Service Dog Instructor

Job Description

Job Description

Salary : $42.00 / hr

About the Organization

Liberty Dogs is a premier Service Dog training program whose goal is to empower Veterans with disabilities to lead more independent and fulfilling lives - enhancing their well-being through the unconditional support that Liberty Service Dogs provide. Located on a 27-acre campus, it includes a training facility, dog housing, an administrative and multipurpose building, and accommodations for Veterans staying on campus to train with their Liberty Service Dogs.

Position Summary

The Instructor is tasked with training dogs to the highest standards in accordance with Liberty Dogs and ADIs guidelines. This position necessitates an in-depth knowledge of Veteran disabilities, as well as a unique understanding of trained Liberty Service Dogs available for placement to make successful matches that will last a lifetime. The Instructor must assess all dogs entering the program and determine whether the dogs should proceed to advanced training, join the breeding program, or be career-changed.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate all incoming dogs and make decisions on their suitability for advanced training, inclusion in the breeding program, or transfer to adoptions.
• Train dogs to meet the highest standards set by Liberty Dogs and ADI, ensuring they are class-ready and capable of performing core Liberty Service Dog tasks, with modifications tailored to individual Veterans.
• Maintain detailed records of each dog's medical, training, and evaluation history and enter into Liberty Dogs database.
• Make sound decisions regarding dog and Veteran placements utilizing available data, observations, and knowledge of criteria. Be able to objectively explain decisions.
• Set up training outings off-site to ensure proper socialization and an appropriate level of complexity for training scenarios.
• Assist Apprentice Instructors.
• Work independently with assigned dogs, problem-solving behavioral or task-based issues using best practices.
• Advise the Training Manager of dogs' performance, suggest class placements for assigned dogs, and for apprentice strings.
• Liaise with the veterinary department on dogs' health and welfare, ensuring dogs are well-cared for, within BCS range, and are medically cleared for placement.
• Class Placements : Lead, observe, and participate in class placements. Ensure team training meets standards for quality and safety. Advise the Training Manager of problems encountered, and steps taken.
• Lead class graduation, ensuring Veterans, puppy raisers, and volunteers are comfortable, informed, and supported through the experience.
• Conduct off-site client services for problem-solving with Veteran graduate teams, recertifications, and other mission essential requirements when required.
• LIMA : Have a complete understanding of the LIMA principle regarding dog training. Set an example and ensure all training on the team is in compliance with accreditation and organizational standards. Be able to teach LIMA principles to other staff, Veteran recipients, puppy raisers, and volunteers.
• Deliver presentations, answer questions, and drive the mission forward during Liberty Dogs presentations and lectures.
• Exhibit skill, sensitivity, and tactfulness when dealing with Veteran recipients.
• Be a role model for Liberty Dogs when working with dogs, Veterans, staff, and volunteers.
• Understand infectious disease controls defined by the organization, communicate them, and take action to help protect Veterans, staff, and dogs.
• Present a positive and professional image of Liberty Dogs to the public.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The employee is frequently required to stand, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and perform a variety of physical motions with their hands, arms, shoulders, legs to properly test, transport and train dogs. The employee is often on their feet and is often required to walk, escort visitors or volunteers around campus, play yards and training areas, climb and balance, go up and down stairs, and utilize elevators. The employee must be able to manipulate and use all equipment and tools necessary to care for and transport dogs, including leashes, medicines, locking medicines, balance harnesses and clickers used for training.

The employee must regularly lift and move up to 50 pounds. This includes the ability to retrieve and distribute dog food and other supplies and to retrieve and replace objects from shelves. This job requires handling multiple Service-Dogs-in-Training every day of up to 100 pounds on and off leash. The employee will work in proximity to cleaning agents and disinfectants and must be able to follow instructions for the use and storage of these chemicals.

Why Join Liberty Dogs?

At Liberty Dogs Foundation, we live by a simple truth : We take care of those who have taken care of our great nation. This role is your opportunity to shape a program that will set a national standard in Veteran wellness and service dog partnershipschanging lives, one Veteran and one dog at a time.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law