Team Leader – Assistance Dogs

Contact at organisation: Kim Ryan, EverAbility – Guide Dogs WA

Phone: (+61) 0419 123 115

Email:  kim.ryan@guidedogstas.com.au

Guide Dogs WA
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.
We are working to meet the growing local demand for not only Guide Dogs, but also Autism Assistance Dogs, Therapy 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.

Job Description
This position is responsible for providing technical expertise and leadership to a team of Assistance Dog Instructors, Assistance Dog Trainers, and Facility Dog Handlers, while supporting the growth of programs within Western Australia. The position also provides professional Assistance Dog services to clients and facilities. The role involves assessing, training and matching dogs to eligible clients and conducting client training programs to develop effective working units.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide technical expertise, advice, coaching and leadership to team members.
• Assess and train Assistance Dogs to the standard determined by Guide Dogs WA and based Assistance Dog’s International.
• In collaboration with other members of the assistance and facility dog teams, monitor and support the intake, assessment and matching of dogs, including monitoring of production timeframes
• Manage a client caseload.
• Develop, document and conduct Client Training Programs, both centre-based and domiciliary.
• Refer Dogs for veterinary examination, as required.
• Maintain current knowledge of trends and developments in relation to Assistance Dog services, training techniques, practices, policies and legislation.
• Contribute to the planning, development and delivery of Assistance and Facility Dog services to metropolitan and regional clients
• Monitor staff workloads and allocation of clients
• Advocate on behalf of clients in relation to issues of access and equity.
• In conjunction with other GDWA/EverAbility programs, assist with information provision on the Assistance Dog program to external parties, clients and staff, as required.
• Ensure accurate and timely recording of data on the Client Management System within required timeframes
• Collaborate with other departments to achieve organisational objectives including acting as the main liaison between FM and AD/FD departments for development of a client and dog story bank.
• Represent GDWA at relevant promotional events.
• Comply with organisational policies and procedures.
• Ensure safe work practices are adhered to at all times
• Act as an ambassador for Assistance and Facility dogs, promoting good public image and supporting GDWA/EverAbility’s strategic direction
• Report to Manager any issues relating to or impacting upon service provision.
• Other duties as reasonably directed by Manager

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 or Guide Dog Trainer qualification through an IGDF Member School, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience post qualification
• 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, NDIS Workers Screen and National Police Clearance