Trainer Assistant

Paws With A Cause•Leighton Township, MI

just now•$18•Onsite

About The Position

Paws With A Cause® (PAWS) is seeking motivated and dedicated individuals who are eager to develop their skills and gain valuable experience in a supportive, team-oriented environment. This entry-level position offers a unique learning opportunity to work closely with the PAWS Training Department and serve as a pathway toward becoming a PAWS Associate Trainer. Join us and contribute to a meaningful mission while enjoying comprehensive benefits and a positive workplace culture. PAWS offers a supportive and inclusive culture that values growth, work/life balance, and making a difference. This full-time position includes benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance, employer-paid short-term disability, a 403b retirement plan with up to a 2% match, a generous PTO package, and more. Starting hourly pay is $18.00/hour. Apply today and start your journey with PAWS! Paws With A Cause® (PAWS) exists to create opportunities to live with dignity, companionship and confidence. We do our best work by embodying our core values: Adaptability, Dedication, Innovation, Optimism, and Gratitude. To transform lives and strengthen communities through partnerships with custom-trained working dogs. The focus of this position is to assist the Training Department in maintaining and developing skills necessary for dogs to be placed safely as Assistance Dogs for people with disabilities and is intended as a pathway for an individual interested in pursuing an opportunity as a PAWS Associate Trainer. The Trainer Assistant works closely with and under the direction of the PAWS Training Department to develop and implement CORE Behavior, enrichment, advanced obedience, and handling for dogs in final Assistance Dog training. It is expected that the Trainer Assistant will produce established training outcomes and that responsibilities will progress with skill development.

Requirements

Internal Candidates must have successfully completed at least one year in whichever department they were hired.
High school diploma or GED equivalent
Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing – including speaking to large and small groups
Willing to learn or possess a thorough knowledge and understanding of various types of disabilities, to better understand the needs of people with disabilities.
Values continuous learning and seeks ongoing training and development.
Possess computer skills or willingness to learn and use technology and software programs used to maintain records, observation forms, meeting minutes, communicate information, email functions including Outlook Calendar
Possessing a valid driver’s license with full coverage auto insurance and assurance that points do not exceed the insurance carrier’s requirements.

Nice To Haves

Natural Dog Abilities In Handling And Reading Canine Body Language Preferred
Basic Obedience and Dog Handling Experience Preferred.
Basic Dog Psychology/Behavior Knowledge Helpful.

Responsibilities

Complete and demonstrate competence with modules 1-3
Enrichment, health & welfare for dogs in the training center evaluation and other dogs as needed
Complete and demonstrate competence with modules 4-6
Enrichment, health & welfare for dogs in the training center evaluation and other dogs as needed
Meet individual production numbers
Learn Basic Canine Handling Skills, Leash Management, and Obedience Cues
Learn Behavioral Methods and Training Skills Including The Understanding and Use of LIMA
Understand and appropriately Use a Variety of Training Equipment
Capacity to Follow Directions and Training Plans Independently
Understand Canine Communication and Safety Precautions and Handling
Attend Continuing Education And Departmental Trainings Sessions.
Observe the process of Taskwork and Public Access Training
Proper Record Keeping – including the use of Communication Boards and Outlook Calendar
Ability to learn and functionally use Microsoft Software Programs and other Technology.
Understand the PAWS Dog Journey Including The Client And Dog Selection, Match, Training, and PAWS Certification Process.
Kennel Cleaning And Related Building Maintenance Work
Maintain a Safe and Clean Work Environment.
Feeding, Medicating
Bathing/Grooming
Physical/Mental Exercise And Enrichment
Observe and Assist In Pre-Prison Foster Puppy Evaluations and Dog Show Reviews.
Observe and Assist With Foster Puppy Education Outings
Trained to be backup support for Kennel Care Staff in any of the three PAWS Buildings
Assisting With Moving Dogs Between Kennels, Training Areas, And Other Locations.
Other duties as assigned