Service Dog Program Manager

Contact at organisation: Krista Mathews, Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind/America’s VetDogs

Phone: 6319309005

Email: Krista.Mathews@guidedog.org

Overall Summary:
The Service Dog Program Manager is directly responsible for the staffing, supervision and training of personnel in the America’s VetDogs Training Department and for maintaining a level of excellence in both dog training and client instruction. The Manager will provide other departments as needed with training-related support and scheduling of staff for home interviews, client follow-up, puppy-raising events, fund raising initiatives and other ancillary duties. Program adherence to Assistance Dog International standards is a priority.

Essential Functions:

• Ensure that the Service Dog Program is adequately staffed and supervised for the dogs, client, and staff training and organized to assist with home interviews, client instruction, client follow-up, and other ancillary functions.
• Work in conjunction with the Program Education Manager to implement staff education and training related to clients, dogs, and instructors encompassing modern technology, training procedures and employee development to foster a high level of excellence.
• Participate as a member of the AVD Admissions Review Committee and make recommendations regarding client candidacy and acceptance.
• Ensure sufficient dogs are available for training and class and that quality standards are consistently followed in the evaluation and testing for all class-ready Service dogs.
• Ensure and supervise the care and welfare of all dogs under the Training department.
• During class, assist staff in problem solving and oversee decisions concerning the final status of all individual client teams.
• Liaises with the Chief Program Officer, Prison Puppy Program Manager and appropriate staff regarding training methods and protocols for puppies that are being developed for the program.
• Support the adherence to the departments’ budgets and monitor costs throughout year while respecting the donor dollar
• Undertake performance reviews, recruiting, and discipline as necessary.
• Adheres to our organization’s safety policies and procedures and encourages others to do the same. Promptly reports incidents and accidents according to established protocols
• Works on special tasks or projects as assigned by the CEO or CPO.

Essential Requirements:

• Qualified service dog instructor with a minimum of 3 years’ experience (post qualification).
• Innovative leader with the ability to manage team ideas/projects through to final outcomes.
• Understanding of resource management in creating and monitoring budgets and staffing.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner and works with others to solve complex issues.
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical and communication skills. This includes interacting with consumers and staff in an effective and professional manner.
• Able to communicate via voice mail and e-mail, effectively use word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
• Ability to be an informed and articulate spokesperson for the America’s VetDogs.
• Ability to work travel; work weekends, evenings and holidays, which could include overnights in residence as needed.
• High school diploma or equivalent; B.A. college degree preferred.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing and insurable at normal rates. Must be able to drive car, van or bus.
• Authorized to work in the United States

Physical Demands:

• Must be capable of walking a minimum of 5 miles per day, including balance and retrieval training, without being under stress.
• Ability to restrain active dogs weighing up to 85 lbs.
• Ability to pick up a 70 to 85-lb. dog in an emergency.
• Ability to withstand repetitive bending, stooping, kneeling, and squatting.

Visual Acuity:
Near acuity and accommodation are required for the ability to see and read the dog’s reaction to the environment and distractions, ability to read forms, documentation, and computer screen.

Hearing Ability:
Ability to interact with dogs, trainers, student handlers and volunteers either in an informal way or when giving instruction through seminars and training exercises. Ability to hear traffic and other outside noises.

Working Conditions:
The employee is subject to daily outside elements, traffic, subway, train station, and airport noise levels, as well as inside kennel noise. The employee is exposed to cleaning and antibacterial solutions in a kennel. The employee is also exposed to animal dander and hair in confined areas such as vans and kennels.

Compensation Information:
The expected salary range for the position is $100,000 – $125,000 per year. The anticipated starting salary will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors.

We offer a comprehensive benefits program which includes an outstanding 403(b) plan, tuition reimbursement, health, dental, vision, and life insurance, generous paid time off, and more.