Facility Dog Handler

Role Responsibilities

Seeking Edmonton and Lethbridge’s pet lovers! If you love being around animals, being active and outdoors, this job may be for you.

The Facility Dog Handler is responsible for the care, training and utilization of a facility service dog in a Campus Based Treatment Centre environment while also ensuring the current developmental and well being needs, of moderate to extremely emotionally and behaviorally challenged youth in a trauma informed, campus based, intensive treatment or confinement environment for the duration of their shift. Duties will occur in a collaborative team approach. This position serves as a resource to person (s) served and the CBTC multi-disciplinary team in a service capacity by effectively supporting youth to heal from and work through treatment.

The Facility Dog, trained in obedience and specialty cues, is used in the work setting under the direction of the Child & Youth Care Worker 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 Campus Based Treatment Centre can provide a sense of calm, security, and non-judgmental support during daily living events, treatment sessions and service meetings. Facility Dog Handlers foster the importance of holistic well being - Emotional (feeling), Mental (thinking) Physical (moving) and Spiritual (Connecting).

The successful candidate will provide a safe and secure, therapeutic, social media, that assesses, identifies and implements the specific treatment needs and direct program delivery for vulnerable children and youth in care, who are receiving child intervention services via the Child, Youth and family enhancement Act and/or Protecting Sexually Exploited Children’s Act.

Facility handler must demonstrate:

• CYCW competencies
• Ensure the dog can remain calm and display good social behavior while interacting with a variety of people in different environments
• Knowledge of acceptable training, and techniques
• Understanding of canine care, and health
• Ability to maintain training, problem-solving, and continue to train and add new skills as needed
• An understanding of how to use the dog in canine assisted intervention
Knowledge of local access laws and appropriate public behavior.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Act in accordance with relevant legislations, Ministry mandate and Agency policies and procedures
• 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 individual and group counselling
• Provide the case management for Children/youth that is consistent with Agency policies, procedures, philosophy, goals and learning environment
• Therapeutic Support
• Program Creation development
• Maintain and support family contact and the relevant sharing of information
• Demonstrate safe practice and follow regulations for the operations of a motor vehicle in accordance to agency policy and procedures

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

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:

Qualifications

Requirements: University graduation in a Social Work, Human Services; no experience required; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

• 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 is considered an asset)
• Knowledge and experience with positive reinforcement training (
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and be on your feet for most of the day
• 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.
• A strong candidate will have problem-solving, reasoning, time management, organizational skills, and the ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Clear and receptive verbal and written communication is required when conversing with individuals, team members, volunteers, and the public at large.
• Works well in busy, noisy, or chaotic environments.
• Comfortable 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.

Refer to

Notes

Hours of work: This position works 36.25 hours per week

Final candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment checks including medical checks, Criminal Record Check with vulnerable sector security screening, an Intervention Services Record check and academic credentials check. Class 5 driver’s license is required

Location:

• Yellowhead Youth Center CBTC, Edmonton
Sifton House, Lethbridge

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

• Virtual multi-panel 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 (if applicable)
• Provide a Current 5 Year Commercial Driver Abstract

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

Candidates who incur a cost to complete any of the above listed pre-employment checks will be eligible for reimbursement if they are hired into a position in the Campus Based Treatment Centres. Please ensure that you keep your receipt or proof of purchase to complete the expense process once hired.
Candidate screening and interviews will be taking place periodically throughout the job posting. Interviews will be taking place virtually, and accommodation may be made if requested.
Successful candidates will be placed into a talent pool, at which point their pre-employment checks will be conducted and their suitability will be assessed. Those who are matched to a vacancy will be contacted; those who are not will have up to 6 months to be considered while their certification is still valid.

What we offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service -
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) -
• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) -
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information -
• Professional learning and development -
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool –
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement
• Leadership and mentorship programs