Clear Path for Veterans: Service Dog Training Instructor
Job description
JOB TITLE:
Service Dog Training Instructor
FSLA STATUS:
Salary, Hourly Non-Exempt
WORK SCHEDULE:
Full-Time, Hours may vary
REPORTS TO:
Canine Training Manager
Job Summary
The incumbent in this position is responsible for providing one-on-one instruction and teaching small group classes to canine guardians, flex fosters, and service dog teams. Recognizes and provides additional support needed for Veterans participating in Canine Programming and connects them to the appropriate resources. Engages and works with the Canine Training Manager to maintain, develop, and improve upon systems and processes to increase efficiency across each section. Actively listens to and fosters growth amongst staff and volunteers while maintaining realistic expectations and promoting teamwork. This position understands, honors, and supports the organization’s mission, vision, values, and principles, and clearly articulates the organization’s function while also having demonstrated success as a senior coordinator in the organization.
Primary Functions
Instructing, Lesson Planning, and Team-Training
- Provide one-on-one instruction and instruct small group classes on service training to Veterans participating in Clear Path for Veterans Canine Program.
- Provide hands-on service dog training instruction to Guardians and flex fosters; handle related tasks such as recruiting, oversight, communication, trouble-shoot canine behavior issues, teaching proper care and handling, etc.
- Train assigned CPV Canine Program teams to successfully acquire the skills necessary to teach a variety of cues, handling skills, and behaviors from basic obedience to service level.
- Monitor and evaluate the dogs as they progress through training and developmental stages.
- Postplacement skill enhancements, evaluations, and troubleshooting.
- Maintain a clean, safe environment for the dogs and humans at the program sites.
- Comply with or exceed assistance dogs’ industry standards and ethics.
- Attend and actively participate in departmental and organizational meetings.
- Exhibit maximum flexibility to fill in for other trainers as needed.
- May be required to respond to dog health, or behavioral emergencies with Clear Path-owned dogs or participant dogs on off-hours.
Team Building, Leadership, and Relationships
- Serve as a senior leader in the Canine Training Department. As with all organizational leaders, actions should set examples.
- Plan for, and execute assigned classes, workshops, and other related duties. Classes should be prepared in advance and instructors should be the first to arrive.
- Lead and support volunteers to maximize their effectiveness and efficiency.
- Build individual team member capacity in order to develop a high-functioning and agile training team.
- Lead the team to develop guidelines, procedures, and protocols to create high quality and consistency within the program.
Administrative and Miscellaneous
- Unwavering commitment to quality service and data-driven program evaluation.
- Develop and maintain accurate records related to canine training and management in compliance with data management standards operating procedures.
- Complete other duties or tasks assigned or needed to complete job responsibilities and support Clear Path’s mission.
- Represent or assist in representing Clear Path for Veterans at various community events and other activities.
Education and Experience Needed
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, OR equivalent work experience.
- 3-5 years’ proven successful experience training dogs using modern training techniques.
- Experienced in leading both group and private canine training classes/sessions.
- American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator certification necessary.
- Proficient in task and time management sufficient to multi-task across projects.
- Background in training service dogs preferred.
- Supervisory and managerial experience with diverse teams.
- Excellent verbal, written presentation, and IT skills.
- Experience working with or maintaining extended associations with Veterans preferred.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities Needed to Perform Effectively in the Position
- Understanding of and commitment to Clear Path’s mission, policies, and protocols.
- Knowledge of the assistance dogs’ industry and associated standards.
- The ability to be compassionate yet firm and exercise good sound judgment.
- Ability to exhibit passion and support for the Clear Path Veterans mission.
- Ability to work with a diverse group of people.
- Leadership style that offers creativity and innovation to promote ideas and outcomes.
- Above-average ability to problem solve.
- Superior interpersonal and communication skills.
- Exceptional organizational skills.
- Computer literacy and the ability to operate office equipment sufficient to perform the functions of the job.
- Ability to understand and work with PTS, MST, and TBI in Veterans.
- Ability to travel and work flexible hours including weekends.
- Knowledge of Military and Warrior culture.
- Ability to exhibit passion and support for the mission of Clear Path for Veterans.
Additional Requirements
- May be required to work weekends, and evenings as needed.
- Participate in special events as required.
- Required to travel to chapter and affiliate locations as strategically defined.
- Attend conferences and networking opportunities on a frequent basis.
Work Location
Work locations will vary depending on day-to-day tasks and responsibilities. Active attendance at Clear Path for Veterans main location will be required when not conducting off-site tasks.
Job-related Physical Abilities needed to perform the job in a satisfactory manner
Must possess speech and hearing sufficient for telephone and in-person communications. Manual dexterity is sufficient for constant use of computer keyboard and other office equipment. Vision sufficient for frequent use of a computer monitor, developing and reading paperwork. Must be able to stand and be actively mobile for extended periods of time, including bending, stooping, reaching, running, balancing, etc. Must be able to lift a minimum of 35 lbs.
- All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Expectations
- Ensure all Clear Path for Veterans employees conduct themselves in a professional manner towards others including but not limited to; Veterans, volunteers, other Clear Path employees, and visitors.
- Ensure that Veterans, volunteers, employees, or visitors have a positive experience with Clear Path.
- Supports and promotes the Clear Path mission.
- Adheres to Clear Path for Veterans policies and procedures.
- Promotes teamwork amongst coworkers.
- Meets or exceeds expected performance standards, including consistently reporting to work on time prepared to perform the duties of the position.
Clear Path for Veterans is accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI)
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