Assistant Trainer - Instructor Track

Paws for Purple Hearts; Ruther Glen (VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health insurance

Paid time off

Opportunities for advancement

Job summary

Paws for Purple Hearts in Ruther Glen, VA is seeking a full-time Assistant Trainer to nurture and train assistance dogs for veterans. Ideal candidates will have an AS degree and experience in human services or dog handling. The role involves assisting in the Assistance Dog Training Program, guiding dogs to help veterans, and contributing to team efforts. Key benefits include health insurance, 401(k), and opportunities for advancement. Must relocate to Ruther Glen before starting work.

Qualifications

• Two years experience in human service/mental health field.
• One year experience in dog handling/training or kennel work.
• Background in teaching or human health services related to disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing the Assistance Dog Training Program.
• Help in the concept of dogs assisting veterans and military personnel.
• Commitment to PPH’s mission and objectives.

Skills

Teaching dogs using positive methods

Communication and interpersonal skills

Knowledge of assistance dogs field

Education

AS degree

Job description

The Paws for Purple Hearts’ Assistant Trainer position is a feeder position for the Associate Program Instructor position. Promotion to the Associate Program Instructor will be considered with completion of probationary period and 7‑week Service Dog Seminar training.

The Paws for Purple Hearts’ Assistant Trainer position is expected to have met the following specific educational requirements:

• AS degree
• Preferably volunteer experience with Paws for Purple Hearts or other assistance dog organizations.

Prior experience preferred for this position includes:

• Two‑years experience in human service/mental health field (licensing may be required based on assignment);
• One‑year experience in dog handling/training or kennel work, desirable if with assistance dogs;
• Work in or knowledge of the assistance dogs field;
• A background in teaching or human health services related to disabilities (particularly Veterans' mental health or mobility).

Basic Qualifications

• 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 an interest in working with Warriors (active‑duty and Veteran military personnel) with physical and psychological injuries;
• Knowledge of or an 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;
• Ability to complete all requirements for the locations of our services, which may include TB testing, vaccination requirements, and background checks to gain clearance to military bases and locations;
• Compatibility with PPH’s direction and purpose.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the implementation and maintenance of the Paws for Purple Hearts Assistance Dog Training Program under the direction of the Senior Program Instructor and National Dog Program Director, and in 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 the development of an influential stakeholders group to complement and sustain the program;
• Continuing professional education, including, if instructed for job promotional purposes, to attend Bergin College of Canine Studies’s seven‑week seminar either in Winter 2024/25 or Summer 2025.
• Commitment to PPH’s mission, goals, objectives;
• All other duties as assigned by the Senior Program Instructor and approved by the National Dog Program Director, the Site Manager or Regional Director or the National staff responsible for that specialty.

Job Type: Full‑time

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule

• 8‑hour shift
• Day shift
• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s)

• Are you willing to complete all requirements including but not limited to required vaccines, TB testing, and paperwork for military base access in order to provide the services to our clients and participants?
• Are you willing and able to travel to Oregon for a 7‑week training seminar?

Ability to Relocate

• Ruther Glen, VA 22546: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location

In person