Assistance Dog Trainer

Contact at organisation: Kim Ryan, EverAbility

Phone: 08 9311 8239

Email: kim.ryan@guidedogstas.com.au

A little about us:

EverAbility Group boasts a rich and esteemed legacy in delivering exceptional services to individuals with disabilities throughout Western Australia and Tasmania. Together, our team of nearly 200 staff and over 500 volunteers support our growing group of diverse services. Joining our team not only opens a world of possibilities for our clients but also unlocks a host of career opportunities for you!

Our growing family of services at EverAbility Group include:

• VisAbility – our specialised service supporting people with blindness or vision impairment.
• 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.
• Perron Place – our innovative and collaborative community centre.

We are thrilled to offer an exciting opportunity for an Assistance Dog Trainer to be a part of our small close-knit team on a full-time basis. In this role, you will play a crucial part in maintaining a consistent supply of high-quality Assistance Dogs, including Autism, Facility and Ambassador roles. Your responsibilities will include assessing and training these dogs to meet the rigorous standards set by Guide Dogs WA and Assistance Dogs International.
This position involves physically demanding tasks such as frequent walking, bending, and tending to the needs of young dogs. Moreover, the ability to engage effectively with people, particularly our volunteers, with a high level of empathy, compassion, and care is essential for success in this role.

Key responsibilities and accountabilities

• Assess dogs for suitability to continue with Assistance Dog training.
• Test dogs’ responses to environmental stimuli and monitor their social behaviour which includes personal home assessments.
• Review individual characteristics of dogs to determine appropriate training methodology and design an efficient and measurable training plan.
• Prepare dogs in accordance with determined programme to ensure quality supply within desired time frame.
• Review each dog’s progress at pre-determined times to ensure it is reaching an appropriate skill level.
• Highlight all health issues and promptly refer them to be reviewed, assisting with the management and implementation of veterinary treatment plans.
• Recognise temperamental and behavioural dog issues, and implement suitable solutions to address them.
• Apply training standards for Dog training as per Assistance Dog International and organisational guidelines.
• Work closely with the Puppy Development Team, providing technical support as required.
• Effectively liaise with volunteers to build positive relationships and assist with recruitment and training.
• Maintain accurate and current documentation including formal temperament dog .
• Ensure that all accidents and incidents involving dogs, as well as those involving third parties, are reported, and documented.
• Participate as required in Fundraising and Public Relations events.

Act as an ambassador for Guide Dogs WA, by promoting a good public image and supporting EverAbility’s strategic direction.

Skills and attributes required
Essential:

• Assistance Dog Trainer Qualifications from a recognised ADI organisation.
• Demonstrated experience in dog handling, effective leadership, and control over dogs.
• Ability to relate to dogs of all ages and at various levels of training.
• Skills in problem solving and the ability to recognise changes in dog behaviour.
• Enthusiasm, energy, drive and tenacity.
• Ability to maintain good voice control.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake a methodical approach to your work through to completion, while maintaining flexibility and adaptability to varying workloads and tasks.
• High level of initiative, while still being able to work under direction.
• Excellent planning and organising skills.
• Ability to work well within a team, as well as independently, assuming responsibility for nominated tasks.
• Effective communication skills (both oral and written).
• High level interpersonal skills with an ability to show empathy when interacting with volunteers.
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the use of Microsoft Office programs.
• A current valid driver’s licence, National Police Clearance, NDIS Worker Screening Check, working with children check, annual influenza vaccination, or willingness to obtain.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in a teaching role.
• Up-to-date knowledge of Assistance Dog theory and practices, and knowledge of community resources relevant to people with vision impairment.
• Effective public presentation skills.
• Broad base of experience in one or more IGDF/ADI accredited organisations.

Benefits:
In return, you will be rewarded with:

• Free onsite parking and close to public transport (across the road from Victoria Park Train Station)
• Three additional days of paid leave as a gift to you over the Christmas / New Year period
• Free access to our gym
• Ongoing professional development and training
• Employee Assistance Program
• NFP salary packaging options – use some of your salary for everyday expenses before income tax; meaning you can increase your take-home pay!
• Dogs in the office everyday!