Service Animal Trainer

Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Position: Full-time

Duties

• Provide instruction to healthcare beneficiaries participating in the Animal Assisted Therapy Program to train service animals for Veterans with post-traumatic stress (PTS) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Develop and deliver training sessions in line with program standards, adapting to the needs and recovery stages of each patient.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment team to establish and implement training goals that align with patients' clinical objectives.
• Maintain comprehensive program documentation, including encounter reports, training progress, and metrics for therapy sessions.
• Organize and participate in community reintegration activities that facilitate socialization for both patients and animals as part of the therapeutic process.
• Provide guidance on proper animal care, grooming, handling, and commands.
• Serve as an educational resource for patients, staff, and medical professionals, offering insights into the therapeutic value of service animal training.
• Promote integration of service animals into wellness and therapeutic activities in collaboration with other therapy teams.

Requirements

• At least one year of experience as a service animal trainer.
• Completion of a certified service animal training program (6–12 months) or a combination of relevant education and work experience (minimum of 18 months).
• Experience working with patients experiencing mental health conditions, TBI, or PTS/PTSD.
• Knowledge of TBI and PTS symptomology and its impact on patient behavior and recovery.
• Familiarity with healthcare environments, preferably within military medical facilities.
• Strong physical capabilities to perform duties, including handling and training large-breed service animals.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification approved by the American Heart Association.
• Valid state motor vehicle license.