Therapy Dog Specialist

Posted: 08/10/2024

Closing Date: 22/10/2024

**Job Type**: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Glossodia

Job Category: Community Services & Development

We are committed to providing services for people with low vision or blindness by tailoring solutions to help overcome barriers and build independent and fulfilling lives.

We are united in our shared mission of creating opportunities, championing the rights of people with low vision or blindness, and building communities who share our mindset and ambition for accessibility and inclusivity.

With a strong culture of innovation, learning, flexibility and belonging, we live our values and allow our team members to be the best version of themselves inside and outside work.

**Key Accountabilities**:

- Timely and accurate administration of dog, client, and stakeholder details and journey through training to placement is completed on relevant platforms.
- Support is provided on various social media platforms.
- Detailed information about dogs and client placement is provided to various teams across GDN as required.
- Feedback about dogs and outcomes is provided in a timely manner to stakeholders, volunteers and relevant staff.
- Accurate observations and interpretations of canine behaviour inform training practices.
- End user goals (person with a physical disability, mental health disorder, or intellectual impairment) is used to inform and drive all practises and outcomes
- Assessment of applicant clients and organisations are scheduled and conducted.

**Essential Experience**:

- Cert IV in Dog Training and Behaviour or equivalent.
- Demonstration of capacity to understand and prescribe Public Access Test.
- Demonstration of continuing education in dog handling/training skills.
- Have working knowledge of Office 365 Suite (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, etc.) and Salesforce or similar and social media (Facebook and Messenger).
- Skills in the identification, communication and solving of problems.
- Able to manage the physical demands of the job which may include upwards of 5kms of daily walking whilst managing a dog.
- Hold a drivers licence as recognised in the state of NSW in order to transport dogs and conduct client visits

**Benefits that Guide Dogs offer**:
As a member of the Guide Dogs team, you will have access to a wide range of benefits tailored to your needs.
- A competitive remuneration package is available commensurate with skills and experience, which includes tax free salary packaging of up to $15,900.
- Tool of trade vehicle provided + phone + laptop + iPad + accommodation and meal allowance for overnight stays.
- EAP - Get support when you need it with Employee Assistance Program counselling sessions.
- Me Days - Receive two paid days per year to support your health and wellbeing.
- Paid Parental Leave - take time to bond with your new child with 13 weeks paid leave after qualification period
- The option to purchase up to 4 weeks additional leave each year.
- Employee benefits program and Reward and Recognition program.
- Annual flu vaccinations.
- Support for your professional development including paid study leave and educational assistance.
- Join an organisation that makes a meaningful and positive impact on our society.

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT are proud to be an inclusive workplace that reflects our clients and the broader community and are committed to providing a work environment in which everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect. We offer equal employment opportunity regardless of your disability, gender or gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital or domestic status, carer status, or political opinion.