SUMMARY

This role is responsible for the delivery of guide dog and Orientation and Mobility (O&M) services to Leader Dog clients, employees, associated professionals and community.  This includes in-home and on campus guide dog and O&M services as requested. Supports programmatic needs of the DeafBlind and Adaptive Services team, attends professional and consumer conferences, and visits vision rehabilitation agencies providing information to clients, potential clients, professionals, and the community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides instruction in spoken English and American Sign Language. Adapts to communication needs of the client.
• Based on assessment and selected objectives, tailor instructional techniques within standards to train qualified Leader Dog clients to travel effectively with a Leader Dog, white cane, or other applicable methods.
• Assesses client O&M levels, determines needs, recommends services and conducts training to meet needs.
• Provides instruction in O&M techniques and location technology instructional services to clients, including GPS and other adapted devices
• Deliver class ready canines to clients requiring instruction in their home environments
• Provides field services including applicant visits, home deliveries, and graduate visits to Leader Dog clients in home, school and work environments.
• Perform on campus Guide Dog Mobility instruction as requested.
• Represents Leader Dogs for the Blind at professional and consumer conferences, vision rehabilitation agencies, or other public speaking engagements. Actively recruits, develops and maintains relationships on behalf of Leader Dog with O&M, guide dog, and other related professionals.
• Manages all case related documentation and correspondence in a timely manner. Maintains data on applicants, services rendered and post graduate activity.
• Responsible for monitoring follow-up and providing additional training as needed.
• As needed, participates in the admission process and recommends client
• acceptance into the Leader Dog program.
• Participates in the development of department goals, objectives and systems. Evaluates effectiveness of services, recommends improvements and executes new approaches in a continuous cycle of quality improvement.

Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from an accredited four-year college or university required. Master’s degree preferred.  Must hold current Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS®) Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professions (ACVREP) certification. Must hold a score of 2 on the American Sign Language (ASLPI) or hold current ASL interpreting certification (state or national).  An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered. Must have successfully completed an IGDF recognized Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Program. Must have extensive knowledge of Leader Dog training program and proper guide dog procedures. At least two years preferred of professional experience in O&M.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Possess excellent interpersonal skills; must have the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with potential students, graduates, industry professionals and service agencies.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills as well as strong organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes non-traditional business hours.
• Willing and able to work with and around large dogs daily.
• Ability to travel extensively and independently. Overnight travel required. Travel by various means including via airplane and car required.
• Possess a valid driver’s license, chauffer’s license and passport if needed for international travel.
• This position may be required to be on campus when deemed necessary at the direction of management.
• Sound knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of Leader Dog guide training.
• Ability to work well under pressure, handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines; must have the ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
• Proficient in latest version of Microsoft Office products.
• Possess sound business judgment, exercise professional conduct, understand and follow business ethics and standards, and maintain a high level of confidentiality in all duties.
• This position requires adherence to all applicable safety and health policies and procedures.
• CPR and health related training will be needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or crouch, talk, hear, and smell.  Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions and walk distances consistent with training program needs for students and dogs. They are frequently required to drive. They occasionally are required to sit and use the phone. They must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and frequently lift and or move up to 100  pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Leader Dogs for the Blind reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete, and otherwise assign all duties, responsibilities and position title as it deems necessary to meet the needs of its business.

Leader Dogs for the Blind is an at-will employer. This means that the employment relationship may be ended at any time without notice by the employer or employee for any reason. Neither this document, nor any manual issued by Leader Dogs for the Blind, is a contract of employment.