The Canine Handler integrates a specially trained therapy dog into trauma-informed, goal-directed, developmentally appropriate activities designed to support adolescents and young adults in foster care and/or with mental health needs. The handler utilizes animal-assisted interventions to promote skills in areas such as emotional regulation, social functioning, coping, communication, and overall well-being. The handler will support young people across five residences in Queens.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Trauma-Informed Practice

• Incorporate trauma-sensitive approaches when facilitating interactions with youth who may have experienced abuse, neglect, loss, system involvement, or ongoing instability.
• Maintain a calm, predictable presence and modify interactions to prevent emotional overwhelm or re-traumatization.
• Collaborate with clinical and program staff to ensure interactions support therapeutic goals and safety plans.

Animal-Assisted Intervention Responsibilities

• Facilitate safe, structured interactions between youth and the therapy dog, ensuring dignity, respect, and emotional safety for all participants.
• Monitor student emotional states and adjust sessions based on behavioral cues, triggers, and stress responses.
• Select appropriate environments, students, and activities based on the dog’s comfort, trauma-informed considerations, and staff supervision needs.
• Maintain continuous awareness of risks or behaviors in either the youth or the dog that may require pausing or discontinuing an interaction.

Dog Welfare & Safety

• Utilize stress-management techniques to support the therapy dog during interactions.
• Ensure proactive placement of the animal relative to students, considering mobility equipment, environmental hazards, and client needs.
• Maintain all required health, grooming, and behavioral standards for the dog.
• Dog must be at least one year old, licensed under Article 7 of NYS Agriculture & Markets Law, and capable of basic obedience (loose-leash walking, no jumping, no face-licking, etc.).
• Dog must be comfortable with varied touch, tone, and behavior typically seen in children who may have emotional or behavioral dysregulation.

Program Coordination

• Adhere to a Social-Emotional Learning plan and contribute to trauma-informed therapeutic objectives.
• Develop and maintain a schedule, communicate regularly with facility staff, and distribute session plans or weekly updates.
• Serve as the liaison for the therapy dog program, ensuring alignment with HSVS policy, procedures, and safety expectations.
• Coordinate all activities and communication between the facility and the therapy dog organization.
• Be physically present during all therapy dog interactions to provide oversight and ensure safety.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain clear, timely records of all sessions, including behavioral observations and any concerns requiring follow-up.
• Enforce applicable confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA, ACS/OCFS standards, and agency privacy protocols.
• Identify and document symptoms, stress indicators, or behaviors in the dog or handler that would preclude participation.

Training &

Qualifications

• Completion of formal training in animal-assisted intervention, including:
• trauma-informed engagement
• canine stress signs and safe handling
• intervention planning
• risk reduction and environmental assessment
• 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.

Benefits

At HeartShare we offer a comprehensive benefit package based on full-time/part-time status. You can expect: 

• Rewarding Work in a team environment.
• Paid vacation, sick, personal days, and holidays.
• 403(B) retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Health, dental, vision and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible spending account (Dependent Care, Medical, Parking, and Transit).
• Employee Appreciation Programs and Events.
• Tuition Assistance Program.
• Professional Development opportunities.
• Wellhub Discount
• Verizon Wireless Discount.
• BJs Membership discount.
• Discounts on Broadway tickets, movie tickets, theme parks, sporting events, gift certificates & more

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