Reports to : CEO
Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland is expanding its Assistance Dog Programme and is recruiting an Apprentice Assistance Dog Instructor.
This is a permanent, full-time position, working 37.5 hours a week, with a starting salary of €30,000.
The apprenticeship training will span 2.5 years, during which you will work under the supervision of one of our Qualified Instructors to train assistance dogs and families of children with autism.
This role is central to the delivery of our assistance dog service. As a national charity, you will be involved in training dogs and clients throughout Ireland, which will require travel and occasional overnight stays.
Responsibilities include:
- Specialist training of suitable dogs to ensure they meet the high standards required of an Assistance Dog. This includes teaching tasks and skills and achieving excellence across all areas of training.
- Training families with the dogs and providing ongoing aftercare support to ensure the long-term success of the assistance dog and the family relationship.
- Assessment of families to determine their suitability and to match them with a dog best suited to their needs. This takes place in their home environment.
- Matching dogs to ensure a suitable child and family on the waiting list.
- Class training of clients and their dogs, delivered over four days, covering handling, training, maintenance, and welfare to build the confidence of the main handler before they bring the dog home.
- Aftercare support, including the initial bonding between the dog and child in the family home, as well as annual visits to ensure the continued welfare of the dog and the effectiveness of the dog-child partnership.
The training and placement of assistance dogs are done on a four- to five-month rolling cycle. Once fully qualified, you will have the ability to place 8-10 fully trained assistance dogs per year.
Required Experience and Skills:
- 2+ years of practical dog-handling experience
- Qualification in canine behavior and/or social sciences, nursing, or other people training/dog-related roles
- Understanding of dog psychology and confidence in managing groups of dogs
- Physical ability and willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Strong people skills, including client engagement and communication skills
- Familiarity with G Suite and databases
- Confidence in delivering presentations to small groups, both virtually and in-person
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends, and unsociable hours as required
This position is based at our headquarters in Little Island, Cork. Travel and overnight stays are required approximately eight weeks per year for client aftercare and home assessments.
- Must have a full, clean driving license (a company van will be provided)
- Must be eligible to work in Ireland
AADI values the best interests of its clients and is committed to developing long-term relationships that make a positive difference in the lives of children with autism.
Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland is accredited by Assistance Dogs International. We are a growing organisation focused on training and placing autism assistance dogs with children who have autism. For more information about Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, our training program, and our current team, please visit our website: www.aadi.ie
Closing date for applications: Friday, 29th November 2024
Interviews: Scheduled for December 2024
Please submit your cover letter and CV to nuala@aadi.ie.
For more information on this role, please contact Nuala at nuala@aadi.ie.
Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer