Assistance Dog Instructor (Team Leader)

Contact at organisation: Susan King, Program Manager- Dog Services, Guide Dogs WA

Phone: +61 8 62224905

Email: susan.king@guidedogswa.com.au

At Guide Dogs WA, you’ll be part of a passionate, purpose driven organisation that is committed to empowering people with disability. You’ll contribute to programs that make a real and lasting difference throughout Western Australia.

As a senior member of our Assistance and Facility Dog team, you will provide professional dog training services while offering leadership, coaching and technical guidance to a team of Instructors, Trainers and Handlers.

This diverse and rewarding role includes:
•Delivering high quality Assistance Dog services to clients across WA
•Assessing, training and matching dogs to eligible clients
•Conducting centre-based and domiciliary Client Training Programs
•Managing a client caseload
•Supporting the development and continuous improvement of our expanding programs

A little about us:
EverAbility Group have a long and proud history of providing services for people with disability across Western Australia and Tasmania. We are a purpose-driven organisation championing independence, inclusion and empowerment for people with low or no vision, disability and developmental needs across Western Australia and Tasmania.

EverAbility Group’s nearly 200 staff and over 500 volunteers support a growing group of diverse services which includes:
VisAbility – our specialised service supporting people with low or no vision.
Guide Dogs WA and Guide Dogs Tasmania – our iconic service raising and training life changing assistance dogs.
Kites Children’s Therapy – our early intervention support, advice and solutions service transforming the lives of children and their families living with disability or developmental challenges.

Key responsibilities include, but is not limited to:
•Assess, train and condition Assistance and Facility Dogs in accordance with recognised standards (including ADI and GDWA), focusing on behaviour, obedience, and task-specific performance outcomes
•Conduct behavioural assessments of dogs at intake and throughout training to evaluate suitability for Assistance Dog roles
•Develop and implement individualised training programs to prepare dogs for placement, including socialisation, obedience, and specialised task training
•Monitor and evaluate dog progress against defined training milestones and adjust training techniques to achieve optimal outcomes
•Match trained dogs with suitable clients based on behavioural traits, temperament, and client needs
•Deliver structured training to clients in handling and working effectively with Assistance Dogs in both centre-based and domiciliary environments
•Maintain the health and welfare of dogs by monitoring condition and referring for veterinary assessment where required
•Apply contemporary animal training methodologies and maintain current knowledge of industry standards, practices, and relevant legislation
•Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior trainers to support consistent application of training techniques and standards
•Assist in coordinating training schedules, dog allocations, and workloads to support efficient program delivery
•Maintain accurate records of dog training progress, behavioural assessments, and client interactions in organisational systems
•Support the development and continuous improvement of Assistance and Facility Dog training programs and services
•Promote safe handling practices and ensure compliance with workplace health and safety requirements in all training activities
•Represent the organisation in community settings where required, in relation to Assistance Dog training and awareness

About You
You are a confident leader with a passion for people, dogs and making an impact. You bring technical excellence, compassion and strong communication skills to a role where no two days are the same.

Essential Skills and Attributes:
•Proven leadership, coaching and team management experience
•Recognised qualification in Assistance Dog Training and Instruction
•Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
•Strong understanding of Assistance Dog theory, training practices and relevant legislation
•Excellent planning, organisation and stress management skills
•Knowledge of community resources supporting people with disability or illness
•Ability to meet the physical demands and inherent requirements of the role
•Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team
•Understanding of the personal impact of disability or illness
•Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs

Desirable:
•Experience with public presentations
•Broad experience across ADI accredited organisations
•Background in teaching or training with adults or children

Required Compliance Documents:
☒National Police Clearance
☒NDIS Worker Screening Check
☒Valid Driver’s Licence
☒ Recognised Qualification in Assistance Dog Training and Instruction

Benefits:
In return, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits including:
•Up to 3 days additional paid leave during year-end holiday season!
•Salary packaging, an opportunity to increase your take-home pay!
•17.5% annual leave loading, where applicable
•Free parking and easy public transport access
•Stay active with free on-site gym facilities.
•Thrive in a culture that values flexibility and supports work–life balance
•Ongoing professional development and training
•Employee Assistance Program