Assistant Trainer - Menlo Park, CA

Overview

Paws for Purple Hearts is hiring a full time Assistant Trainer at the Menlo Park, CA facility, located at the Menlo Park VA. This role supports the PPH Assistance Dog Training Program and related specialty management activities at regional sites, under supervision of senior staff.

• As assigned by and with close supervision of the Senior Program Instructor under the direction of the National Dog Program Director, assist in the implementation and maintenance of the Paws for Purple Hearts Assistance Dog Training Program and the specialty management roles as appropriate to each regional site
• Assist with the concept of dogs helping veterans, active-duty military and other military personnel
• Assist in developing an influential stakeholders group to complement and sustain the program
• Continued professional education, including attending Bergin University’s seven week seminar if instructed for job promotional purposes
• Commitment to PPH’s mission, goals, objectives
• All other duties as assigned by the Senior Program Instructor as approved by the National Dog Program Director or the National staff responsible for that specialty

• PPH puppies and dogs: involvement in the Puppy Program in conjunction with PPH National staff and Bergin University staff by assisting with caring for pups, puppy petting program, and early puppy training and enrichment efforts
• Puppy Parent program: assisting with weekend, evening and long-term placement of PPH puppies and dogs; assist with identification of and placement of pups with volunteer puppy parents; assist with puppy parenting classes
• Dog/pup program for on-site volunteers: assisting with training orientations; organizing and preparing duty lists with progression and volunteer training to be knowledgeable to help
• Supporting instructors with their assigned strings of pups and dogs: arranging for dogs to spend evenings/weekends at an instructor’s home for home training and assessment; taking PPH pup/dog on weekly outings for exposure; providing transportation for dogs to appointments and potential emergency care
• Supporting and helping oversee health, well-being and training of PPH puppies and dogs in coordination with Bergin University and local veterinarians
• Instructor specialty role involvement: kennel program;
  Pup Parent program; dog training program; client program;
  Warrior/Veteran program; dog program purchasing
• PPH site office: involvement in administration (filing) and dog manager/veteran recordkeeping (providing records to National Dog Program Director)
• Client placement and graduations: involvement in regional applications for assistance dogs, review of regional applications from veterans and families, selection of appropriate matches; involvement in client trainings and graduations; assist with concepts of dogs helping veterans
• Curriculums and materials development with Bergin University’s Best Practices; provide program observations and ideas for improvement; identify observations to improve dog interactions and roles with veterans
• Maintenance of training and health records: update weekly command evaluation material; submit detailed health records
• Marketing and stakeholder development: engage in public relations activities; assist in marketing the program concept at conferences; identify potential stakeholders and donors

• Educational requirements
  :
  The Assistant Trainer is expected to meet the following:
• Preferably volunteer experience with Paws for Purple Hearts or other assistance dog organizations

• Prior experience preferred: two years in human services/mental health (licensing may be required by assignment); one year in dog handling/training or kennel work (desirable if with assistance dogs); work in or knowledge of the assistance dogs field; background in teaching or human health services related to disabilities (particularly mental health or mobility)

• Basic qualifications include:
• A strong desire to teach dogs to help people
• Knowledge of and/or interest in teaching people to train puppies and dogs using positive methods
• Knowledge of or interest in working with Warriors (active-duty and Veteran military personnel) with physical and psychological injuries
• Knowledge of or interest in symptomatology related to Post Traumatic Stress acquired from military deployments and other circumstances
• Licensing from a board of behavioral science may be required based on assignment
• Accurate reporting and record keeping; good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to make presentations to the general public or other interested parties
• Compatibility with PPH’s direction and purpose

This description reflects the duties and responsibilities as presented and may be subject to change. All other duties as assigned by supervisory staff are included as part of the role.