multi-disciplinary care team, collaborate and share information and updates on the youth’s progress/involvement with the facility dog.
• An understanding of how to use the dog in canine assisted interventions.
• Knowledge of local access laws and appropriate public behavior.

Role Responsibilities Cont'd

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Therapeutic support - Utilizing trauma informed knowledge in the role, you will manage and integrate the presence of the facility dog to provide co-regulation and support to youth receiving services in a PCBC setting.
• Program creation - develop and manage initiatives focused on the use of the facility dogs at the Centre. This could include building youth's assertiveness skills by creating a life skills group in understanding of how service dog training unfolds, attending events as an ambassador to recruitment and or raise community awareness of work with vulnerable youth.
• Increase positive outcomes and well being for youth - help achieve therapeutic goals, promote social interactions, build empathy, encourage connections, promote healing, reduce stress, build capacity in social, emotional, physical, and life skill domains.
• Participate in social programming, trauma informed regulation activities, mindfulness activities, health education, recreational activities, cultural teachings and opportunities, and life skill development to support well being and short/long term goal.
• Ensure the safety, well-being and basic needs of the children/youth by supporting care according to the Agency policy and procedures, licensing requirements, accreditation standards and best practice.
• Support the provision of medical/dental/optical assessments and appointments
• Participate in service team meeting that address treatment recommendations/interventions/progress and modifications where required.
• Maintain a safe workplace and follow OHS best practices
• Provide case management for Children/youth that is consistent with Agency policies, procedures, philosophy, goals and learning environment
• Provide therapeutic support and program creation development for clients.
• Demonstrate safe practice and follow regulations for the operations of a motor vehicle in accordance with agency policy and procedures.

This position directly impacts youth receiving services, their family/guardians, and indirectly affects the community.

Please click on this LINK to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Qualifications

Requirements:  University graduation in Social Work, Human Services or related field. No experience required

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered based on 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; OR 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Assets: Preference will be given to:

• Minimum 2 years experience working with dogs (experience working as a trainer)
• Knowledge and experience with positive reinforcement training (clicker training)
• Use of a personal vehicle with a valid class 5 drivers’ license.
• Knowledge of canine theory, dog health and nutrition, and dog anatomy and physiology.
• Experience in campus-based environment.
• Proficient with modern technology (including the use of PCs, internet programs, Microsoft products) and with learning new software.
• General kennel cleaning and maintenance, and general grooming and care of dogs.
• Must safely handle a variety of large breed dogs, weighing up to 90+ pounds, with varying strength, behaviors, and manageability.
  
  

Children and Family Services (CFS) is committed to delivering culturally appropriate services to Indigenous populations and we encourage applications from Indigenous candidates.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

Hours of Work: This position works 36.25 hours per week.

Location: Multiple Locations (Edmonton / Lethbridge)

Pre-Employment Requirements:  As part of the recruitment process, you are required to complete and satisfactorily qualify on the following:   

• Virtual multi-panel interview or speed interview
• Academic credential check
• Professional and/or academic reference checks
• Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector
• Intervention Record Check
• Alberta College of Social Workers Registration (for those with a Masters, Degree or Diploma in Social Work)  
• Current 5-year Commercial Driver Abstract 

Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Occasional travel between centres will be required as needed.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca
• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.ca
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
• Leadership and mentorship programs