Assistant Prison Puppy Program Manager

Contact at organisation: Krista Mathews, Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind / America’s VetDogs

Phone: 6319309005

Email: Krista.Mathews@guidedog.org

Overall Summary:
Under the supervision of the Prison Program Manager, this position supports current prison programs and assists with opening new programs.

Essential Functions:

• Able to manage up to 8 prison programs independently located in CT, MA, PA, MD, ME and FL
• Oversees Prison Puppy Raising Advisor for each program
• Supports Department of Corrections staff that work with programs
• Plans and facilitates In-For-Training (IFT) and puppy transports to and from the Foundation
• Periodically travels to prisons to observe prison advisors teaching inmates
• Periodically travels to weekend puppy raiser classes to observe prison advisors coaching volunteers
• Performs weekend raiser interviews and home visits when needed
• Evaluates program dogs at prisons or in the field, videoing when necessary
• Manages prison program inventory on campus. Reorder supplies as needed
• Provides medical advice to raisers, prison staff and advisors after hours
• Covers training at prisons and weekend puppy raiser classes if a Prison Puppy Advisor resigns until position is filled
• Submits required training reports
• Provides performance evaluations of prison advisors
• Participates in other tasks as assigned by the prison program manager
• Aware of the Organization’ Safety rules and procedures, ensuring that the functions of this job are performed in the safest possible manner and encourages co-workers to do the same.

Essential Requirements:

• Minimum of BA or BS degree or equivalent, such as a technical degree or certification from a dog training agency or school
• Excellent interpersonal communication is needed with prison staff, inmate handlers, puppy raisers and Foundation staff. Also, public speaking skills for media events
• 4 years minimum experience in basic puppy training, socialization, and positive reinforcement training
• Experience training personal dogs with earned titles or certificates preferred
• 2 years minimum experience working with volunteers
• Ability to commute 60-75% of the time working in the field. Ability to work overtime, including weekends and evenings
• Ability to travel out of state (CT, MA, PA, MD, ME and FL) to visit prisons and meet with volunteers when necessary.
• Ability to travel to NY campus for one week of initial training and ongoing training as needed
• Must safely handle a variety of large breed dogs, weighing up to 80 pounds, with varying strength and manageability. Able to safely lift 40 pounds. Employees are required to seek assistance when lifting dogs or objects weighing more than 40 pounds.
• Ability to communicate well via e-mail and use Microsoft 365 applications
• Valid driver’s license in good standing. Ability to travel long distances by car or plane for up to one week at a time
• Must pass background checks for each prison location and maintain DOC-required paperwork

Physical Demands:
The employee is required to stand, walk, push, pull, reach overhead and bend to the floor, drive and/or travel, lift 25 pounds, and exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally

Visual Acuity:
Near acuity and accommodation are required for the ability to see and read text and copy of written materials for publishing and to read computer screens.

Hearing Ability:
Ability to interact with staff and the public in an Informal or formal way during fundraising events or public speaking.

Work Environment:
Employee is exposed to office, kennel and residence environment. This includes animal hair and dander and cleaning and antibacterial cleaning solutions.

Compensation Information:
The expected salary range for the position is $55,000 – $60,000 per year. The anticipated starting salary will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors.

We offer a comprehensive benefits program which includes an outstanding 403(b) plan, tuition reimbursement, health, dental, vision, and life insurance, generous paid time off, and more.