Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI)

Contact at organisation: Daniela Calcagno, FUNDAPPAS

Phone: +598 99424099

Email: daniela.calcagno@fundappas.org.uy

An Opportunity to Help Build the Future of Guide Dogs in South America.
FUNDAPPAS (Fundación de Apoyo y Promoción de Perros de Asistencia) is a non-profit organisation with more than 20 years of experience and is the only guide dog school in Uruguay. As an Applicant Member of the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF), we are committed to providing independence and inclusion through guide dogs.
Our work has a growing social impact not only in Uruguay but across South America, where we receive requests from several neighbouring countries.
We are looking for a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI) to join our team and help strengthen and expand our guide dog programme.

About Uruguay
Uruguay is recognised for its quality of life, safety and social stability. Montevideo, the capital city, is located just two hours by ferry from Buenos Aires, one of South America’s major capitals, and Uruguay also shares a border with Brazil, making it an excellent base for exploring the region.
Although well connected internationally, Uruguay offers a relaxed lifestyle, short commuting times and a welcoming community.
The country also offers free public university education, creating opportunities for further academic or professional development while living here.

The Role
The successful candidate will work alongside our technical team in:

• Training guide dogs from early training through qualification.
• Assessing dogs and matching them with suitable guide dog applicants.
• Delivering guide dogs to clients and conducting client training.
• Providing follow-up support after placement.
• Mentoring and helping develop future Uruguayan guide dog instructors, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the programme.

Who We Are Looking For
Applicants should:

• Be a qualified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI) from an IGDF-accredited organisation.
• Have practical experience working as a GDMI. A minimum of two years’
  experience after qualification is desirable.
• Be committed to working collaboratively within a small and growing organisation.
• Enjoy mentoring others and contributing to the development of new professionals.
• Have a valid driver’s licence.
• Spanish is desirable but not essential. We will support the successful candidate in adapting to life and work in Uruguay.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to make a significant impact by helping develop guide dog services in Uruguay and South America.
• The opportunity to contribute to the education of future guide dog instructors.
• A welcoming and committed team.
•  Assistance with relocation and settling into Uruguay.
•  Competitive remuneration, to be discussed with shortlisted candidates

The successful candidate will work alongside our technical team in:

• Training guide dogs from early training through qualification.
• Assessing dogs and matching them with suitable guide dog applicants.
• Delivering guide dogs to clients and conducting client training.
• Providing follow-up support after placement.
• Mentoring and helping develop future Uruguayan guide dog instructors, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the programme.