Guide Dog Mobility Instructor - Spanish Speaking

Leader Dogs for the Blind - Rochester Hills, MI 48307 Overview. Salary Range: $29.00 - $35.00 Hourly. Position Type:
Full Time. Job Shift: Day.

Leader Dogs for the Blind, based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, has been making people unstoppable for 80 years, empowering people who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel. To learn more about our mission and campus follow the link to our website here.

Why work at Leader Dogs for the Blind?

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance after 30 days of employment
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid disability insurance
• 401k with employer match
• Flexible spending account
• Paid time off front loaded on first day of employment
• Annual merit pay increases
• Workout room access
• Dog friendly office

The Guide Dog Mobility Instructor is responsible for training dogs to be qualified Leader Dog guides and instructing qualified persons who are legally blind to travel effectively with those dogs. The instructor is expected to provide basic instruction in the use of alternative mobility aids and technology to enhance the Leader Dog client’s travel skills and mobility.

• Trains Leader Dogs to be responsible, effective guide dogs by selecting appropriate locations and objectives.
• Evaluates Leader Dogs as they progress through training to meet Leader Dog standards and objectives. Creates improvement plans and recommends career change for dogs who are not meeting standards.
• Recommends client and dog matches to Team Supervisor for approval.
• Assists in the planning and scheduling of client instruction.
• Assesses the orientation and mobility needs and capabilities of clients seeking to improve their mobility. With the client, writes SMART objectives to achieve safe and independent guide dog travel.
• Based on assessment and selected objectives, tailors instructional techniques within standards to train qualified Leader Dog clients to travel effectively with a Leader Dog or other applicable methods.
• Continuously evaluates client progress during instruction and modifies training plan in order to achieve objectives.
• Provides basic instruction in Orientation and Mobility techniques and GPS when needed.
• Ensures proper routine care, health care and maintenance of Leader Dogs in training.
• Maintains written and computer records according to established procedures.
• Coordinates planning for graduate and applicant visits. Conducts effective graduate follow-up visits, applicant interviews and graduate assistance. Provides Field Services with accurate reports on each applicant interview and graduate visit.
• Participates in admissions meetings to evaluate new and reapplying applicants (when qualified and requested to do so).
• Participates in internal or external meetings and promotional activities as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from an accredited four-year college or university and a minimum of one year of related experience. An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree. Must have successfully completed an IGDF recognized Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Program. Previous experience and knowledge of animal behavior, dog training skills, teaching skills, and experience with Orientation and Mobility desired.

• Ability to establish and maintain professional, productive and courteous interactions with employees that promote positive teamwork, as well as with volunteers, donors, clients and all constituents of Leader Dog. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.
• Successfully passed Leader Dog GDMI testing and peer review process.
• Ability to work with a group of large dogs and provide safe and human training and kennel environment.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of supervisors, co-workers, students…