Organization: Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind
Location: Cork, Ireland
Job Type: Full time
Deadline: September 20, 2024
Job DescriptionContact at organisation: Catherine O'Leary, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind
Phone: 085 8009227
Email: ******
Purpose of Role:
The successful candidate will be a qualified Guide Dog or Assistance Dog Trainer and will provide specialist training and support to allocated dogs under the care of our Technical Training team. The training provided allows the dog to progress in the appropriate manner to advanced training standard and on to qualify as a Guide Dog or an Assistance Dog.
Responsibilities: Carry out preliminary assessment of dogs.Prepare selected dogs according to the pre-determined training programme to ensure that dogs are supplied within desired time frame and quality.Identify temperamental and behavioural issues and ensure the application of appropriate solutions.Highlight all health issues and promptly refer them for review.Adapt pre-determined programme and implement individual training programmes for allocated dogs.Assist in training for new staff, students, Puppy Raisers, Apprentice Guide Dog Mobility Instructors and others, as required.Highlight dogs that are ready for the progression of training and recommend those that should be withdrawn.Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on our database system, PAWS.Maintain regular and appropriate communication with Puppy Raisers to keep up to date with dogs' progress.Report and document all accidents and incidents relating to dogs and with third parties, in line with current health and safety policies.Work with our Client Services team to ensure aftercare visits are carried out promptly including maintaining accurate records.Work as part of a team to support each other and, from time to time, support other departments such as Fundraising to ensure the efficient and effective operations of the organisation.In addition to these key accountabilities, you may also have ownership for one or more key processes which will be communicated to you via your manager and/or the Performance Management framework.
Values and Behaviours: IGDB places great emphasis on how people get the job done. For example, we need people who are passionate about enabling people who are vision-impaired and families of children with autism to lead better lives and become more mobile and independent. Employees must achieve these standards to fully meet the expectations of their role.
Respect: Treat Clients, Colleagues and Volunteers with equal respect. Be open-minded and tolerant of different views.
Teamwork: Support a team environment which promotes wellbeing and maximises personal effectiveness. Communicate clearly and effectively with others. Strive to be supportive, consistent and professional with Clients, Colleagues and Volunteers.
Optimism: Be solution-focused and bring a positive attitude to challenges. Celebrate wins and encourage others to do the same. Do not fear failure – believe we can all learn lessons for the next time together.
Conscientiousness: Take pride in what is done and how it is done. Always present a professional and capable manner in all tasks. Have a clarity of purpose, set a good example for others. Be accountable for what is done and take ownership for achievement.
Integrity: Lead by example. Be fair and consistent when working with Clients, Colleagues and Volunteers. Take ownership of achievements and responsibility for failure.
Excellence: Strive to continuously improve own performance.
Experience, Education and Skills: Previous experience of dog handling skills and knowledge, demonstrating the successful delivery of an outcome essential.Knowledge of dog training and methods, staff training and instructional techniques and canine behaviour essential.Skilled in analysing dogs' temperaments to provide a successful outcome for each dog.Ability to demonstrate an understanding of dog psychology and behaviour modification.Ability to successfully embrace and solve problem behaviours.Flexibility is required in adapting existing procedures to meet current need.Guide Dog training qualification/certificate of higher education in canine assistance dog training, animal care qualification or an IGDF equivalent qualification.Special Conditions: Full clean driving license essential.Some out of hours working, travel and overnight stays throughout the country required from time to time.*Please note that your responsibilities may be revised to reflect the ongoing needs of the organisation.
The closing date for applications is 20/09/2024.
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is an equal opportunities employer.
Guide dogs make an enormous difference to the lives of blind and visually impaired people. Not only do they bring the gift of independence, they also bring support, companionship and joy to people who really need it. The International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) relies solely on member contributions to continue our work. Help us give the gift of a guide dog to a blind or visually impaired person today!
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