Job Description
Contact at organisation: Penny Jarmon, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
Phone: 1800 436 364
Email: jobs@guidedogs.com.au
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT (GDN) is one of Australia’s most trusted charities with a long history of providing services to clients who have low vision or blindness to promote their independence.
We are currently seeking two qualified and experienced Orientation and Mobility Instructors to train to become Guide Dog Mobility Instructors. This Traineeship program is over two years and based out of our Guide Dog Centre in Glossodia, NSW.
Within the Traineeship period, the role holders will undertake extensive Guide Dog Training that will include knowledge and practical assessments, as well as continue to provide O&M services as well as train Guide Dogs. At the successful completion of the Traineeship, the successful applicant will be a qualified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor recognised by the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) and will automatically transfer to a permanent full time GDMI role with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
The purpose of this full time role:
- To provide orientation and mobility programs to people with a vision impairment, that meet the needs of the individual, while adhering to Guide Dogs NSW/ACT policies and procedures and Disability Service Standards.
- To undertake all training required to successfully complete Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI) qualification, in line with International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) Standards.
- To ensure Guide Dogs are trained to a high standard as determined by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, under the supervision of the Guide Dog Training Manager and Dog Services staff as delegated.
- To ensure high quality Guide Dog programs are delivered to Clients, along with associated follow-up, after-care and orientation services under the supervision of the Dog Training & Service Delivery Manager and delegated Dog & Client Service staff.
About you:
- Relevant Qualifications in Orientation & Mobility.
- Experience and confidence handling dogs.
- Some knowledge and understanding of behaviour, and how dogs learn.
- Open to learning and willing to work under direction from other staff whilst undertaking Guide Dog Modules.
- Mature and professional approach and presentation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with clients and others.
- Ability to travel for work and to stay away from home for extended periods (3 – 4 weeks for regional guide dog training program).
Benefits:
This is a fantastic opportunity to join both a team and organisation that achieves outstanding results, always supports each other and has fun along the way. The successful candidate will have access to the following benefits:
- International Guide Dog Federation endorsed training program and qualification.
- PBI salary packaging.
- Salary Continuance Insurance.
- Generous leave conditions including Paid Parental Leave and Purchased Leave.
- Tool of trade allowance or car.
At Guide Dogs NSW/ACT we strongly encourage applications from people with low vision or blindness.
We are proud to be an inclusive workplace that reflects our clients and the broader community and are committed to providing a work environment in which everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect. We offer equal employment opportunity regardless of your disability, gender or gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital or domestic status, carer status, or political opinion.
