Guide Dogs Mobility Instructor

Contact at organisation: Miriam Munitz or Dion Humbler, VisAbility- Guide Dogs WA

Phone: 0400 110 362

Email: careers@visability.com.au

Guide Dogs WA is the only Western Australian based provider of Guide Dog training services in the community. The beautiful dogs in our program do so much more than help people who are vision impaired to navigate the world around them. They do more than settle and calm a child living with autism, or someone struggling with trauma or illness.

They give the gift of independence and confidence to their handlers. They bring joy and companionship, hope and opportunity, not only to the people whose lives they are changing, but also to their families.

We are working to meet the growing local demand for not only Guide Dogs, but also Autism Assistance Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Dementia Dogs, Court Dogs, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Dogs who we know, make life- changing differences to those in our local communities living with low vision, disability and illness.

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.
• Perron Place – our innovative and collaborative community centre that combines events, conferences and community activities for Western Australians of all ages and abilities.

Job Description:

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. This position is responsible to provide professional guide dog mobility services to clients with vision loss to enable them to travel independently, safely and efficiently.  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 WA 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 WA services to metropolitan and regional clients, as required and within available resources.
• 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.

Desired Skills and Experience:

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.
• A current valid driver’s license and National Police Clearance.

Please note: to apply for a working visa you will need a minimum of two years experience post qualification.

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 specialised 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.
• Free use of our onsite gym and discounts to fitness programs.
• An Employee Assistance Program offering external counselling and support services to you and your family.
• Free on-site parking and close to public transport (across the road from Victoria Park Train Station).
• Subsidised annual flu shots.
• Dogs in the office everyday!