Pet therapist

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SUMMARY: The Adult Day Health Care Program (GuildCare) provides healthcare and recreation for multicultural seniors with vision loss as well as chronic medical conditions. Animal-Assisted team(s) are needed to share visiting animals in a way that promotes healing and improves the quality of life clients in our Adult Day Health Care Program. Animals of interest include parrots, cats, a good-size dog, or a large lizard.

LOCATION: 250 West 64 th Street, New York 10023

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direction of the program director or designee the Animal-Assisted Activities Volunteer will:

1. Interact with clients and staff and staff while continuously interpreting situations to gauge the appropriateness of their pet’s participation and interaction.
2. Carefully monitor and manage the pet’s participation/interaction to ensure the safety and well-being of both humans and animals.
3. Encourage people to talk and share their feelings and experiences while interacting with the animal and promoting a human/companion animal bond.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Ability to control animal through verbal commands and/or hand signals and to physically restrain.
2. Ability and willingness to deal tactfully, courteously, and patiently with a diverse target audience.
3. Must enjoy interacting with individuals who may be elderly; disabled; physically and/or mentally ill or impaired; and/or socially disadvantaged.
4. Must be able to interpret animal’s behavior, disposition, and warning signals.
5. Registration as a pet partner team required.

DETAILS OF SERVICE OPPORTUNITY:This is an ongoing opportunity that begins upon approval by staff members. Candidates must be available Monday-Saturday from 9:00am -3:00pm, at least but not limited to one hour per week, plus any time required for planning and preparation. A health form and proof of immunizations must be completed by physician. All candidates must be tested for TB prior to volunteering.All candidates must also be fully vaccinated and wear a mask while on the premises. The attire during this position is business casual.

To express your interest in this opportunity, submit a resume to volunteer@lighthouseguild.org. Please include the days and hours you are available to serve. Direct all questions to The Stephen T. Pearlman Volunteer Center at (646) 874-8688.