Buddy Dog Partnership Specialist

Imagine playing a key role in transforming the lives of children and young people with visual impairments through the power of a dog. As a Buddy Dog Partnership Specialist, you’ll help them gain confidence, independence, and joy through the unique and powerful connection with a well-matched, well-trained dog. If you have a person-centred approach to care, and the ability to build relationships that truly matter, this is your opportunity to be part of something deeply rewarding.

In this role, you’ll work closely with children and their families, understanding their individual needs and aspirations to deliver tailored training, support, and guidance throughout their Buddy Dog journey. From delivering engaging workshops to conducting home visits and offering ongoing aftercare, your insight and empathy will be essential to making every partnership a success. You’ll see the opportunity to develop young people’s skills through animal assisted interventions and empower families to reach their goals with your support.

Your expertise in dog behaviour and training will also be vital. You’ll assess dogs for temperament and suitability, develop their skills through positive reinforcement techniques, and match each one thoughtfully with the right person or family. You’ll consider not just the dog’s capabilities but also the lifestyle, home environment and emotional needs of each service user, ensuring a safe, lasting, and enriching bond.

As a trusted advisor, you’ll provide professional reports, risk assessments, and progress reviews that guide key decisions. You’ll be a valued part of a collaborative, compassionate team, working across departments to continually improve how we support people living with sight loss.

This is more than a job — it’s a chance to bring meaningful change to people’s lives every single day, by creating partnerships that heal, uplift, and inspire. If you’re ready to combine your love of dogs, people, and purpose into a truly fulfilling career, we’d love to hear from you.

This role covers the South-West of England and requires regular travel within this region, as well as occasional national trips. You will be linked to either our Bristol or Exeter office on a regular basis, beyond this we offer a hybrid working arrangement that allows flexibility while ensuring strong collaboration with colleagues and teams. You’ll be working 35 hours per week, worked 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. There will be requirement within this role to work some evenings and weekends, and due to the travel involved, occasional overnight stays.