The Canine Handler will incorporate specially trained animals into goal directed, educationally relevant teaching plans designed to promote development student skills in areas such as cognition, social functioning, personal growth etc.   

Have training specific to animal-assisted intervention on topics including, but not limited to:  

Ensure appropriate interactions between the students and the animal   Use techniques for responsive stress management to support the animal   Proactive positioning of the animal relative to the student, considering special equipment such as IV lines and wheelchair wheels   Selection of appropriate environments and/or students for the therapy animal team, giving due consideration to the animal’s experience and comfort level, the activity level of the environment, and the additional oversight or support that is available from onsite staff   Enforce any applicable confidentiality requirements, such as the Health    Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)   Identify signs/symptoms in the handler or animal that preclude interactions   Identify risks to the handler and animal that preclude an interaction, such as posted precautions   Facilitate interactions with students:   Adhere to a Social Emotional Learning plan  Create a schedule, meet with staff and communicate lesson plans  Act as a liaison for the program who will become knowledgeable of the policy and procedures of the therapy dog program  The liaison will be responsible for the coordination of services between the facility and therapy dog organization  Remain present during therapy dog activities as a means of further ensuring safety for all participants  Maintain records of the session, including documentation of any problems that may have arisen during a specific session    Have access to continuing education, including formal coursework and/or mentoring/shadowing  Each handler/animal team must have undergone a practical assessment of skills and aptitude to demonstrate its ability to interact with students safely and effectively  Handlers should have a relationship with the animal for at least six months   Basic canine obedience skills such as walking on a leash without pulling, not jumping up on people, no face-licking, etc. are all important attributes for dogs to have    All animals should welcome touching from a variety of people in a variety of ways, including people with poor motor control, or people with varied tones of voice  Maintain health standards for the animal  Care for the dog is allocated towards the salary.