Apprentice Guide Dog Mobility Instructor

LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLIND • Rochester Hills, MI

8d • $24 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

The Apprentice 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 Apprentice GDMI 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. The Apprentice GDMIs complete a three level training program to become certified dog guide instructors. An Apprentice GDMI may perform all guide dog related duties listed below on a limited basis, under supervision, for a period of time until it is determined that all skills can be completed independently and successfully.

Requirements

• Related experience and knowledge of teaching skills, working with people with disabilities, animal behavior, dog training skills, or experience with Orientation and Mobility preferred.
• 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.
• Ability to interact with blind and visually impaired clients with courtesy and professionalism
• Ability to work with a group of large dogs and provide safe and humane 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Related experience and knowledge of teaching skills, working with people with disabilities, animal behavior, dog training skills, or experience with Orientation and Mobility preferred.

Responsibilities

• Completes structured apprentice program timely and effectively according to program guidelines.
• 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 for approval by Team Supervisor.
• 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.

Benefits

• Leader Dogs for the Blind is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to accessibility, inclusion, and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed