[Blindtlk] Guide Dogs for the Blind Open Position Training/Class Specialist

[Peter Donahue]

Good morning everyone,

	Below is an announcement for a Training/Class Specialist at
Guide Dogs for the Blind headquartered in San Rafael California. This is
a major step on the road to opening upopportunities for blind people to
become guide dog trainers and class instructors at our guide dog
schools. Congratulations to GAB for taking the lead in this endeavor.
The position information appears below:

  
Position Description

POSITION: Training / Class Specialist
REPORTS TO: Director of Training - California or Oregon campus

OVERALL SUMMARY: The Training Class Specialist is responsible for
providing insights to the guide dog training program from the
perspective as a blind traveler
who is proficient in both cane and guide dog usage. This position will
be involved in providing effective student education and mentoring
during class,
hands-on dog training and care, and staff education. The incumbent
functions as a peer, role model and staff member, requiring a high level
of awareness,
tact and communication skills.
POSITION FUNCTIONS:
List of 10 items
• Provide training and mentoring to clientele in the use of a guide dog.
Participate in pre-class preparation as well as class and graduation
activities;
provide facility orientations to students; lead and participate in class
lectures, discussions and workshops.
• Assess the feasibility of blind or visually impaired persons
successfully undertaking different tasks within the Apprentice and
Licensed Instructor job
descriptions. Recommend modifications, accommodations, or new methods to
enhance their feasibility.
• Maintain technical aptitude and knowledge of emerging orientation and
mobility technologies and be capable of educating students and staff.
• With Training Department’s O&M Specialists, develop a program to
enhance staff’s knowledge of etiquette, causes of blindness, agencies
serving the blind,
vision rehabilitation, and the changing needs of the blind.
• Assist instructor teams in preparing dogs to “class ready” status;
assist instructors in graduating successful guide dog teams from our
program.
• Provide basic care of kenneled dogs, such as walking, exercising,
grooming, bathing, and medicating, preparing and dispensing dog food,
and maintaining
precise feeding records. Report health or behavioral changes. Work
within a team structure and procedures to maintain a clean and sanitary
kennel environment.
• Adhere to our organization's safety policies and procedures and
encourage others to do the same. Promptly report incidents and accidents
according to
campus procedures.
• Maintain good communications with coworkers and team members. Keep
written records on dogs and non-standard duties performed. Participate
in meetings,
training sessions, and other group forums.
• Represent Guide Dogs and the Training Department inside and outside of
the organization in a positive and effective way.
• Undertake other duties as assigned.
list end
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
List of 7 items
• Effective guide dog user; excellent cane and orientation and mobility
skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
• Able to lift up to 40 pounds and to handle a variety of large breed
dogs with varying strength and manageability.
• Able to withstand repeated bending, stooping, kneeling and squatting.
• Undergraduate degree preferred. Background in teaching, dog care /
training, counseling desirable.
• Proficiency in Outlook and Word; competent with “Jaws” screen reader
software or Zoomtext. Familiarity with Access highly desirable.
• Able to stay abreast of emerging orientation and mobility
technologies..
list end
POSITION SPECIFICATIONS
This new full-time, non-exempt, grade 7 position is expected to pay
$18.00/hour in San Rafael and $16.30/hour in Oregon.

HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit your application for this position in one of the following
ways:
List of 4 items
• Complete the
Online Application for Employment located at:
http://www.guidedogs.com/career-apply.html

• Email your cover letter and resume to
icareer at guidedogs.com
• Fax your cover letter and resume to 415/499-4035
• Mail your cover letter and resume to the following address:

Guide Dogs for the Blind
Attention: Recruiting
P.O. Box 151200
San Rafael, CA 94915-1200
list end
Block quote sta

Guide Dogs for the Blind
A nonprofit, charitable organization

(800) 295-4050 •
www.guidedogs.com
National Office: P.O. Box 151200 • San Rafael, California 94915-1200

California Campus: 350 Los Ranchitos Road, San Rafael, CA 94903 • (415)
499-4000
Oregon Campus: 32901 S.E. Kelso Road, Boring, OR 97009 • (503) 668-2100

Peter Donahue