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Leader Dogs for the Blind, an international organization based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, has been empowering individuals who are blind or low vision for over 85 years. We provide comprehensive guide dog services and orientation and mobility training, equipping individuals with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel. Our life-changing work is provided free of charge, and we are 100% philanthropically funded. Our mission is driven by 191 dedicated team members and more than 1,000 volunteers who advocate alongside our clients to create a more equitable world.

Why work at Leader Dogs for the Blind?

• 401k with employer match
• Annual merit-based pay increases
• Dog friendly office

This position is required to work weekend mornings. The regular schedule is Saturday and Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Under the supervision of the Dog Care Supervisor, this position is responsible for working in the Dog Care and client support operational areas.  This position is responsible for cleaning and for basic care of the dogs in the kennel area as well as support the training teams and clients in instructional classes.

• Responsible for running, bathing, feeding, exercising, and grooming dogs in Dog Care in a pack environment.
• Responsible for providing enrichment for our dogs in Dog Care and ensuring a safe and humane kennel environment.
• Responsible for daily and other scheduled cleaning activities of the Canine Development Center.
• Participates in socialization activities and interaction evaluation to reduce kennel stress on dogs in a pack environment.
• Assists with canine health care and routine procedures when necessary, will be required to administer medicine to dogs in Dog Care and assist clients with medications in class as needed.
• Responsible for maintenance of Canine Development Center areas and related equipment.
• Provides assessment and placement assistance for career change dogs.
• Assists with evaluation of dogs entering the Canine Development Center from puppy program and private donations to ensure that they are adequate for training. Adheres to all applicable safety and health policies and procedures. 
• Supports and trains new paid and volunteer team members on proper work procedures related to canine care.
• Supports and trains people whom are blind and visually impaired techniques to care for their guide dog.
• Responsible for data entry as assigned.
• Assists veterinary health department with follow-up care of dogs in the area; support the needs of dogs requiring special care in the canine development center as well as the training class.
• Supports canines in class to include park times, medications, vet checks and other duties as needed.
• May be required to transport dogs for veterinary purposes.
• May also be assigned to work in Breeding and Puppy Care, Client Canine Training Class, caring for puppies, breeding dogs and client canines including bathing, exercising, medicating, feeding, grooming, supervising  class park times and socialization.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Three to six months previous related experience in dog care required; previous experience in cleaning and maintenance preferred.

• Possess rapport with animals and ability to maintain humane treatment and care of dogs.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks well and be able to maintain work load. 
• Proficient in latest version of Microsoft Office products.
• Possess sound business judgment, exercise professional conduct, understand and follow business ethics and standards, and maintain a high level of confidentiality in all duties
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record required if asked to drive.

• Able to work independently with little supervision and accept direction on given assignments.
• Ability to work effectively with volunteers in the organization.
• Comfortable with and willing to work around large dogs.
• Willing to perform general public relations duties on behalf of Leader Dog (perform tours, answer general questions, be a professional and courteous representative of Leader Dog, etc.).
• Must be able to establish and maintain professional, productive and courteous interactions with employees that promote positive teamwork, as well as with volunteers, donors, clients and all constituents of Leader Dog.  This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use the phone, and talk or hear. They are occasionally required to drive.  The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel or crouch.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Leader Dogs for the Blind reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete, and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities and position title as it deems necessary to meet the needs of its business.

Leader Dogs for the Blind is an at-will employer.  This means that the employment relationship may be ended at any time without notice by the employer or employee for any reason.  Neither this document, nor any manual issued by Leader Dogs for the Blind, is a contract of employment.

Leader Dogs for the Blind is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to accessibility, inclusion, and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation or an accessible application format may contact HRAccessibility@leaderdog.org for assistance.