Guide Dog Trainer

Contact at organisation: Lisa Johnson, Guide Dogs WA

Phone: +61 9311 8288

Email: lisa.johnson@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!

This position is responsible to ensure a consistent supply of high quality Guide Dogs are assessed and trained to meet the requirements and standards set by Guide Dogs WA. This role is physically demanding with frequent walking, bending, and dealing with the needs of a young dog. The ability to interact with people, especially our volunteers with a high level of empathy, compassion and care is integral to this role.

Duties include:

• Assess dogs for suitability to continue with Guide Dog training
• Train dogs to perform required obedience exercises
• Test dogs’ responses to environmental stimuli and monitor social behaviour which includes personal home assessment
• Review individual characteristics of dogs to determine appropriate training methodology and design an efficient and measurable training plan.
• Train and consolidate appropriate guiding skills.
• Prepare dogs in accordance with determined programme to ensure supply within desired time frame and quality
• Review each dog’s progress at pre-determined times to ensure it is reaching an appropriate skill level.
• Highlight all health issues and promptly refer them to be reviewed, assisting with the management and implementation of veterinary treatment plans
• Identify temperamental and behavioural issues and ensure the application of appropriate solutions.
• Liaise with the Coordinator with regard to workload/duties and apply advice given for development of dogs in training.
• Liaise and work with various internal teams as required for the specific requirements for individual dogs.
• Apply training standards for Guide Dog training as per IGDF and organisational standards
• Assist the Puppy Raising Supervisor with training and technical information as required
• Liaise with puppy raisers as directed by the Puppy Raising Supervisor and assist with advice in readiness for intake.
• Assist with recruitment and training of volunteer boarders.
• Liaise and support boarders by giving advice, transporting dogs and report any concerns to the Coordinator.
• Maintain accurate and current documentation including CAS for dogs under responsibility
• Report and document all accidents and incidents relating to dogs and also with third parties, in line with current safety and health policies.
• Participate as required in Fundraising and Public Relations events
• Act as an ambassador for Guide dogs, promoting good public image and supporting VisAbility’s strategic direction.

Desired Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Must have Qualification to Guide Dog Trainer level through an IGDF Member School
• Demonstrated experience in dog handling, effective leadership and control over dogs
• Ability to relate to dogs of all ages and at various levels of training
• Skills in problem analysis and the ability to recognise changes in dog behaviour
• Enthusiasm, energy, drive and persistence to undertake repetitive work that is both physically and mentally challenging
• Ability to maintain good voice control
• Demonstrated ability to undertake a methodical approach to your work through to completion, while maintaining flexibility and adaptability to varying workloads and tasks.
• High level of initiative, while still being able to work under direction
• Superior planning and organising skills.
• Ability to work well within a team, as well as independently, assuming responsibility for nominated tasks.
• Effective communication skills both oral and written.
• High level interpersonal skills and an ability to show empathy when interacting with volunteers
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in use of Microsoft Office programs.
• Current National Police Clearance Certificate.
• Current Driver’s License
• Working with Children Check
• NDIS worker screen check
• Fully Covid-19 and Influenza vaccinated

Desirable:

• Previous experience in a teaching role
• Up-to-date knowledge of Guide Dog Mobility theory and practices, and knowledge of community resources relevant to people with vision impairment.
• Effective public presentation skills.
• Broad base of experience in one or more IGDF accredited organisations.