Guide Dog Mobility Instructor

Contact at organisation: Loretta Quis, Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc.

Phone: 1 (631) 930-9031

Email: Loretta.Quis@guidedog.org

POSITION TITLE: Guide Dog Mobility Instructor
TEAM: Training
REPORTS TO: Manager of Guide Dog Programs

OVERALL SUMMARY: The Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI) is responsible for the assessment and training of guide dogs, assessing applicants who are blind or vision impaired, matching trained guide dogs with clients and providing clients with the training to ensure safe, effective, independent mobility. The GDMI is also called upon to provide follow-up services to ensure the ongoing safety and independence of GDF clients. In addition, Instructors are responsible for completing applicant home interviews. When assigned, the GDMI is also responsible for the quality of an Apprentice’s dog and student training. They are also called on to support organizational initiatives that include public education and outreach.

POSITION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Consistently provides an entire string of “class ready” dogs in the training cycle framework through prescribed Guide Dog Foundation techniques.
•  Generates training progress reports on dogs in string, ensuring GDF standards are met.
• Groom and perform routine training care of dogs, such as administering medicine.
• Interviews applicants and provides reports of interview to determine applicant status as well as successful matches to “class ready” dogs.
• Instructs student handlers and graduates on the use of a guide dog through organizing class training programs, giving class lectures and student critiques and reports.
• Conducts effective graduate follow-up visits, applicant interviews, graduate aftercare and agency contacts.
• Aids and assists apprentices in all aspects of dog training and class work, as assigned.
• Represents the Foundation inside and outside of the organization through speaking engagements, graduations, fund raising events, tours and conventions in a positive, professional manner.
• Assists the Puppy Department with projects and special dog training requirements and special events as needed or as assigned by the Director of Training.

POSITION ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have achieved qualified guide dog mobility Instructor status (successfully completed guide dog instructor apprentice program).
• Ability to train a broad range of dog temperament and types.
• Ability to effectively teach people with various temperaments, capabilities, and experience levels.
• Strong initiative and problem-solving skills when working independently.
• Excellent interpersonal analytical and communication skills. This includes interacting with consumers and staff in an effective and professional manner.
• Able to communicate via voice mail and e-mail, able to use effectively word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
• High School diploma or equivalent; some college preferred.
• Must have ability to work in the US and travel throughout the US and Canada to perform home training, or after care visits.
• Must be capable of overtime, working weekends and holidays, in the event that class is in session or assisting with a special event or assignment.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must safely handle a variety of large breed dogs, weighing up to 90 pounds, with varying strength and manageability. Able to safely lift up to 40 pounds. Employees are required to seek assistance when lifting dogs or objects weighing more than 40 pounds. Able to withstand repetitive bending, stooping, kneeling and squatting and walk up to 8 miles per day.
• Possess near acuity and accommodation to see and read dog’s reaction to environment and distractions. Ability to hear to interact with dog, students, trainers either in an informal way or when giving instruction through seminar and training exercises. Ability to hear traffic and other outside noises.
• The employee is subject to daily outside elements, traffic, subway, train station, airport; noise levels as well as inside kennel noise. Employee is exposed to cleaning and antibacterial solutions in kennel. Employee is also exposed to animal dander and hair in confined areas such as vans and kennels.