Apprentice Guide Dog Mobility Instructor

About the role

Leader Dogs for the Blind, an international organization based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, provides comprehensive guide dog services and orientation and mobility training, equipping individuals with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel. Our life-changing work is provided free of charge, and we are 100% philanthropically funded.

Responsibilities

• Completes structured apprentice program timely and effectively according to program guidelines.
• Selects appropriate locations and objectives for training Leader Dogs to be responsible, effective guide dogs.
• Evaluates Leader Dogs as they progress through training to meet Leader Dog standards and objectives. Creates improvement plans and recommends career change for dogs who are not meeting standards.
• Assists in the planning and scheduling of client instruction.
• Assesses the orientation and mobility needs and capabilities of clients seeking to improve their mobility. Writes SMART objectives to achieve safe and independent guide dog travel.
• Tailors instructional techniques within standards to train qualified Leader Dog clients to travel effectively with a Leader Dog or other applicable methods.
• Evaluates client progress during instruction and modifies training plan in order to achieve objectives.
• Provides basic instruction in Orientation and Mobility techniques and GPS when needed.
• Maintains proper routine care, health care and maintenance of Leader Dogs in training.
• Maintains written and computer records according to established procedures.
• Coordinates planning for graduate and applicant visits. Conducts effective graduate follow-up visits, applicant interviews and graduate assistance. Provides Field Services with accurate reports on each applicant interview and graduate visit.
• Participates in admissions meetings to evaluate new and reapplying applicants (when qualified and requested to do so).
• Participates in internal or external meetings and promotional activities as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Related experience and knowledge of teaching skills, working with people with disabilities, animal behavior, dog training skills, or experience with Orientation and Mobility preferred.
• Able to establish and maintain professional, productive and courteous interactions with employees that promote positive teamwork, as well as with volunteers, donors, clients and all constituents of Leader Dog. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.
• Able to interact with blind and visually impaired clients with courtesy and professionalism.
• Able to work with a group of large dogs and provide safe and humane training and kennel environment.
• Able to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of supervisors, co-workers, students and the general public.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills as well as strong organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Able to work a flexible schedule that includes non-traditional business hours.
• Able to travel when necessary, may be required to possess a valid driver’s license, chauffer’s license and passport.
• Proficient in latest version of Microsoft Office products.
• Possess sound business judgment, exercise professional conduct, understand and follow business ethics and standards, and maintain a high level of confidentiality in all duties.
• This position requires adherence to all applicable safety and health policies and procedures.
• CPR and health related training will be needed.

Qualifications

• Education: Not specified.
• Experience: Related experience and knowledge of teaching skills, working with people with disabilities, animal behavior, dog training skills, or experience with Orientation and Mobility preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Able to establish and maintain professional, productive and courteous interactions with employees that promote positive teamwork, as well as with volunteers, donors, clients and all constituents of Leader Dog. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor. Ability to interact with blind and visually impaired clients with courtesy and professionalism. Ability to work with a group of large dogs and provide safe and humane training and kennel environment. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of supervisors, co-workers, students and the general public. Possess excellent oral and written communication skills as well as strong organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks. Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes non-traditional business hours. Ability to travel when necessary, may be required to possess a valid driver’s license, chauffer’s license and passport. Proficient in latest version of Microsoft Office products. Possess sound business judgment, exercise professional conduct, understand and follow business ethics and standards, and maintain a high level of confidentiality in all duties.

Skills

• Teaching skills
• Working with people with disabilities
• Animal behavior
• Dog training skills
• Orientation and Mobility

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance after 30 days of employment
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid disability insurance
• 401k with employer match
• Flexible spending account
• Paid time off front loaded on first day of employment
• Annual merit-based pay increases
• Dog friendly office

Pay

Commensurate with experience.

Schedule

N/A