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Animal Assisted Social Work Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Calo Programs

Lead Adventure Therapist

Lake Ozark, MO · On-site

Integrate animal-assisted interventions, including work alongside CALO's canine companions, to ... Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Recreation Therapy, or a related behavioral ...

Calo Programs

Lead Adventure Therapist

Lake Ozark, MO · On-site

Integrate animal-assisted interventions, including work alongside CALO's canine companions, to ... Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Recreation Therapy, or a related behavioral ...

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Animal Assisted Social Work information

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How much do animal assisted social work jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal assisted social work in the United States is $49,138.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $52,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is animal assisted social work?

An Animal Assisted Social Work job involves integrating trained animals into therapeutic and social work practices to support clients' emotional, mental, and social well-being. Professionals in this field work in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers, using animal-assisted interventions to reduce stress, improve communication, and foster positive behavior. This approach is often used with individuals facing trauma, mental health challenges, or developmental disabilities. Workers must have a background in social work and specialized training in animal-assisted therapy techniques.

What types of clients and settings do animal assisted social workers typically work with?

Animal Assisted Social Workers can work with a diverse range of clients, including children, adults, and seniors, often addressing issues such as trauma, mental health, developmental disorders, or social isolation. Common settings include schools, hospitals, residential care facilities, mental health clinics, and private practices. The role often involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including therapists, veterinarians, and family members, to integrate animal-assisted interventions into treatment plans. This collaborative environment allows practitioners to address client needs holistically and make a positive impact on their emotional and psychological well-being.

What skills and qualifications are needed for animal assisted social work?

Animal Assisted Social Work professionals need strong social work foundations, expertise in human-animal interactions, and, typically, a degree in social work or a related field. Certification in Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) and familiarity with client assessment tools are commonly required. Outstanding empathy, patience, and communication skills help practitioners build trust with both clients and therapy animals. These qualifications ensure ethical, effective interventions that support client well-being and safe, positive animal participation.

More about Animal Assisted Social Work jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Assisted Social Work jobs? Cities with the most Animal Assisted Social Work job openings:
What states have the most Animal Assisted Social Work jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Assisted Social Work jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Assisted Social Work jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Assisted Social Work jobs are:
Animal Assisted Social Work jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Assisted Social Work job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,138 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Animal Assisted Group Therapist

Embark Behavioral Health

Camdenton, MO • On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Embark Behavioral Health rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Overview
On-Site | 130 Calo Lane, Lake Ozark, MO 65049
Relocation Assistance Available
Salary: Full-time
  • Associate (Provisional) Salary: $70,000 - $75,000
  • Fully Licensed Salary: $75,000 - $80,000

Are you energized by the power of Animal Assisted Therapy and passionate about creating safe, meaningful experiences for students and canines? The Animal Assisted Therapy Clinical Coordinator plays a key role in delivering high-quality, trauma-informed programming within the Calo Animal Assisted Therapy model. In this position, you will ensure operational excellence across all program areas, including canine welfare, student and staff safety, program culture, and service delivery. The Coordinator reports directly to the Animal Assisted Therapy Director.
Our ideal candidate has hands-on experience with canines, students, and families, along with a strong understanding of the Calo CASA model, developmental science, and brain-based therapeutic practices. A natural "customer-first" mindset is essential, as the role supports referents, parents, employees, and students in a dynamic, evolving environment. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are critical for ensuring excellent treatment experiences, strong outcomes, and high levels of stakeholder satisfaction.
Responsibilities
  • Conduct Group Therapy: Run 6 group therapist sessions per week.
  • Oversee daily AAT operations: verify or delegate scheduled animal-assisted activities, support safety for students/canines/staff, and uphold program culture and compliance standards.
  • Lead canine training: create and facilitate team, individual, and emergency training sessions; provide in-the-moment coaching; support therapist-requested sessions.
  • Support student engagement: build strong relationships, conduct policy-compliant 1:1s, participate in transitions, tours, enrollments, placement/finalization meetings, and assist with therapist/family requests.
  • Document and communicate: update The Family Bridge (photos, posts, blogs), maintain EMR, record critical issues, respond to emails/calls, and produce newsletters.
  • Manage canine health and safety: respond to crisis calls, administer treatments/rehab, ensure proper waste management, maintain clean/organized Therapy spaces, and safely handle all dogs.
  • Maintain inventory & operations: stock grooming/cleanup supplies, organize the canine office, and oversee supply ordering, pickup, and inventory management.
  • Provide flexible coverage: work independently in fast-paced situations, cover weekend shifts as needed, and participate in on-call (phone call only) rotations for animal emergencies.

Qualifications
  • Age & Background: At least 24 years old; able to pass a criminal background check.
  • Education: Master's in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field
    • Licensed or provisionally licensed therapist in State of Missouri: Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Psychologist (PhD or PsyD), Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW), or Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC)
  • Experience: documented prior experience in providing therapeutic services., especially in group therapy
  • Skills: Strong communication, relationship-building, and coaching skills; comfortable and confident working with dogs; able to work independently.
  • Availability: Willing to work weekends as needed and be on call for animal emergencies.
  • Physical Ability: Able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods; carry objects with full arm mobility; lift up to 45lbs; and bend, kneel, stoop, or crouch as required for Safe Crisis Management (SCM) procedures.

Benefits
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance - Multiple plan options including PPO and HDHPs with HSA eligibility and company contributions.
  • Paid Parental Leave - Up to 6 weeks fully paid for exempt employees and 4 weeks for non-exempt.
  • Life & Disability Coverage - Company-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability; voluntary life and optional short-term disability available.
  • 401(k) with Company Match - Retirement savings with matching contributions after eligibility period.
  • PTO & Holidays - Competitive PTO accrual plans and paid holidays throughout the year.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free, confidential support for life's challenges.

CALO is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to enriching the therapeutic and healing experience we offer through the diversity of our employees and community. We actively seek to recruit and support a broadly diverse staff who contribute to our excellence, diversity of viewpoints and experiences, and relevance in a global society.
CALO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. #LI-KK1 #LI-Onsite #ALLCALO

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