Job Description
Job Purpose:
1. 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.
2. 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:
1. 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
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.