Warrior Trainer

K9s For Warriors Inc; Ponte Vedra Beach (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

K9s For Warriors Inc based in Ponte Vedra Beach is seeking a Warrior Trainer. This position entails overseeing all aspects of training service dogs for veterans suffering from PTSD and other issues. The Warrior Trainer will conduct training sessions, mentor veterans, and maintain high training standards.

Qualifications include a high school diploma and at least two years of experience working with veterans. If you are passionate about helping veterans and possess strong leadership skills, we invite you to apply.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working directly with veterans at any Veteran Service Organizations.
• Experience working with Veterans dealing with mental and physical disabilities.
• Strong verbal, written, and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of Warrior Training, including daily instruction and practical application.
• Conduct training of Warrior and Service Dog teams including public access.
• Maintain detailed training and evaluation notes as per policies.

Skills

Leadership

Military experience

Management skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

About this position

Determined to end Veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the leading nonprofit organization providing Service Dogs to military Veterans nationwide suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma — at no financial cost to the Veteran. Founded in 2011 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, K9s For Warriors is committed to saving lives at both ends of the leash by primarily rescuing dogs and pairing them with Veterans in need. In order to continue the great work we’re doing, we’re looking to add a Warrior Trainer to our amazing team!

Role and Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Sr. Manager of Warrior Training, the Warrior Trainer is to oversee all aspects of Warrior Training, including but not limited to, daily instruction and introduction of new commands, providing and monitoring practical application of each command, and presenting class lectures, as required. The Warrior Trainer must maintain training standards with all Warriors, as well as any updates to training methods/materials.

Daily local travel, Monday through Friday, and possibly on weekends and evenings, as needed.

Preparation for Team Training

• Review upcoming Warrior applications to familiarize yourself with each Warrior’s disabilities and training needs
• Review each class dog file with the K9 Training team
• Request supplies for delivery prior to team training, such as leashes, vests, collars, treat bags, collapsible bowls, and waste bag dispensers
• Make sure each class has equipment and binders set up prior to arrival

Warrior Training

• Conduct all training of Warrior and Service Dog teams including daily public access
• Review and administer written exams and the Public Access Test
• Assist with and participate in the graduation ceremony each month
• Schedule training and locations of Warrior and Service Dog teams
• Review and provide written weekly personalized training plans for each Warrior
• Mentor, guide, and assist Warriors through difficult training situations

Miscellaneous Tasks

• Carry an after‑hours duty phone on a rotating basis for Warrior graduates to have contact with us 24/7 for any training and/or medical concerns with their Service Dog.
• Work with the Manager of Warrior Training on staff events, Warrior events, photos and press releases, media requests, and interviews.
• Maintain detailed training and evaluation notes as per policies and procedures.
• Provide public access exposure to Warriors and Service Dogs in training that include shopping centers, restaurants, sporting events, crowded city environments, parades, etc.
• Attend weekly staff meetings and special events, and/or make presentations when needed.
• Always represent the organization in a professional manner.
• Assist in giving campus tours and check presentations.

Preferred Skills

• Leadership
• Military experience
• Management skills

Core Competencies

• Customer Orientation
• Results Oriented
• Coaching
• Conduct
• Stress Management
• Professionalism

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, crouching, twisting, turning, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds individually. Exposure to unpleasant odors or sounds. Exposure to chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent is required
• Knowledge of issues facing Veterans and a passion for serving this community
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working directly with veterans at any Veteran Service Organizations and/or Department of Veterans Affairs
• Experience working with Veterans dealing with mental and physical disabilities
• Experience working in customer service field preferred, e.g. customer service associate
• Possess patience to interact with challenging clients
• Strong verbal, written, and oral communication skills; this position requires the candidate to possess a strong ability to speak clearly and effectively as well as the ability to listen to and hear clients who may be challenging and/or in distress
• Veteran status preferred or familiarity with military/veteran community
• Valid driver’s license, and meeting policy requirements for company auto insurance is required

Schedule: Monday - Friday, typically 8am to 5pm. Some weekends & holidays.