Puppy Development Advisor

**About Guide Dogs Victoria**

Guide Dogs Victoria is a leader in breaking down barriers that enable our people to live a life without limits.

Guide Dogs Victoria recognises and responds to the diverse needs and choices of our Clients. We specialise in providing high quality and safe services and supports to people living with low vision or blindness and other disabilities. We are one of Australia’s most trusted charity and an employer of choice in the disability and aged care sectors. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of our employees and volunteers and the benefits this brings to our organisation. Our people enjoy an inclusive and culturally safe work environment free from all forms of discrimination. Guide Dogs Victoria is a place where talent is recognised and innovation is encouraged.

**Puppy Development Advisor (22.8 hours per week)**

Guide Dogs Victoria has an exciting permanent part-time opportunity, for an experienced professional to join our Puppy Development Team, in the role of Puppy Development Advisor.

In your new role as Puppy Development Advisor, you will play a crucial role in supporting our Puppy Raisers with the early development and training of our guide dogs, to ensure they become confident, well-behaved, and reliable companions for individuals with low vision or blindness. Your expertise will be vital in nurturing and guiding young puppies through their early stages of socialisation and basic obedience training. Working closely with a team of trainers, volunteers, and support staff, you will help shape the future of these guide dogs and contribute significantly to improving the lives of people with low vision or blindness

*This role will be supporting Puppy Raisers from the outer Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne, including Box Hill, Nunawading, Springvale,Lilydale, Ferntree Gully and Pakenham.* This role involves some puppy classes on some weeknights (Wednesdays) and on Saturdays.

**In this role you will be responsible to**:

- Managing a case load of Puppy Raisers and their allocated puppies, ensuring effective instruction and monitoring of the puppies’ progress according to our Puppy Raising Program;
- Providing telephone consultancy and support for Puppy Raisers ensuring timely and supportive communications;
- Conducting puppy assessment reviews and visits and maintaining appropriate documentation; and
- Making recommendations on the suitability of puppies entering the Guide Dog Program.
- Relevant dog training certificate level qualifications are desirable;
- Solid understanding of the principles of dog learning through juvenile and young adult stages, and a commitment to positive reinforcement methodology;
- Strong communication & interpersonal skills, including strong written and verbal communication;
- Strong time management & organisational skills;
- A strong client and customer focus and a commitment to person centred service practices;
- A commitment to live the values and behaviours of Guide Dogs Victoria; and
- A strong alignment with the vision of Guide Dogs Victoria in delivering independence to people who are blind or have low vision.

**Benefits that Guide Dogs Victoria offer**:

- A competitive remuneration package is available commensurate with skills and experience, which includes tax free salary packaging of up to $18,550;
- Flexible working arrangements and hybrid working;
- 6 weeks paid parental leave;
- Support towards your professional development including paid study leave, educational assistance and an external mentoring program;
- Wellbeing program which includes an annual wellbeing calendar, discounted health insurance, employee assistance program, skin checks and annual flu vaccinations; and
- Reward and Recognition program.

**Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion**

Guide Dogs Victoria is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a work environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and accessibility, and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe to be their true self at work.

**Mandatory Safety Screening Checks**

All employees are also required to comply with COVID-19 vaccination requirements as a condition of their employment, including third dose vaccinations. Vaccination evidence or valid medical exemption must be provided prior your commencement date.

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