At a Glance
- Tasks: Train assistance dogs to support autistic and neurodivergent individuals, enhancing their daily lives.
- Company: Join a compassionate charity dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Supportive environment, training opportunities, travel expenses covered, and a chance to work with amazing dogs.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping families and building bonds between dogs and their handlers.
- Qualifications: 1-2 years of dog training experience and a passion for supporting neurodiversity.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and a positive team atmosphere.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Autism Dogs Charity supports autistic and neurodivergent people and their families through our assistance dog programmes. We provide practical, welfare-focused training and long-term aftercare, helping autistic individuals develop a bond with their partnered autism assistance dog. This bond helps to build confidence and create calmer, more manageable daily routines.
We are looking for responsible and enthusiastic trainers based close to the Reading & London area, to work with our clients in the region, but also travel, with travel time and expenses paid, to our HQs in Lincoln and Cheshire.
What you will do
- You will train carefully procured dogs to support Autistic and Neurodivergent handlers.
- You will be assisting families with basic training and behavioural work.
- You will also train dogs to perform advanced tasks, including training around public access on public transport, school grounds, colleges and medical facilities, and training around remaining undistracted by food and other stimuli.
- We will train you on teaching dogs advanced skills pertaining to autism, such as meltdown and shutdown interventions.
- You will work with amazing trainers and get to learn from them.
- You will get to work with amazing families in need of help, including basic and advanced skills training, helping handlers to develop confidence, and post-delivery support.
- You will undertake deliveries of our assistance dogs to the new family, using either your own car or the charity’s cars.
- You will record with videos and written notes your training sessions of dogs, and keep well-organised files on each dog and each placement program.
What are we looking for
- Solid skills in dog training with at least 1-2 years of experience and a willingness to learn new skills.
- Willingness to work with families and support them in their assistance dog journey.
- Commitment to the values of inclusion and equal treatment of all.
- Excellent standards of animal welfare.
- A clean criminal record (Enhanced DBS check will be required).
- Organised dog training with the ability to keep written records of all training progress.
- Basic computer skills, knowledge of Gmail and Google Drive.
- Willingness to receive training on neurodiversity, autism, and relevant laws.
- Willingness to attend public relations events and participate in social media publications.
- A driving licence and be a careful, responsible driver.
What you will get
- A supportive working environment, a great team and colleagues that will help you succeed.
- Amazing opportunities to learn new skills, work with great trainers and develop your career.
- Support in undertaking new skills and courses, and several training opportunities.
- The chance to make a difference working with the Charity sector.
- The chance to work with amazing dogs in an environment of excellent welfare standards.
- Expenses during deliveries, travel and time spent travelling for deliveries are covered by the Charity.
- The option to join our retirement scheme.
Assistance Dog Trainer in Reading and the London area employer: Autism Dogs CIC
Contact Detail:
Autism Dogs CIC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistance Dog Trainer in Reading and the London area
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the charity and its mission! Research Autism Dogs Charity and understand how they support autistic individuals. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show your genuine interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your dog training skills! If you can, volunteer or train with dogs before your interview. This hands-on experience will not only boost your confidence but also give you real examples to share during your chat.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your experiences with families and neurodiversity. Share stories that highlight your ability to support and communicate effectively with clients, as this is key for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistance Dog Trainer in Reading and the London area
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Dog Training: When writing your application, let your love for dog training shine through! Share your experiences and what motivates you to work with assistance dogs and their handlers. We want to see your enthusiasm for making a difference in the lives of autistic and neurodivergent individuals.
Be Organised and Detailed: Since you'll need to keep track of training sessions and progress, make sure your application reflects your organisational skills. Include examples of how you've managed records or files in the past. We appreciate candidates who can demonstrate their ability to stay organised!
Highlight Your Team Spirit: We’re all about collaboration here at StudySmarter! In your application, mention any experiences where you’ve worked as part of a team, especially in dog training or support roles. Show us that you can communicate effectively and resolve disagreements with kindness.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team and making a positive impact.
How to prepare for a job interview at Autism Dogs CIC
✨Know Your Stuff About Assistance Dogs
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of assistance dogs and their training, especially in relation to autism and neurodiversity. Familiarise yourself with the specific tasks these dogs perform and how they support their handlers. This will show your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Show Off Your Training Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous dog training experiences in detail. Highlight any specific techniques you've used, particularly those relevant to working with autistic individuals or other neurodivergent clients. Use examples to demonstrate your skills and how you've adapted your training methods to meet individual needs.
✨Demonstrate Your People Skills
Since you'll be working closely with families, it's crucial to showcase your communication and interpersonal skills. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully supported clients in the past, and emphasise your ability to build rapport and trust with both dogs and their handlers.
✨Be Organised and Tech-Savvy
As you'll need to keep detailed records of training sessions, make sure to highlight your organisational skills and familiarity with tools like Google Drive or OneDrive. Bring along any examples of your record-keeping from previous roles to illustrate your capability in this area.