Canine Handler

The Canine Handler integrates a specially trained therapy dog into person-centered, trauma-informed, and goal-directed activities designed to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a Day Habilitation and/or Residential Program setting. The handler utilizes animal-assisted interventions to promote skill development in areas such as emotional regulation, communication, social interaction, independence, coping strategies, community integration, and overall quality of life.

The Canine Handler collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to support individualized habilitation goals and enhance participant engagement through structured therapeutic and recreational activities. Services may be provided across multiple residential homes and/or day habilitation sites within the program.

(HANDLER MUST HAVE A TRAINED AND CERTIFIED THERAPY DOG)

Essential Functions and Primary Responsibilities of Position:

Person-Centered & Trauma-Informed Practice

• Utilize person-centered and trauma-informed approaches when facilitating interactions with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities receiving Day Habilitation and/or Residential services.

• Maintain a calm, structured, and supportive presence to promote emotional safety, stability, and positive behavioral support.

• Modify interactions and activities based on individuals’ communication styles, sensory needs, behavioral support plans, and emotional regulation needs.

• Collaborate with program leadership, clinical teams, nurses, DSPs, and behavior support staff to ensure activities align with individualized habilitation goals, service plans, and safety protocols.

Animal-Assisted Intervention Responsibilities

• Facilitate safe, structured, and meaningful interactions between program participants and the therapy dog while ensuring dignity, respect, inclusion, and emotional safety for all individuals.

• Utilize animal-assisted interventions to support skill development in areas such as communication, emotional regulation, socialization, coping skills, community integration, independence, and leisure engagement.

• Monitor participant responses and adjust sessions based on behavioral cues, sensory needs, mobility limitations, and emotional or physical well-being.

• Select appropriate settings, individuals, and activities based on participant needs, staff supervision requirements, and the therapy dog’s comfort level.

• Maintain continuous awareness of risks or behaviors in participants or the therapy dog that may require pausing, modifying, or discontinuing an interaction.

• Ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with OPWDD regulations, agency policies, and person-centered service standards.

Dog Welfare & Safety

• Utilize stress-management and handling techniques to support the therapy dog during all interactions and activities.

• Ensure safe placement and positioning of the therapy dog relative to individuals, mobility devices, medical equipment, and environmental hazards.

• Maintain all required health, vaccination, grooming, and behavioral standards for the therapy dog.

• Dog must be at least one year old, appropriately licensed, certified as a therapy dog, and capable of basic obedience skills including loose-leash walking, remaining calm in group settings, and refraining from jumping or aggressive behaviors.

• Dog must be comfortable interacting with individuals who may display varied communication styles, sensory sensitivities, mobility challenges, or behavioral support needs.

Program Coordination

• Support individualized habilitation goals and contribute to therapeutic, recreational, and community-based programming within Day Habilitation and Residential settings.

• Develop and maintain schedules for therapy dog visits, activities, and special events in coordination with program staff and leadership.

• Communicate regularly with Residential Managers, Day Habilitation Supervisors, clinicians, and interdisciplinary team members regarding participant engagement and program needs.

• Serve as the primary liaison for the therapy dog program, ensuring compliance with agency policies, procedures, infection control standards, and safety expectations.

• Coordinate all therapy dog activities, including on-site visits, community outings, and group activities, as approved by program administration.

• Remain physically present during all therapy dog interactions to provide supervision, support, and ensure participant and animal safety.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain clear, accurate, and timely documentation of sessions, participant engagement, behavioral observations, incidents, and follow-up concerns as required by agency and OPWDD standards.

• Adhere to all confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA, OPWDD regulations, and agency privacy policies.

• Identify and document any symptoms, stress indicators, behavioral concerns, or safety risks involving the therapy dog, participants, or handler that may preclude participation.

• Participate in required trainings related to incident reporting, abuse prevention, infection control, person-centered practices, and behavioral support protocols.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned, consistent with the scope, responsibilities, and level of the position, and in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/Equivalent required

• ​​​Must maintain ongoing professional development through coursework, mentorship, or shadowing.

• Handler must have an established relationship with the dog for a minimum of six months.

• Care of the dog is incorporated into the position’s salary.

• Handler must provide the therapy dog.

Completion of formal training in animal-assisted intervention, including:

1. Canine stress signs and safe handling

2. Intervention planning

3. Risk reduction and environmental assessment

HeartShare is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). If you need to request accommodation during the recruiting process, please reach out to Leaves@heartshare.org.

About Heartshare

Who WE ARE:

For over 150 years, Heartshare has been dedicated to championing and empowering New Yorkers society has too often overlooked and underestimated. To learn more about HeartShare, please visit our website at www.heartshare.org or Follow us on Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Facebook