Facility Dog Handler

Job Information
Job Title:Facility Dog Handler
Job Requisition ID:79709
Ministry:Children and Family Services
Location: Multiple Locations (Edmonton / Lethbridge)
Full or Part-Time:Full Time
Hours of Work:36.25hours per week
Permanent/Temporary: Permanent
Scope: Departmental
Closing Date: July 09 2026
Classification: Program Services 2 (022PSA)
Salary: $2487.97 to $3263.63bi-weekly ($64936 to $85180 / year)

The Ministry of Children and Family Services work to foster a society in which families are safe and resilient individuals have sustainable employment vulnerable Albertans have the support they require and no one is left behind. Children and Family Services mission is to assist Albertans in creating the conditions for safe and supportive homes communities and workplaces so they have opportunities to realize their full potential. Its core business is to work collaboratively with community partners to deliver citizen-centered programs and services that improve quality of life for Albertans. The ministry deals with topics that vary widely and addresses many of the issues people face across their life span.

To learn more about our Ministrys work please visit: Responsibilities

The Facility Dog Handler is responsible for the care training and utilization of a facility service dog in a Provincial Campus Based Care Centre environment while also ensuring the current developmental and well being needs of moderate to extremely emotionally and behaviorally challenged youth are met in a trauma informed campus based intensive care or confinement environment for the duration of their shift and in collaboration of a team approach.

This position serves as a resource to person(s) served and the PCBC multi-disciplinary team in a service capacity by effectively supporting youth to heal from and work through care. The facility dog trained in obedience and specialty cues is used in the work setting under the direction of the facility dog handler who has been trained in specific techniques which enable the dog to serve as a motivator thus enhancing the accomplishment of client-related goals. Facility dogs that work in the Provincial Campus Based Care Centre can provide a sense of calm security and non-judgmental support during daily living events care sessions and service meetings. Facility dog handler fosters the importance of holistic well being - Emotional (feeling) Mental (thinking) Physical (moving) and Spiritual (Connecting).

Facility Dog Handler must demonstrate:

• Child and Youth Care participation in supportive role and development of an assessment care.
• Control keep the dog calm and display good social behavior while interacting with a variety of people in different environments.
• Ensure the safety well-being and basic needs of the children/youth by supporting care according to the Agency policy and procedures licensing requirements accreditation standards and best practice.
• Understanding of canine care and health.
• Participate as a member of the multi-disciplinary care team collaborate and share information and updates on the youths progress/involvement with the facility dog.
• An understanding of how to use the dog in canine assisted interventions.
• Knowledge of local access laws and appropriate public behavior.