DOGS FOR BETTER LIVES
Shelter Dog Program Coordinator
DOGS FOR BETTER LIVES, Dallas, Texas, United States, 75215
Job Title:
Shelter Dog Program Coordinator
Job Status:
Full-Time, Exempt
Reports to:
Vice President of Program
Location:
Carrollton, TX
Company Overview:
Recognized nationally as a premier nonprofit organization, Dogs for Better Lives’ mission is to professionally train dogs to help people and enhance lives while maintaining a lifelong commitment to all dogs rescued or bred and the people served. Dogs for Better Lives trains and places dogs throughout the United States and is supported by a nationwide donor base. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in finding the right people for the mission. Dogs for Better Lives’ employees embrace a work life balance while being trusted to achieve our goals and serve our clients and dogs. Through our employee driven values, we aim to grow to serve more clients while maintaining our commitment to our clients, dogs, and donors. Dogs for Better Lives has continuing growth opportunities for those seeking increasing responsibilities as we continue to develop a world class nonprofit. Our full-time employees receive an excellent employer paid benefits package which includes the following: medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, basic life insurance, generous time off (flex/sick days, vacation, 10 paid holidays, two (2) floating days off).
Job Summary:
The Shelter Dog Program Coordinator’s (SDPC), overseeing Shelter Dog Success Program (SDSP), primary focus involves working with Operation Kindness (OPK) to identify and evaluate shelter dogs to train to become Assistance Dogs (AD’s); working with OPK staff to seek out, develop, and train program foster volunteers (PFV) living within 30 minutes of OPK; and training shelter dogs to become AD’s. AD training will entail working with shelter dogs for the first two to three months they are placed with PFV in their homes, then transitioning to site-based training when the second phase of training occurs, between three and six months, while continuing to work with PFV’s. Additionally, the SDPC will support and work with DBL staff (Client Services and Field Reps) to select clients and coordinate placement of shelter dogs as AD’s that meet or exceed DBL and ADI standards and guidelines in as efficient a manner as possible.
Position will involve traveling to OPK to evaluate and select shelter dogs suitable for training as AD’s; and traveling to program foster volunteer homes to train selected dogs. Adhering to and developing DBL training guidelines specific to shelter dogs while seeking the best possible living environment to increase their success rate in becoming AD’s. As necessary, works with OPK to secure a network of TAG foster homes as a part of improving successful outcomes of the SDSP. Works OPK to assure dogs who are career changed are successfully returned to OPK for adoption.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Oversees SDSP to ensure program goals are met.
With the assistance of OPK staff, creates foster home program (similar to DBL’s Puppy Raising program) for new shelter dogs in training and work with the dogs placed in the foster homes for the first 2-3 months for basic obedience, socialization, exposure training; and the remain 3-6 months of AD training.
Continually assesses selected SDSP dogs to evaluate dogs for continued appropriateness for DBL programs.
Adheres to standardization of training methods (process/procedure/placement curriculum), providing input to improve successfulness.
Works closely with VP of Programs to maintain consistency in training standards.
Works closely with Client Services to communicate when dogs are nearing completion of training.
Collaborates with Client Services to make placement decisions for program.
Coordinates with staff to transport certified dogs for placement.
Performs other duties/tasks as assigned by the VP of Program.
Acquisition and Career Change
As needed, refines behavioral evaluations for use in screening shelter dogs.
Works with OPK to find juvenile and/or adult dog candidates suitable for training as DBL candidates., including joining OPK Intake Staff on dog runs when necessary.
Documents using DBL’s Evaluation, evaluates of the potential shelter dog in public places, if possible, and exposes the dog to children and cats whenever possible.
Reviews health and behavioral records on all dogs, prior to their training.
Manages transition of shelter dogs from OPK to program foster volunteers’ homes, ensuring effective quarantine, socialization, and assessment protocols are in place.
Assists OPK when SDSP dogs return to OKP when training is not successful.
Provides OPK with written evaluation of dog’s strengths and weaknesses to share with dog’s new owner.
Training
Works with up to 12 dogs in foster homes at various phases of training.
Develops curriculum to help shelter dogs successfully complete training in DBL programs, while working in conjunction with VP of Program.
Trains and communicates with program foster volunteers to track necessary medical and behavioral information on all dogs selected.
Works with program foster volunteers to promote healthy, well-mannered dogs according to Dogs for Better Lives standards.
Maintains a record of all dogs selected from OPK and track specific data to assess how to improve training for shelter dogs to be successful in DBL programs.
Essential Qualifications:
Preferred Certified AD Trainer with successful work history at an AD organization for at least 3 years.
Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working with and training dogs of multiple breeds.
Knowledge of, and experience using, operant conditioning techniques.
Preferred, not required: Four (4) year college degree or equivalent work experience required.
Minimum two (2) years of program coordination experience.
Proficient in Microsoft Office 365.
Strong organizational skills.
Experienced in and comfortable with public speaking.
Excellent written/oral communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to prioritize while working multiple tasks.
Ability to teach others in a positive, enthusiastic manner.
Ability to work with limited supervision.
Ability to communicate using American Sign Language is desirable.
Essential Requirements:
Must pass a criminal background check.
Must be at least 25 years old and have a valid Driver’s License and excellent driving record.
For the safety of the employee, other employees, and the dogs, an employee must have hearing within normal limits (for an adult, hearing thresholds no greater than 25 dB HL from 500 Hz through 4000 Hz, for both ears, with or without hearing aids, implants or other devices. Employees must be able to hear the wide variety of sounds at different levels and pitches from a variety of directions and distances that dogs make while interacting with people and each other. This includes:
Detect barking at all levels and tones
Determine direction barking is coming from
Detect change in type of bark, tone, volume
Detect low growl, direction
Hear a dog running behind them
Hear talking in a normal range
When training a dog, the trainer must be able to hear all the sounds and tones that he/she is training the dog to hear in order to reward behavior and ensure successful outcomes.
Physically capable of lifting dogs up to 65 pounds, the agility to move quickly, climb stairs, operate office equipment and computers with ease, and the ability to get up and down easily while working and playing with the dogs.
Note: This is a job description, not an employment contract. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by management. Dogs for Better Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Shelter Dog Program Coordinator
Job Status:
Full-Time, Exempt
Reports to:
Vice President of Program
Location:
Carrollton, TX
Company Overview:
Recognized nationally as a premier nonprofit organization, Dogs for Better Lives’ mission is to professionally train dogs to help people and enhance lives while maintaining a lifelong commitment to all dogs rescued or bred and the people served. Dogs for Better Lives trains and places dogs throughout the United States and is supported by a nationwide donor base. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in finding the right people for the mission. Dogs for Better Lives’ employees embrace a work life balance while being trusted to achieve our goals and serve our clients and dogs. Through our employee driven values, we aim to grow to serve more clients while maintaining our commitment to our clients, dogs, and donors. Dogs for Better Lives has continuing growth opportunities for those seeking increasing responsibilities as we continue to develop a world class nonprofit. Our full-time employees receive an excellent employer paid benefits package which includes the following: medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, basic life insurance, generous time off (flex/sick days, vacation, 10 paid holidays, two (2) floating days off).
Job Summary:
The Shelter Dog Program Coordinator’s (SDPC), overseeing Shelter Dog Success Program (SDSP), primary focus involves working with Operation Kindness (OPK) to identify and evaluate shelter dogs to train to become Assistance Dogs (AD’s); working with OPK staff to seek out, develop, and train program foster volunteers (PFV) living within 30 minutes of OPK; and training shelter dogs to become AD’s. AD training will entail working with shelter dogs for the first two to three months they are placed with PFV in their homes, then transitioning to site-based training when the second phase of training occurs, between three and six months, while continuing to work with PFV’s. Additionally, the SDPC will support and work with DBL staff (Client Services and Field Reps) to select clients and coordinate placement of shelter dogs as AD’s that meet or exceed DBL and ADI standards and guidelines in as efficient a manner as possible.
Position will involve traveling to OPK to evaluate and select shelter dogs suitable for training as AD’s; and traveling to program foster volunteer homes to train selected dogs. Adhering to and developing DBL training guidelines specific to shelter dogs while seeking the best possible living environment to increase their success rate in becoming AD’s. As necessary, works with OPK to secure a network of TAG foster homes as a part of improving successful outcomes of the SDSP. Works OPK to assure dogs who are career changed are successfully returned to OPK for adoption.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Oversees SDSP to ensure program goals are met.
With the assistance of OPK staff, creates foster home program (similar to DBL’s Puppy Raising program) for new shelter dogs in training and work with the dogs placed in the foster homes for the first 2-3 months for basic obedience, socialization, exposure training; and the remain 3-6 months of AD training.
Continually assesses selected SDSP dogs to evaluate dogs for continued appropriateness for DBL programs.
Adheres to standardization of training methods (process/procedure/placement curriculum), providing input to improve successfulness.
Works closely with VP of Programs to maintain consistency in training standards.
Works closely with Client Services to communicate when dogs are nearing completion of training.
Collaborates with Client Services to make placement decisions for program.
Coordinates with staff to transport certified dogs for placement.
Performs other duties/tasks as assigned by the VP of Program.
Acquisition and Career Change
As needed, refines behavioral evaluations for use in screening shelter dogs.
Works with OPK to find juvenile and/or adult dog candidates suitable for training as DBL candidates., including joining OPK Intake Staff on dog runs when necessary.
Documents using DBL’s Evaluation, evaluates of the potential shelter dog in public places, if possible, and exposes the dog to children and cats whenever possible.
Reviews health and behavioral records on all dogs, prior to their training.
Manages transition of shelter dogs from OPK to program foster volunteers’ homes, ensuring effective quarantine, socialization, and assessment protocols are in place.
Assists OPK when SDSP dogs return to OKP when training is not successful.
Provides OPK with written evaluation of dog’s strengths and weaknesses to share with dog’s new owner.
Training
Works with up to 12 dogs in foster homes at various phases of training.
Develops curriculum to help shelter dogs successfully complete training in DBL programs, while working in conjunction with VP of Program.
Trains and communicates with program foster volunteers to track necessary medical and behavioral information on all dogs selected.
Works with program foster volunteers to promote healthy, well-mannered dogs according to Dogs for Better Lives standards.
Maintains a record of all dogs selected from OPK and track specific data to assess how to improve training for shelter dogs to be successful in DBL programs.
Essential Qualifications:
Preferred Certified AD Trainer with successful work history at an AD organization for at least 3 years.
Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working with and training dogs of multiple breeds.
Knowledge of, and experience using, operant conditioning techniques.
Preferred, not required: Four (4) year college degree or equivalent work experience required.
Minimum two (2) years of program coordination experience.
Proficient in Microsoft Office 365.
Strong organizational skills.
Experienced in and comfortable with public speaking.
Excellent written/oral communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to prioritize while working multiple tasks.
Ability to teach others in a positive, enthusiastic manner.
Ability to work with limited supervision.
Ability to communicate using American Sign Language is desirable.
Essential Requirements:
Must pass a criminal background check.
Must be at least 25 years old and have a valid Driver’s License and excellent driving record.
For the safety of the employee, other employees, and the dogs, an employee must have hearing within normal limits (for an adult, hearing thresholds no greater than 25 dB HL from 500 Hz through 4000 Hz, for both ears, with or without hearing aids, implants or other devices. Employees must be able to hear the wide variety of sounds at different levels and pitches from a variety of directions and distances that dogs make while interacting with people and each other. This includes:
Detect barking at all levels and tones
Determine direction barking is coming from
Detect change in type of bark, tone, volume
Detect low growl, direction
Hear a dog running behind them
Hear talking in a normal range
When training a dog, the trainer must be able to hear all the sounds and tones that he/she is training the dog to hear in order to reward behavior and ensure successful outcomes.
Physically capable of lifting dogs up to 65 pounds, the agility to move quickly, climb stairs, operate office equipment and computers with ease, and the ability to get up and down easily while working and playing with the dogs.
Note: This is a job description, not an employment contract. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by management. Dogs for Better Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr