Service and Guide Dog Field Rep

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

Phone: 818-833-6463

Email: mdmiller@guidedogsofamerica.org

Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, Life Insurance
• Pension & 401k
• Vacation & Paid Holidays
• Casual Work Environment
• Pet Friendly
• Mission-driven non-profit organization
•  7.5-acre park-like campus grounds

Job Purpose: Manage and provide on-going support services to service dog and guide dog program graduates via phone, virtual and in-person assistance, across the US and Canada, and assist with conducting in-home assessments for completed service and guide dog applicants awaiting acceptance into the program

Essential Functions:

• Manages and provides follow-up services to graduated service and guide dog teams via virtual and in-person assistance, including travel to client’s home areas—10%
• Travel throughout the US and Canada as required—10%
• Responds to service and guide dog client related inquiries as assigned—8%
• Conducts assessments on completed applicants in their home—10%
• Documents completed in-home assessments in database in a timely manner—5%
• Participates in applicant selection committee—5%
• Participates in client/dog selection in service dog team training classes as needed—6%
• Participates in service dog team training classes as needed—6%
• Conducts annual recertification for all working service dog graduated teams—10%
• Records and maintains database of all required documentation and communications with applicants, students, graduates, and dogs—7%
• Supports training department with training of dogs on Sylmar campus and within prisons as needed—8%
• Meets GDA|TLC, IGDF and ADI standards—4%
• Working in a prison environment and interacting with inmates as needed; must pass a prison background check to enter the prison—4%
• Act as GDA | TLC representative through support of outreach efforts and attendance at fundraising events—7%
• Working weekends, nights, and holidays as needed
• Other duties, responsibilities, projects, and special tasks as assigned based on evolving business needs

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Stand, walk long distances indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions
• Push, pull, reach overhead and bend to the floor
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds; must possess the physical strength to lift healthy, potentially strong, large breed dogs
• Ability to handle and control a large breed dog
• Must be able to travel independently
• Ability to exert 20 to 50 pounds of force including pushing or moving objects
• Ability to wear protective gear including masks, gloves, goggles, boots
• Ability to tolerate elevated noise levels – barking dogs
• Visual ability 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, clients, and volunteers
• Walking through prison yards and interacting with inmates

Qualifications:

• 18+ years of age
• High school diploma required
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Driving will be required –Valid California driver’s license and insurability required
• Possession of or ability to obtain current US passport
• Must have completed a 3-year apprenticeship and qualified at an IGDF accredited program
• GDMI Qualification by International Guide Dog Federation accredited organization preferred
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft 365 (outlook, excel, word), Sharepoint, and CRM database programs such a salesforce and knowledge of education platforms such as Canvas preferred
• Ability to skilfully navigate high stress and emotional conversations and clearly communicate expectations/outcomes to clients
• Knowledge of current ADI & IGDF standards
• Ability to work independently as well as work as part of a team and in a team environment
• Excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Planning, prioritizing and organizational skills