Guide Dog Trainer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

SUMMARY

The Guide Dog Mobility Instructor is responsible for training dogs to be qualified Leader Dog guides and instructing qualified persons who are legally blind to travel effectively with those dogs.  The instructor is expected to provide basic instruction in the use of alternative mobility aids and technology to enhance the Leader Dog client’s travel skills and mobility.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Trains Leader Dogs to be responsible, effective guide dogs by selecting appropriate locations and objectives.
• Evaluates Leader Dogs as they progress through training to meet Leader Dog standards and objectives.  Creates improvement plans and recommends career change for dogs who are not meeting standards.
• Recommends client and dog matches to Team Supervisor for approval.
• Assists in the planning and scheduling of client instruction.
• Assesses the orientation and mobility needs and capabilities of clients seeking to improve their mobility. With the client, writes SMART objectives to achieve safe and independent guide dog travel.
• Based on assessment and selected objectives, tailors instructional techniques within standards to train qualified Leader Dog clients to travel effectively with a Leader Dog or other applicable methods.
• Continuously evaluates client progress during instruction and modifies training plan in order to achieve objectives.
• Provides basic instruction in Orientation and Mobility techniques and GPS when needed.
• Ensures proper routine care, health care and maintenance of Leader Dogs in training.
• Maintains written and computer records according to established procedures.
• Coordinates planning for graduate and applicant visits. Conducts effective graduate follow-up visits, applicant interviews and graduate assistance. Provides Field Services with accurate reports on each applicant interview and graduate visit.
• Participates in admissions meetings to evaluate new and reapplying applicants (when qualified and requested to do so).
• Participates in internal or external meetings and promotional activities as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

 Must have successfully completed an IGDF recognized Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Program. Previous experience and knowledge of animal behavior, dog training skills, teaching skills, and experience with Orientation and Mobility desired.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability 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.
• Successfully passed Leader Dog GDMI testing and peer review process.
• Ability to work with a group of large dogs and provide safe and human training and kennel environment.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of supervisors, co-workers, students and the general public.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills as well as strong organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes non-traditional business hours including evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to travel when necessary.
• May be required to possess a valid driver’s license, chauffer’s license and passport.
• 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.
• This position requires adherence to all applicable safety and health policies and procedures.
• CPR and health related training will be needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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 walk, stand, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or crouch, talk, hear, and smell. They may be frequently required to drive. They occasionally are required to sit and use the phone. They must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception in order to effectively assess canine behavior, potential hazards, and safely monitor client and canine instruction. Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions and walk distances consistent with training program needs for clients and dogs.

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.