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- Tasks: Train assistance dogs and support clients in their journey to partnership.
- Company: Join a leading charity dedicated to saving lives with medical detection dogs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team transforming lives through innovative dog training.
- Qualifications: Experience in dog training and a love for helping others is essential.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 32000 £ per year.
LOCATION: Based at our Centre in Milton Keynes, with travel up to 3 hours.
SALARY BAND: £26K - £32K per annum, depending on experience. Line management experience desirable.
JOB TYPE: Full time and Part time applicants considered. Fixed Term of 12-18 months.
REPORTS TO: Interim Head of Assistance Dog Programme.
Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives. We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving alert assistance dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease.
The Role: We are looking for a passionate and driven person who has previous proven experience and skills working as an Instructor within an Assistance Dog organisation, who has worked with clients and partnerships. The role includes supporting both clients who have had a MDD dog placed with them and also our own dog applicants with their puppies and young dogs to ensure they receive the highest standard of socialisation and early training in terms of obedience, public access and developing an alert to the applicant’s condition, with the aim to reach an accreditable assistance dog partnership status.
Duties that encompass the role of an Instructor include:
- Be the first point of contact for the allocated partnerships in your area.
- Provide guidance and instruction to applicants who have applied to the charity to have their own dogs considered for the training programme.
- Run puppy classes, public access training, recall sessions in small groups for applicant own dogs that are in line with the charity’s quality standards.
- Carry out support visits and home interviews for applicants and clients that have been allocated to you.
- Regularly monitor progress of any young dogs and partnerships in training in your area and provide detailed, evidenced feedback to Interim Head of Assistance Dog Programme.
- Carry out client specific training with any MDD owned dogs that have been matched, including the required odour scent training.
- Instruct, guide and support new assistance dog clients in managing and handling a Medical Alert Assistance Dog effectively.
- Support partnerships in training in successfully reaching an accreditation standard and in maintaining this standard throughout the life of the partnership.
- Provide clients with appropriate aftercare services at regular intervals in their own homes.
Responsibilities:
- Escalate issues and problems to the Interim Head of Assistance Dog Programme as appropriate.
- Plan, organise and deliver practical and theoretical training to clients, meeting their individual needs.
- Assess the team dynamics of the family & balancing the needs of all family members as well as those of the dog.
- Monitor the correct and false alerting percentages of allocated partnerships via data analysis.
- Complete comprehensive reports and paperwork for any time spent with applicants or partnerships in training or established.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- High level of preparation, organisational and co-ordination skills.
- Strong and clear teaching and instructing skills.
- Able to develop training plans for any dogs in training under your care.
- Approachable, calm and empathetic to children and adults with debilitating and life-threatening conditions.
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:
- Previous Assistance Dog Instructing and Dog Training experience.
- Knowledge of AD(UK) and ADI regulations.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom and SharePoint.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:
- Supportive of the charitable aims of Medical Detection Dogs.
- Adaptable and positively embrace change.
DIVERSITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION: We are a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive Charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work.
Charity Values: All employees are expected to uphold the charity’s core values in their daily work.
Assistance Dog Instructor Maternity Cover employer: Medical Detection Dogs
Contact Detail:
Medical Detection Dogs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistance Dog Instructor Maternity Cover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the assistance dog community or related fields. Attend events, workshops, or even online webinars to meet people who can help you get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you have experience with dog training or working with clients, consider volunteering at local shelters or organisations. This not only builds your resume but also gives you real-world experience that can impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to organisations like Medical Detection Dogs through our website. Express your interest and share how your skills align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to assistance dog training and client management. Think about specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills and passion for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistance Dog Instructor Maternity Cover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for assistance dogs shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm for helping others and how your experience aligns with our mission at Medical Detection Dogs.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience in dog training and instructing. We love seeing specific examples of your skills and achievements that relate directly to the role of Assistance Dog Instructor.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Medical Detection Dogs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of assistance dog training and the specific needs of clients with medical conditions. Familiarise yourself with the charity's mission and values, as well as any relevant regulations like AD(UK) and ADI. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in dog training and instructing. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed partnerships or trained dogs in the past. Highlight any line management experience you have, as this is desirable for the role.
✨Demonstrate Empathy
Since you'll be working with clients who have complex health issues, it's crucial to convey your empathy and understanding during the interview. Share stories that illustrate your ability to connect with clients and adapt your approach to meet their unique needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask the interviewers about the role and the charity. This could include inquiries about their training methods, team dynamics, or how they measure success in client partnerships. It shows you're engaged and thinking critically about how you can contribute.