Assistance Dog Trainer

Contact at organisation: Catherine O’Leary, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind

Phone: 085 8009227

Email: hrmanager@guidedogs.ie

Purpose of Role
The successful candidate will be a qualified Guide Dog or Assistance Dog Trainer and will provide specialist training and support to allocated dogs under the care of our Technical Training team. The training provided allows the dog to progress in the appropriate manner to advanced training standard and on to qualify as a Guide Dog or an Assistance Dog.

Responsibilities

• Carry out preliminary assessment of dogs.
• Prepare selected dogs according to the pre-determined training programme to ensure that dogs are supplied within desired time frame and quality.
• Identify temperamental and behavioural issues and ensure the application of appropriate solutions.
• Highlight all health issues and promptly refer them for review.
• Adapt pre-determined programme and implement individual training programmes for allocated dogs.
• Assist in training for new staff, students, Puppy Raisers, Apprentice Guide Dog Mobility Instructors and others, as required.
• Highlight dogs that are ready for the progression of training and recommend those that should be withdrawn.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on our database system, PAWS.
• Maintain regular and appropriate communication with Puppy Raisers to keep up to date with dogs’ progress.
• Report and document all accidents and incidents relating to dogs and with third parties, in line with current health and safety policies.
• Work with our Client Services team to ensure aftercare visits are carried out promptly including maintaining accurate records.
• Work as part of a team to support each other and, from time to time, support other departments such as Fundraising to ensure the efficient and effective operations of the organisation.

In addition to these key accountabilities, you may also have ownership for one or more key processes which will be communicated to you via your manager and/or the Performance Management framework.

Values and Behaviours
IGDB places great emphasis on how people get the job done. For example, we need people who are passionate about enabling people who are vision-impaired and families of children with autism to lead better lives and become more mobile and independent. Employees must achieve these standards to fully meet the expectations of their role.

• Respect: Treats Clients, Colleagues and Volunteers with equal respect. Is open-minded and tolerant of different views.
• Teamwork: Supports a team environment which promotes wellbeing and maximises personal effectiveness. Communicates clearly and effectively with others. Strives to be supportive, consistent and professional with Clients, Colleagues and Volunteers.
• Optimism: Is solution-focused and looks to bring a positive attitude to challenges. Celebrates wins and encourages others to do the same. Does not fear failure – believes we can all learn lessons for the next time together.
• Conscientiousness: Takes pride in what is done and how it is done. Always presents a professional and capable manner in all tasks that are completed. Has a clarity of purpose, sets a good example for others. Is accountable for what is done and takes ownership for achievement.
• Integrity: Leads by example. Is fair and consistent when working with Clients, Colleagues and Volunteers. Takes ownership of achievements and responsibility for failure.
• Excellence: Strives to continuously improve own performance.