Assistance Dog Training Coordinator

Medical Detection Dogs

Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire (On-site)

£28,000 - £32,000 per year

Full-time

Permanent

Actively Interviewing

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Job description

The Job

The welfare of our dogs is very important to us. We have a no-kennel policy, and all our dogs live in the homes of volunteer puppy Socialisers until they are about 18 months old. We are committed to providing quality training and support for all our dogs and the volunteers who look after them.

This role requires someone with the skills, experience, and passion to take responsibility for organising and monitoring the Assistance dog training team. The successful candidate will ensure that the team of Assistance Dog Trainers develop our puppies and young dogs to ensure they receive the highest standard of socialisation and training, thereby maximising their chances of becoming a Medical Alert Assistance Dog. They will also play a role in the training and development of less experienced members of the team.

Reports to: Head of Canine Supply, Training and Welfare

Specific Responsibilities

To oversee the day-to-day activities of the Assistance Dog Trainers, carrying out 121’s, annual reviews, etc.
To oversee the preparation of and to deliver in accordance with the dog pick-up schedule for the MAAD programme
To support puppies or young dogs when required
To carry out the 6-month, 12-month, and final assessments of dogs
Assist with the training and development of Trainee Assistance Dog Trainers and less experienced Trainers which may include acting as a mentor
To liaise with the Health and Welfare Coordinator on any health issues regarding puppies and dogs within the Assistance Dog Training Scheme
Support the Assistance Dog Trainers with potential matches for a particular client or clients and dog, and to report this progress regularly in Dog and Client matching meetings
Highlight to the Head of Canine Supply, Training and Welfare in a timely manner, if you feel a dog is not reaching the appropriate standard or may be more suitable for another role. Detailed evidenced reasons why, must be supplied
If and when required, to stay away from home, supporting Assistance Dog Trainers with their puppies and volunteers who are based in our regional areas
To liaise with the Dog Supply Advisor on puppy intake
To oversee the rehoming of withdrawn puppies and dogs from the Socialising Scheme

Socialiser Recruitment

To monitor and when necessary, highlight to the Head of Canine Supply, Training and Welfare a shortage of Puppy Socialisers.
Assist in the recruitment of new volunteer Socialisers

Other

To support the Head of Canine Supply, Training and Welfare with the annual Trustee reports
Update the Harlequin CRM database in a timely fashion to ensure accurate and up to date training, veterinary and health records
Support the charity’s fundraising, communications and volunteering teams as required, specifically in relation to your area
From time to time, you may be required to have a dog live with you for additional training for a set period
Share best practice with colleagues across the charity
To be familiar with ADUK and ADI regulations, ensure that you adhere to these standards with regards to behaviour, obedience, welfare, and branding
To liaise with and provide support for Volunteers who may operate as part of the Medical Alert Assistance Dog Department or charity as a whole

Other tasks or ad-hoc duties agreed with your line manager required to ensure the successful running of the charity.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to demonstrate high-quality judgement and a proven track record in relation to the following:
Dog training matters including the analysis of temperaments, appropriate training methods, and requirements necessary to maintain public confidence in assistance dogs.
Solutions to training and behavioural problems.
Assistance Dog Training including the ability to assess each person’s preferred learning style and adapt as appropriate your training approach, the specific programmes to be followed,
Welfare and safety and appropriate time for referral to others.
Appropriate support to apprentices
Dealings with other staff, clients, and members of the public
Strong and clear teaching and instructing skills.
Ability to plan work, be organised, and ensure that time is utilised effectively for yourself, colleagues, and Socialisers.
Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with a wide range of people internally and externally. This will include clients and their families, fosterers, other professional service providers, members of the public, the media, managers, and other colleagues.
High level of IT literacy and report writing skills including experience of using Microsoft-based programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, and Power Point.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

Practical knowledge in the following areas:

· AD(UK) and ADI regulations.

· Basic theory of practical dog training.

· Law in relation to dogs.

· Knowledge of medical conditions relevant to puppies between 8 weeks and 2 years of age.

· Dog and human psychology.

· Health and safety implications of dog and socialiser handling. Some experience of assisting with the training and development of less experienced colleagues

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

You should be supportive of the charitable aims of Medical Detection Dogs and capable of working as part of a team, as well as being able to motivate yourself.
You should be adaptable and positively embrace change by not only being flexible towards the ideas of others but also putting forward ideas to colleagues. This will involve creativity in problem-solving and making appropriate responses to new ideas and unexpected situations.

Values & Behaviours

There are a few key values that we believe are important in the workplace: