What are the responsibilities and job description for the Volunteer - Pet Therapy position at Barton Healthcare System?
Summary of Position:
The Volunteer – Pet Therapy role provides support services with their certified canine by visiting patients in approved hospital departments at Barton. The primary duty in this role is to lead the canine so the dog can provide diversion from the normal hospital routine, emotional support and comfort and aid in stress reduction.
Qualifications
Education:
• High school graduate or GED preferred
Experience:
• Prior experience with a certified canine in the public
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Strong social skills
• Dependable
• Able to work independently
• Comfortable interacting with a wide variety of people
• Comfortable in a hospital environment
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Ability to exhibit a high level of confidentiality
Certifications/Licensure:
• Certified canine through the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe’s Pet Assisted Therapy (PAT) program
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, stand, sit, and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Working Conditions
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Normal office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate while in the office.
• Occasional travel to various health system locations.
Essential Functions
1. Provides consistently exceptional care at all times.
2. Manages the dog’s behavior, interpreting cues from individuals, and only enters into approved departments.
3. Assists patients and family members to interact with the therapy dog in a safe and controlled environment.
4. Ensures a safe and positive experience for everyone.
5. Encourages engagement and conversation with others.
6. Provide companionship by visiting with patients and residents.
7. Responds to the needs of the department by performing other duties, as necessary.