Our Animal Assisted Therapist job description includes the responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.
About the Animal Assisted Therapist role
Animal Assisted Therapist is a profession that uses the therapeutic bond between humans and animals to treat mental and physical health issues. Animal Assisted Therapists use activities such as petting, grooming, and walking with animals to help people better understand their feelings and emotions, and to develop better coping skills. They may also provide guidance and support to pet owners and their families.
Role Purpose
The purpose of an Animal Assisted Therapist is to facilitate therapeutic interactions between clients and animals in order to promote emotional, social, and physical well-being. This role involves assessing clients' needs and designing individualized treatment plans, as well as providing direct client care and support. Animal assisted therapists also work to educate clients and their families about the benefits of animal-assisted therapy, and strive to maintain safe, therapeutic, and ethical standards in all interactions.
Animal Assisted Therapist Summary
Animal Assisted Therapist Job Summary
An Animal Assisted Therapist provides therapeutic services to clients through the use of animal-assisted activities. They use a variety of activities and interactions with animals to help people with physical, mental, and emotional issues. The Animal Assisted Therapist works with clients to create a plan of treatment and goals that will be used to measure progress. They assess the client’s needs and develop a plan of care that includes activities and interventions that include animals. They monitor progress, document results, and provide feedback to clients. The Animal Assisted Therapist also provides education about animal care and safety to clients and their families. The ideal candidate for this position will possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a passion for animals and helping others.
Animal Assisted Therapist Duties
- Provide therapeutic interventions to individuals, families and groups using animal-assisted therapy techniques
- Develop therapeutic goals and objectives for clients in collaboration with other healthcare professionals
- Evaluate client progress and modify therapeutic plans as needed
- Provide training and guidance to staff members on animal-assisted therapy
- Maintain client records and documentation of interventions
- Provide guidance and support to clients and their families on animal-assisted therapy
Animal Assisted Therapist Skills
- Understanding of animal behavior and psychology
- Ability to assess and manage animal assisted therapy sessions
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
- Capacity to work collaboratively with therapy team members
Animal Assisted Therapist Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, or social work
- Experience working with animals and knowledge of animal behavior
- Experience working with children and families
Personal Traits
- Compassionate
- Empathetic
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Patient
- Ability to work with a variety of people