Warrior Trainer

K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of service dogs to veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Our unique, in-house program helps change the lives of American heroes by pairing them with a battle buddy, who was likely a rescue dog and then teaching him or her to utilize that dog to mitigate the symptoms of their wounds. In order to continue the great work we are doing, we are in need of a Warrior Trainer to join our amazing team

Under the general direction of the Manager of Warrior Training, the Warrior Trainer is to oversee all aspects of Warrior Training, including but not limited to, daily instruction and introduction of new commands, providing and monitoring practical application of each command, and presenting class lectures, as required. The Warrior Trainer must maintain training standards with all Warriors, as well as any updates to training methods/materials.

**Daily local travel, Monday through Friday, and possibly on weekends and evenings, as needed.

Preparation for Team Training

• Review upcoming Warrior applications to familiarize yourself with each Warrior’s disabilities and training needs
• Review each class dog file with the K9 Training team
• Request supplies for delivery prior to team training, such as leashes, vests, collars, treat bags, collapsible bowls, and waste bag dispensers
• Make sure each class has equipment and binders set up prior to arrival

Warrior Training

• Conduct all training of Warrior and Service Dog teams including daily public access
• Review and administer written exams and Assistance Dogs International (ADI) Public Access Test
• Assist with and participate in the graduation ceremony each month
• Schedule training and locations of Warrior and Service Dog team
• Review and provide written weekly personalized training plans for each Warrior
• Mentor, guide, and assist Warriors through difficult training situations

Misc. Tasks

• Carry an after-hours duty phone on a rotating basis for Warrior grads to have contact with us 24/7 for any training and/or medical concerns with their Service Dog.
• Work with the Manager of Warrior Training on staff events, Warrior events, photos and press releases, media requests, and interviews
• Maintain detailed training and evaluation notes as per policies and procedures.
• Provide public access exposure to Warriors and Service Dogs in training that include shopping centers, restaurants, sporting events, crowded city environments, parades, etc.
• Attend weekly staff meetings and special events, and/or make presentations when needed
• Represent the organization in a professional manner at all times
• Assist in giving campus tours and check presentations

Preferred Skills

• Leadership
• Military experience
• Management skills

Core Competencies

• Customer Orientation
• Results Oriented
• Coaching
• Conduct/Core Values
• Stress Management
• Professionalism

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, crouching, twisting, turning, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds individually. Exposure to unpleasant odors or sounds. Exposure to chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Successfully completed K9s For Warriors Service Dog Apprenticeship course, or completed formal canine training courses, or has canine handling (Military or Police) education/experience
• Knowledge of issues facing Veterans and a passion for serving this community
• Experience working with Veteran Service Organizations and/or Department of Veterans Affairs
• Ability to work with persons with mental and physical disabilities
• Experience working in customer service field preferred, e.g. customer service associate
• Possess patience to interact with challenging clients
• Strong verbal, written, and oral communication skills; this position requires the candidate to possess a strong ability to speak clearly, and effectively as well as the ability to listen to and hear clients who may be in distress or challenging.
• Veteran status preferred or familiarity with military/veteran community
• Valid driver’s license and meet policy requirements for company auto insurance