Dog Handler

Friends of Switchpoint Inc; St. George (VT); On-site; USD 19,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Transportation allowance

Paid time off

401k

Job summary

Friends of Switchpoint seeks a BNB Dog Handler in Vermont to care for canine guests and support a clean, safe, and engaging environment for dogs and clients. You will help with kennels, play areas, and daily health checks while upholding the organization’s mission to serve those in need.

Ideal candidates are reliable, have strong communication skills, and can work well with a diverse team in a nonprofit setting. A passion for animals and voluntary compliance with safety protocols is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of work experience preferred.
• Experience with animals preferred.
• Motivated self-starter with attention to detail and program delivery.
• Strong problem-solving and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, computer and documentation skills.
• Organizational and follow-up skills; ability to work with diverse staff and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Keep facility clean and maintained.
• Sweep, mop, and sanitize kennels and equipment.
• Maintain a clean play yard and manage dog interactions.
• Record health, safety and behavioral notes.
• Assist in training and dog handling while ensuring safety.
• Report issues to manager and follow on-site procedures.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Interpersonal communication

Written communication

Team leadership potential

Calm under pressure

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database software

Job description

Description

BNB Dog Handler

ORGANIZATION:

Friends of Switchpoint is a non-profit organization that has been serving individuals, families, and veterans in Utah who are experiencing poverty and homelessness since 2014.

OUR MISSION

To empower those in need by addressing the underlying cause of poverty, providing a comprehensive plan, and supporting their journey to self-sufficiency.

OUR VISION

Every individual embodies their worth and value with self-esteem, hope and abilities restored, thriving in affordable housing.

CULTURE VALUES:

• Kindness – Remember Kindness is Contagious!
• Connection – It’s why we’re here and what gives purpose & meaning to life!
• Kinship – We want you and those we serve to feel a sense of Belonging.
• Self-Worth – Treat people the way they can become w/True Value & Worth!
• Self-Reliance – Learn your role and take initiative!! We want “Fishermen”!

GUIDING PRINCIPLES:

• Golden Rule: To treat all people as we ourselves would wish to be treated.
• Positive Influence: To judge our effectiveness by the extent to which individual lives are saved & improved by the positive experience of the people we influence.
• Leadership: To lead by example, developing, promoting, and sharing new ideas and programs to help those experiencing homelessness.
• Authenticity: To do what we say we do.
• Transparency: To be open and honest in our relationships.

OUR MOTTO:

It Takes All of Us to end homelessness.

PURPOSE:

Bed ‘n’ Biscuits Dog Handler oversees and ensures the health and happiness of the customers of Bed ‘n’ Biscuits. The Bed ‘n’ Biscuits Dog Handler must have a love for dogs and show compassion and concern for their well-being.

Requirements

??Role and Responsibilities?

• Keep facility clean
• Sweeping, mopping, and sanitizing kennels and kennel equipment
• Keeping the play yard clean and poop free
• Emptying trash cans and poop bins regularly
• Disinfect facility and yards
• Wash and clean kennel and play equipment
• Maintain a clean and well-kept facility
• Keep it safe
• Monitor social time in play yards
• Learn names and common behaviors of each dog and manage them accordingly
• Use basic obedience commands for manners reminders and dog handling
• Detect and discourage overly excited, aggressive, or inappropriate behavior
• Ensure dogs are safe when being exercised and socialized during playtime
• Report issues or bad behavior to manager/trainer/assistant manager
• Report injuries or health related issues to manager and front desk
• Complete training of Proper Dog Handling course as outlined in the employee manual and on the job training
• Intervene in situations that may result in injuries and provide first aid to injured dogs
• Rewards dogs for good behavior
• Discourage jumping, pulling on leash, overly excited, barking, growling, aggression, etc.
• Keep accurate records
• Feed dogs and keep them healthy
• Keep it fun Enjoy coming to work
• Have fun working with dogs all day
• Create and be a part of a fun environment
• Learn how to play with dogs in a way that stimulates them and be a part of a fun, dynamic group of dogs.

Recordkeeping and Reporting:

• Report critical incident(s) immediately to Regional Director.
• Collects data necessary to meet funding requirements and statistical reports.

??Qualifications and Education Requirements?:

• Minimum requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional two years of work experience is preferred.
• Previous experience working with animals preferred
• Motivated self-started with a proven ability to work well with details and program delivery both individually and as a team player and leader
• Strong problem-solving and interpersonal communication abilities
• Excellent written, verbal, computer and documentation skills
• Proven organizational and follow-up skills
• Comfortable working with diverse clients, volunteers, and staff
• Ability to handle a range of client and volunteer situations calmly, professionally, and respectfully.
• Ability to represent the agency effectively and appropriately to the public.
• Must have the ability to apply common sense in carrying out instructions
• Must have a basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and database software

COMPENSATION

Pay Range starting at $14.00/hour and caps at $16.00/hour

Switchpoint offers a benefits package to Full-Time Employees that includes Medical/Vision/Dental, Transportation Allowance, Paid Time Off, 401k

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We value a diverse workforce.