Agency: Albertina Kerr Centers

Description: Provide animal companionship and education to children and adults living in residential treatment programs or receiving outpatient services.

Hours: 30 minute to one hour visits weekly or biweekly for a minimum of 9 months.

Qualifications:

- Proof of current Animal Assisted Therapy Certification required.- Proof of current vaccinations and other necessary veterinary records.
- Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully, willingness to learn effective communication techniques specific to children and adults with emotional and behavioral needs.
- Ability to maintain organizational confidentiality guidelines.
- Basic knowledge of developmental needs of clients served.
- Experience with children and adults with behavior and emotional needs or developmental disabilities preferred.
- Ability to work with the treatment team.

Training Requirement:

- Volunteer Orientation
- Site-specific Orientation, including Emergency Preparedness
- On-going support and training as needed

Competencies:

- Ability to interact with people served in a manner that demonstrates respect, enhances dignity and self-esteem, and empowers personal choice.
- Remains aware of and follows Kerr and Department Policies and Procedures.
- Demonstrates ability to use the tools/training available to ensure the health and safety of the people we serve and others.

Responsibilities:

- Bathe and groom dog before coming to the site.
- Bring the dogs toys, grooming supplies, etc for use during the sessions.
- Communicate with program staff to ensure safety of children, volunteers, and staff.
- Monitor the animal’s stress level and ability to interact with people and need for breaks.
- Provide information regarding the animal to the staff and children as requested.
- Ensure confidentiality of all persons served as required through HIPAA.
- Attend meetings and required trainings as assigned with the ability to pass all required trainings within our agency.
- Follow safe work practices and all procedures to ensure your health and safety, as well as the health and safety of the people we serve.
- Interact with the people we serve in a way that promotes dignity and respect congruent with our agency mission and values.

If you want to introduce your loving pooch to someone who needs a friend, please click the "Have Agency Contact Me" button below.

Albertina Kerr Centers serves the community by enhancing the self-esteem, improving the physical and mental health, and promoting the self-responsibility of children and youth at risk, families in need, and individuals with developmental disabilities, creating new possibilities for a better life.

We Envision a Community Where:

- Every child with emotional or mental health challenges has the possibility to heal and grow up in a healthy and caring family.

- Every person living with developmental disabilities has the support to thrive and the possibility to lead a full, self-determined life.

Impact Areas: Children & Youth, Children & Youth: Enrichment and Recreation

Interests: The interests recommended for this project are:
Animals, Youth & Family Services, Community Enrichment, Health, Children & Youth, Family Services, Education, Aging & Disability Services: Disability Services

Skills: The skills helpful for participation in this project are:
Good with Kids, Good with Animals, Working with People, Recreation

Location: Four-County Area, OR 97204 (Multiple Portland Metro Area Locations)

Accommodations for volunteers with disabilities: You will have the opportunity to request accommodations after you sign up for this project.