Shelter to Service Program Coordinator

DOGS FOR BETTER LIVES • Atlanta, GA

78d

About The Position

The Shelter to Service Program Coordinator’s (STSPC), primary focus involves working with our partner shelter(s) to identify and evaluate shelter dogs to train to become Assistance Dogs (AD’s); working with shelter staff to seek out, develop, and train program foster volunteers living within a defined radius; and training shelter dogs to become AD’s. AD training will entail working with shelter dogs both through support and training of the volunteer foster but also focusing to site-based training both at our DBL training location and in public. STSPC will work in collaboration with the National Training manager to select clients and coordinate AD placements. All shelter dogs trained by the STSPC will meet or exceed DBL and ADI standards. Position will involve traveling to partner shelter(s) to evaluate and select shelter dogs suitable for training as AD’s; and traveling to program foster volunteer homes to train selected dogs. Adhering to and developing DBL training guidelines specific to shelter dogs while seeking the best possible living environment to increase their success rate in becoming AD’s. Works with partner shelter(s) to assure dogs who are career changed are successfully returned to the partner shelter for adoption.

Requirements

• Preferred Certified AD Trainer with successful work history at an AD organization for at least 3 years.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working with and training dogs of multiple breeds.
• Knowledge of, and experience using, operant conditioning techniques.
• Minimum two (2) years of program coordination experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Experienced in and comfortable with public speaking.
• Excellent written/oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize while working multiple tasks.
• Ability to teach others in a positive, enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to work with limited supervision.

Nice To Haves

• Four (4) year college degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Ability to communicate using American Sign Language is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Works with the Shelter to Service Program Manager (STSPM) to ensure program goals are met.
• Assists the STSPM with outreach events and foster recruitment, training and engagement.
• With the assistance of partner shelter(s) staff, ensures foster home program supports the training goals for each individual dog and supports the foster in their role as a DBL and shelter volunteer.
• Continually assesses selected SDSP dogs to evaluate dogs for continued appropriateness for DBL programs.
• Adheres to standardization of training methods (process/procedure/placement curriculum), providing input to improve successfulness.
• Works closely with VP of Programs, Program Advisor, National Training Manager and other STSP staff to maintain consistency in training standards.
• Works within DBLs established systems for tracking training progress, reporting behavioral or training concerns, scheduling AD preplacement testing and coordinating client selection and placement.
• Coordinates with staff to transport certified dogs for placement.
• Some weekends and evenings may be required.
• Performs other duties/tasks as assigned.
• Refines behavioral evaluations for use in screening shelter dogs.
• Works with partner shelter(s) to find juvenile and/or adult dog candidates suitable for training as DBL candidates.
• Documents using DBL’s specific shelter dog evaluation, including public, car and training location evaluation, when possible.
• Reviews health and behavioral records on all dogs, prior to their training.
• Manages transition of shelter dogs from shelter to program foster volunteers’ homes, ensuring effective quarantine, socialization, and assessment protocols are in place.
• Assists partner shelter(s) when dogs return to shelter when training is not successful.
• Provides partner shelter(s) with written evaluation of dog’s strengths and weaknesses to share with dog’s new owner.
• Works with up to 8-10 dogs in foster homes at various phases of training.
• Develops curriculum to help shelter dogs successfully complete training in DBL programs, while working in conjunction with National Training Manager.
• Trains and communicates with program foster volunteers to track necessary medical and behavioral information on all dogs selected.
• Works with program foster volunteers to promote healthy, well-mannered dogs according to Dogs for Better Lives standards.
• Maintains a record of all dogs selected from partner shelter and track specific data to assess how to improve training for shelter dogs to be successful in DBL programs.

Benefits

• Equal Opportunity Employer
• Opportunities for growth and continued learning
• Work-life balance

What This Job Offers

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