Guide Dog Mobility Instructor

Contact at organisation: Mark Miller, Guide Dogs of AmericaTender Loving Canines

Phone: 818-833-6463

Email: mdmiller@guidedogsofamerica.org

Reports to: Director of Programs

Job Purpose: Responsible for the assessment and training of guide dogs, matching trained guide dogs with clients who are blind or visually impaired, and providing training to ensure safe, effective, independent mobility.

Candidate will be hired into proper GDMI level dependent on candidate’s previous level of GDMI training experience.

Essential Functions:

• Train dogs as assigned to a condition of class readiness in obedience and guide work skills
• Instruct students who are blind/visually impaired on becoming a guide dog handler
• Assist with daily cleaning and disinfecting of kennel as per GDA/TLC’s standards of procedure
• Provide clear and accurate weekly reports on the progress of your assigned in-for-training dogs
• Implement and organize the training for students in class and effectively teach students to utilize their guide dog
• Guide apprentice instructors in all aspects of class work and teaching students in the use of their guide dog
• Apply GDA training techniques and correct procedures for evaluating and documenting students’ progress and giving class lectures
• Conduct effective graduate follow-up visits, applicant assessments and graduate assists
• Perform in-home training placements as needed (may require travel)
• Oversees the IFT Furlough Program
• Liaison between kennel and training departments, including training of volunteers
• Responsible for maintaining training, class, dog and client supplies
• Work with clients with multiple disabilities
• Maintain the Class Lecture manual to meet IGDF standards
• Participate in and accurately score 12-month BCL testing
• Perform final testing and qualify dogs for placement
• Handle decisions to terminate student training during class if necessary
• Maintain the Apprentice Manual and administer apprentice testing
• Participate in IFT track selections
• Participate in public outreach and education efforts by giving presentations and demonstrations
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays to fulfill the requirements of class assignments or student’s needs
• Travel by car, train, and/or airplane may be required
• Possession of or ability to obtain a USA passport
• Other duties as assigned or required

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Must be comfortable wearing and working under blindfold for extensive periods of time
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time, indoors and outdoors in all types of weather
• Ability to bend and kneel to the floor for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift 60 lbs., and up to 80 lbs. with assistance; must possess the physical strength to lift healthy, potentially strong, large breed dogs
• Ability to exert 20 to 50 pounds of force including pushing or moving objects
• Ability to push, pull, and reach overhead
• Ability to wear protective gear including masks, gloves, goggles, boots
• Visual acuity required to see and read dog’s reaction to environment and distractions, ability to read forms, documentation, and computer screen
• Hearing ability required to interact with dogs, trainers, students, and volunteers
• Ability to tolerate elevated noise levels – barking dogs
• Working in a kennel environment with multiple dogs
• Interactions with all types of people/personalities

Qualifications:

• 18+ years of age
• Valid driver’s license and insurable
• High school graduate or GED, bachelor’s degree preferred
• Must have completed a 3-year apprenticeship and qualified at an IGDF accredited program
• Should have experience performing and accurately scoring BCL testing
• Should have experience performing final testing and qualifying dogs for placement
• Should have experience working with clients with multiple disabilities
• Should have experience managing class training
• Experience in positive or force free dog training
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Strong initiative and problem-solving skills when working independently
• Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Excel, Word), SharePoint, Cornerstone, and experience with CRM database management programs such as Salesforce preferred
• Work well as part of a team and in a team environment