Licensed Practitioner/ Animal Assisted Therapist at 4S

Location: Bethesda, MD

Job Type: Full-time

Salary Range: $95,000 - $110,000

A licensed practitioner/animal-assisted therapist is needed for a full-time on-site position in Bethesda. This position requires service dog training experience or utilization in a program setting, and state licensure, and at least two years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), occupational therapist (OT), or related clinical field. Most of the work will occur at a military medical facility in Bethesda, Maryland.

Responsibilities:

• Screen service members/veterans for eligibility to participate in the program,
• Work with the service animal training instructors (SATI) to structure training sessions that map to clinical outcomes,
• Support and observe one-on-one instruction and teach small group classes to these volunteer Warrior Trainers.
• Maintain a clean, safe environment for the dogs and humans at the program sites.
• Work with the SATI to match animal training activities to the desired clinical outcomes for wounded warriors and document the sessions and progress in the client's electronic medical record
• Observe/participate in one-to-one instruction and provide and support small group instruction on service dog training to volunteer Warrior Trainers recovering from wounds of war (e.g., Post-Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury, and other psychological or physical injuries) that will provide opportunities for patients to develop improved cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional competencies.
• Be eligible for credentialing and privileging at Walter Reed …(WRNMMC).
• Provide clinically based interventions through the implementation of an animal-assisted therapy program.
• Monitor and contribute to therapeutic service animal training sessions following program standards (e.g., based on positive methods of shaping behavior) and targeted therapeutic goals
• Effectively use of the by maintain encounter reports, metrics, patient documentation, and program administrative documentation in the military electronic medical record (EMR) or other provided programs.
• Provide ongoing assessments of the progress of the patient
• Serve as an integral and critical clinical member of the integrated diagnostic, evaluation, treatment planning, education, and research teams
• Coordinate with team members to ensure compliance with HIPAA, patient goals, research guidelines, medical record requirements, and installation regulations
• The Animal Assisted Therapist shall be responsible for updating and implementing Standard Operating Procedures of the clinical practice, not limited to participating in Joint Commission (JCAHO) mock accreditation exercises and the Joint Commission audits
• Responsible for advocating for the industry's use of service animals in clinically appropriate and therapeutic ways, (e.g., reducing isolation, recognizing stress cues), rather than uses that reinforce negative symptomology (e.g., blocking, security, intimidation).
• Represent and serve as an advocate for Wounded Warriors and their families in obtaining services and support related to service animals for their individual and/or special needs; follow through on each case to ensure that provisions for ongoing social services are identified and initiated before the Warrior's return to the community.
• Identify and refer families who may be candidates for the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) following DoD policies and procedures.
• Travel with patients may be required as part of the staff for therapy activities.
• Participate fully in the Peer Review Program for the specific licensed clinical specialty
• Other duties as assigned

Required Experience, Skills, Background:

• At least two years of clinical experience as an LCSW, OT, or a related clinical field with one (1) year of working experience as an animal-assisted therapist
• Privileges and credentialing at WRNMMC and/or FBCH, as applicable. Must comply with all NCR-MD credentialing requirements as detailed by the Executive Committee of the Medical Staff. This includes peer review of medical documentation, discipline-required continuing education, and all other requirements as detailed by regulations or directives.
• Possess certification of completion of an industry-recognized Animal Assisted Therapy education program.
• Demonstrated experience working with individuals with TBI and/or mental health conditions, an understanding of TBI and/or PTS/PTSD symptomology, and experience working in a healthcare environment.
• Experience as a service dog trainer (candidates with experience training other types of assistance dogs or significant work as a professional dog trainer will also be considered).
• Ability to effectively interact and work with Veterans who have experienced combat trauma and/or psychological health or physical injuries
• Work with service animal trainers, program supervisors, and other care providers and provide clinical leadership in AAT sessions and all interactions with the care team.
• Ability to instruct people with a variety of backgrounds and skill levels in the WCC training methodology and best practices for service dog training.
• Must possess a state motor vehicle license enabling the operation of Government Owned Vehicles and a working vehicle and insurance. to transport rehabilitation patients and or staff as the mission requires
• Possess and maintain current 2-year Basic Life Support certification approved by the American Heart Association
• Comply with all NCR Directives including those associated with clothing and appearance (1000.7) and drug-free workplace (1010.01). Compliance with hospital computer security and HIPAA requirements is also required.

Additional Desirable Qualifications:

Comfort and experience in public speaking, presentations, and interacting with community members, sponsors, and public relations partners.

Benefits:

• Employer Paid Medical Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401k
• PTO
• Tuition Reimbursement

Physical Requirements:

Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods of time. The position may require typing and reading from a computer screen. Must have sufficient mobility, including but not limited to bending, reaching, and kneeling to complete daily duties in a timely and efficient manner. There is a possibility that due to parking availability and the location of work, walking moderate to long distances may be required. Possible lifting up to 90 lbs.

Please note: 4S-Silversword Software and Services LLC reserves the right to change or modify job duties and assignments at any time. The above job description is not all-encompassing. Position functions and qualifications may vary depending on business needs.

4S-Silversword Software and Services LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants based on race, color, creed, religion, medical condition, legally protected genetic information, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, or Vietnam era, or other eligible veteran status or legally protected characteristics.