At a Glance
- Tasks: Assess, train, and support volunteers in dog training placements.
- Company: A passionate charity dedicated to assistance dogs and volunteer development.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, meaningful work, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of dogs and their trainers.
- Qualifications: Experience with animals and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and help shape the future of assistance dogs.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Job Purpose:
- Volunteer Assessment and Support: To assess, train, and support volunteers prior to and throughout the placement of a dog or puppy in training. This includes ensuring that the volunteer’s capabilities and home environment are suitable for the dog, with a thorough home environment check completed prior to placement.
- Staff Professional Development: To support the ongoing professional development of all staff by delivering and contributing to workshops and training sessions that promote awareness, knowledge, and practical skills in relation to the handling and education of puppies and dogs in training. This ensures staff are equipped to adhere to Assistance Dogs International (ADI) standards and organisational best practices.
Specific Duties:
- Home assessments for volunteers: Conduct comprehensive home assessments for prospective volunteers to ensure suitability for hosting and supporting the training of our dogs. Evaluate the physical and emotional environment to align with the needs and welfare of the dogs. Provide feedback and recommendations for home preparation. Conduct pet dog/child assessment as required. When required, on ad-hoc basis arrange and oversee initial trial placements of dogs, with prospective volunteers.
- Training and development of volunteers: Lead the design and delivery of volunteer training sessions, workshops and ongoing skills development. Support volunteers in addressing challenges and reinforcing best practices. Monitor and evaluate volunteer progress and adjust training plans when needed. Maintain strong communication and relationships to ensure positive volunteer retention and success.
- Workforce learning & development and best practice: Lead on keeping the Training Team updated with the latest training methods, welfare standards and relevant legislation. Deliver general dog awareness and handling training to non-dog-based staff, ensuring safe and appropriate interactions with dogs. Facilitate knowledge-sharing and continuous improvement across teams.
- Collaboration and administration: Work closely with the volunteering and training teams, maintaining accurate records of assessments, placements, and training sessions. Provide regular progress updates and feedback to relevant team members. Attend events as required, including occasional evenings and weekends. Any other duty as required by the Senior Leadership team.
Essential Qualities:
- Previous experience of working with animals.
- Knowledge of canine behaviour and welfare.
- Natural rapport with dogs.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and support volunteers.
Desirable Qualities:
- Recognised qualification in canine training/behaviour.
- Previous experience of conducting behavioural assessments on dogs.
- Previous experience of working with volunteers.
- Relevant qualifications in volunteer management.
- Previous teaching experience.
- Experience in the charity sector or working with assistance dogs.
Training, Assessment & Development Coordinator employer: Support Dogs Limited
Contact Detail:
Support Dogs Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Training, Assessment & Development Coordinator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the animal welfare and training sectors. Attend events, workshops, or even casual meet-ups where you can chat with folks who might know about opportunities. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with dogs or volunteers, create a portfolio that highlights your achievements. Include any training sessions you've led or assessments you've conducted. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to organisations you admire, like us at StudySmarter. Express your interest and share how you can contribute to their mission. You never know, they might have something in the pipeline!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's values and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in volunteer training and support. And don’t forget to ask insightful questions – it shows you’re genuinely interested!
We think you need these skills to ace Training, Assessment & Development Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with animals and any relevant training you've done. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Training, Assessment & Development Coordinator!
Show Your Passion: Let your love for dogs and commitment to volunteer support shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely excited about helping both our furry friends and the volunteers who care for them.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and qualifications, so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
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 ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Support Dogs Limited
✨Know Your Canine Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of canine behaviour and welfare. Be ready to discuss specific training methods and how they align with Assistance Dogs International (ADI) standards. This will show that you’re not just passionate about dogs, but also knowledgeable about their needs.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves a lot of interaction with volunteers and staff, be prepared to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Think of examples where you've inspired or supported others, especially in a training or volunteer context. This will highlight your ability to build rapport and maintain strong relationships.
✨Prepare for Home Assessments
Familiarise yourself with the home assessment process for prospective volunteers. You might be asked how you would evaluate a home environment for suitability. Consider what factors are important for the welfare of the dogs and be ready to share your thoughts on providing constructive feedback.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams, so be ready to discuss your experience in collaboration. Share examples of how you've worked with others to achieve common goals, especially in training or volunteer management. This will show that you can contribute to a positive team dynamic.