Assistant Trainer - Anchorage, AK

Paws for Purple Hearts; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned assistance dog training organization is hiring an Assistant Trainer in Anchorage, AK. The position focuses on training dogs to assist veterans and requires strong interpersonal skills and a background in human services or dog training. Ideal candidates are passionate about helping others and have the ability to work with military personnel facing challenges.

Qualifications

• Strong desire to teach dogs to help people.
• Two years in human service/mental health field.
• Experience or knowledge of assistance dogs.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the implementation of the Assistance Dog Training Program.
• Support health and training of PPH puppies and dogs.
• Contribute to site office administration and client placement.

Skills

Teaching dogs using positive methods

Knowledge of PTSD-related symptoms

Interpersonal skills

Public speaking

Education

Experience in human service/mental health field

Experience in dog handling/training

Job description

Join to apply for the Assistant Trainer - Anchorage, AK role at Paws for Purple Hearts

Paws for Purple Hearts is hiring a full time Assistant Trainer at the Anchorage, AK facility.

Overview

Statement of Qualifications, Responsibilities and Duties

Responsibilities

• As assigned by and under 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.
• As assigned by and under close supervision of the Senior Program Instructor under the direction of the National Dog Program Director, assist with the concept of dogs helping veterans, active-duty military and other military personnel.
• As assigned by and under close supervision of the Senior Program Instructor under the direction of the National Dog Program Director, assist in the development of an influential stakeholders group to compliment and sustain the program.
• Continue professional education, including attending Bergin University’s seven week seminar if instructed for job promotional purposes.
• Maintain commitment to PPH’s mission, goals, and objectives.
• Perform 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.

Program and Training Scope

• Assist in the PPH Puppy Program in collaboration with Bergin University staff and National staff, including caring for pups, pup petting programs, and early puppy training and enrichment.
• Assist with the Puppy Parent program including weekend, evening and long-term placement of PPH puppies and dogs; identify and place pups with volunteer puppy parents and assist with puppy parenting classes.
• Assist with dog/pup program operations for on-site volunteers, including training orientations and organizing duty lists to match volunteer skill levels; help train volunteers to be knowledgeable contributors.
• Support instructors with pups and dogs, including coordinating home training and assessment, weekly outings for exposure, and transportation for dogs as needed.
• Support health, well-being and training of PPH puppies and dogs, coordinating with Bergin University and local veterinarians.
• Involvement in instructor specialty roles such as kennel program, Pup Parent program, dog training program, client program, Veteran/Active-Duty Military programs, and dog program purchasing.
• Contribute to site office administration and client placement and graduations; assist with regional applications for assistance dogs, review applications from Veterans and families, and help match Veterans with appropriate dogs; assist with client trainings and graduations.
• Assist in developing curriculums and materials in conjunction with Bergin University’s “Best Practices,” and provide observations and data to improve program sessions and dog interactions with veterans.
• Assist with maintenance of dog training records and health records, including weekly command evaluation material updates and monthly/annual medical treatments and exams as needed.
• Involvement in marketing and stakeholder development, including public relations activities and conference representation; identify potential stakeholders and donors.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A strong desire to teach dogs to help people; knowledge or interest in teaching puppies and dogs using positive methods.
• Interest in working with Warriors (active-duty and Veteran military personnel) with physical and psychological injuries; interest in PTSD-related symptoms in military contexts.
• 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 public or other parties; compatibility with PPH’s direction and purpose.
• Two years in human service/mental health field (licensing may be required based on assignment); one year in dog handling/training or kennel work (preferably with assistance dogs); experience or knowledge of the assistance dogs field; background in teaching or human health services related to disabilities.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

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