Job Title: Resident Dog Trainer
Level/Salary Range: $24+/hour Position
Type: Part-time or Full time

Applications Accepted By:  E-mail: michael.d@soul-dogs-inc.org Mail: Michael Donnelly 9053 Harlan st. Unit 60 Westminster, CO 80031

Job Description This position requires a certificate in dog training (e.g. CPDT-KA, CPDT-KSA, AABP-CDT, CBATI, KPA-CTP), training service dogs experience, and experience in human services working with individuals with developmental disabilities. Prefer someone who has local contacts and can build a training program/dog training business that will employ individuals with developmental disabilities. This person will also be a day program manager/staff member and ensure all individuals are safe and address target behaviors in a kind, compassionate manner. This person is also ASL fluent and can teach/train utilizing ASL alongside English.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
❑ Clear Criminal Records Check and Drivers background
❑ ASL fluency (Preferred but not required)

RESPONSIBILITIES:
❑ Act in a manager capacity in running a day program room for a varied group of participants ensuring the daily flow of activities and attention to each individual’s needs as well as the group process.
❑ Will develop and implement a daily (4 days/week, different groups per day) dog training class for the participants in Soul Dogs, Inc. who have intellectual/developmental disabilities and psychiatric disorders. The classes will run for approximately 52 weeks and include public access training and individual task training. Those who graduate from this program may start a dog for themselves in training and/or be a junior dog trainer for the community (along with this staff member).
❑ Will develop with the participants in Soul Dogs, Inc. a puppy kindergarten for SDI puppies, and supervise the daily class.
❑ Will offer a weekly class for Soul Dogs, Inc. puppy raisers and therapists who wish to certify their dogs as therapy dogs. ❑ Will certify dogs as Puppy Star, CGC, Therapy Dogs, Public Access Trained SD and keep records on all the animals.
❑ Will ensure all dogs are up-to-date on shots, etc., and ensure puppy raisers are practicing with their puppies
❑ Will work in the community with participants and the dogs addressing what has been learned in class and assisting with developing community skills, community access abilities, and assisting the dog-human team navigate everyday situations through the day program.
❑ May work with the Supported Employment department and assist in training development for individuals involved in the supported employment program (e.g.dog handling, walking, long-term care, etc). This will be determined at a later date.
❑ Will ensure all daily documentation and tracking is complete and accurate by the end of the workday
❑ Will supervise and observe participants and dogs at all times to ensure their safety and to make sure they are not exhibiting harmful behavior to themselves, others, or animals
❑ Will work with participants with an understanding of each consumer’s pace and developmental needs and the positive outcomes it will provide
❑ Will learn and use participants’ historical information, behavior plans, and recurring trends as a tool to help them progress in achieving their goals
❑ Will act as a day program manager and follow directives of the Day Program Director.

SOUL DOGS, INC. ADDITIONAL PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
❑ Compassion plus an ability to set limits and follow through
❑ Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality, listen carefully, interpret accurately & respond to a high volume of requests
❑ Knowledge and sensitivity to cultural differences
❑ Excellent written and oral communication skills
❑ Initiative and flexibility
❑ Strong project/time management & organizational skills; detail oriented
❑ Supportive, kind, caring, and willing to ensure the environment is respectful and honest
❑ Passion for this specialized work we do

REPORTS TO: Day Program Director