Guide Dog Mobility Instructor

Contact at organisation: Kim Ryan, Guide Dogs Tasmania – EverAbility Group Limited

Phone: 0419 123 115

Email: careers@visability.com.au

EverAbility Group is an ever-evolving group of services committed to providing the support, services and spaces our community needs to live a rewarding and independent life. We have a long and proud history of providing services for people with disabilities across Western Australia and Tasmania, offering quality of life outcomes that enable people of all ages and abilities to do the things they love and live the life they want.

Our organisation is driven by a diverse group of committed, passionate and experienced people. Together, our team of over 170 staff and 300 volunteers bring the very best of their skills and knowledge, lived experience of disability and compassion and energy to our growing group of diverse services. This diversity opens up a world of possibilities for our clients – and also opens up 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 to live the life they want with confidence.
• Guide Dogs WA and Guide Dogs Tasmania – our iconic service raising and training life changing assistance dogs to help people living with vision impairment and disability to enjoy independent lives they want to lead.
• 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.

The beautiful dogs in our program do so much more than help people who are vision impaired to navigate the world around them. We are working to meet the growing local demand to give the gift of independence and confidence to their handlers. We have an exciting opportunity for a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor to be a part of our small close-knit team on a full-time basis. The role involves assessing, training and matching dogs to eligible clients and conducting client training programs to develop effective working units. This position may also provide services on the assistance dog and facility dog programs.

Key duties include:

• Assess and train Guide Dogs to the standard determined by Guide Dogs TAS and based on International Guide Dog Federation standards.
• In collaboration with other members of the Guide Dog Team, match Guide Dogs to clients.
• Develop, document and conduct Guide Dog Client Training Programs, both centre-based and domiciliary.
• Maintain current knowledge of trends and developments in relation to Guide Dog services, training techniques, practices, policies and legislation.
• Contribute to the planning, development and delivery of Guide Dogs TAS services to metropolitan and regional clients, as required and within available resources.
• Contribute to the recruitment, induction and professional development of cadets and students
• Advocate on behalf of clients in relation to issues of access and equity.
• Collaborate with other departments to achieve organisational objectives.
• Comply with organisational policies and procedures and ensure safe work practices are adhered to at all times.
• Act as an ambassador for Guide dogs, promoting good public image and supporting the organisation’s strategic direction.

Salary range is between $69,109 – $98,704 (exclusive of superannuation).

You are a high performer with a commitment to purpose. You possess courage to pursue your areas of passion and expertise and are not afraid to actively contribute to a workplace of openness, adaptability and care. You understand the value of giving and the power of a story to change perspectives. If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

To be considered you will need:

• A relevant Guide Dog Instructor qualification through an IGDF Member School.
• To be an Australian Resident or eligible to work in Australia.
• Up-to-date knowledge of Guide Dog Mobility theory and practices, and knowledge of community resources relevant to people with vision impairment.
• Sound knowledge of current philosophy, policies and legislation relevant to Guide Dogs.
• Ability to manage the physical demands and inherent requirements of the job and complete the tasks and duties as stated.
• Proven team management, coaching and mentoring skills.
• A current valid driver’s license and National Police Clearance.
• Working with Vulnerable People Check.
• Fully vaccinated for Influenza and Covid-19.

What’s in it for you?

If you enjoy variety in your work, where no day is the same, then this is the role for you! Feel rewarded by purpose in your work as you help people living with disability and developmental delay to achieve independence and inclusion. Be challenged by the work you do in this dynamic and changing environment. We have a number of professionals in diverse roles with expertise in their field. Learn and expand your knowledge in this specalised area.

You will also benefit from:

• Generous Salary Packaging arrangements.
• Work within a friendly and supportive team who are passionate about what they do.
• Flexible working arrangements – work from home options and flexible start and finish times.
• Access to Training and Professional Development opportunities.
• 3 additional days of paid leave as a gift to you over the Christmas / New Year period.
• An Employee Assistance Program offering external counselling and support services to you and your family.
• Subsidised annual flu shots.
• Dogs in the office everyday!

Enjoy everything that Tasmania has to offer:

• A rich arts and cultural life.
• Amazing food and wine experiences.
• World-class museums and art galleries.
• Rugged mountains, spectacular coastlines, native forest, sweeping beaches, sparkling lakes.
• Clean air.
• Georgian, Edwardian and Art Deco architecture.
• World-class tourist destinations.
• A thriving economy.