Careers with ADW
Registered Apprenticeship Program with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions
ADW is now offering a two year, full-time Registered Apprenticeship Program with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions' State Apprenticeship Office. Apprentice will learn knowledge and practice skills to become an ADW Instructor/Trainer. This program is for those with high drive and deep motivation to become an assistance dog trainer, wanting to excel with the dogs, clients, students, and volunteers who are all equally part of the process.
Applications are available by coming in-person to ADW, 1590 San Mateo Lane, Santa Fe, NM 87505, during the months of May and June only; apprenticeship starts in August.
To Apply: you must come in-person to pick up an application. At that time, you will also be provided with more information, verbally and in writing, about the program and process, to help you decide if you would like to apply.
Note: Only applications that are hand-delivered from ADW to the applicant, and hand-delivered back to ADW by the applicant, with the required supporting documents, will be accepted.
Veterans may be eligible for educational assistance benefits while participating in a Registered Apprenticeship Program. You can find more information here: Apprentices can find more information about obtaining veteran benefits here:
https://www.nmdvs.org/veterans-education/
ADW APPRENTICE Instructor/Trainer Position Description
Assistance Dogs of the West (ADW) builds successful working partnerships between clients and dogs that empower people and open doors to new opportunities. ADW’s compassionate training approach facilitates the deepest possible bond between humans and animals, and models best practices in social-relationship interactions.
Position Title: Registered Apprentice ADW Instructor/Trainer (“Animal Trainer”)
Position Type: Full time, 32 hours per week minimum required
Compensation: Commensurate with Experience
Reports to: Senior Vice President(SVP)/Program Director
Overall Summary
The Apprentice Instructor Trainer position is paid position in which the Apprentice is employed full-time by ADW, a minimum of 32 hours per week. This is a Registered Apprenticeship approved by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions State Apprenticeship Office. This is a 2-year program which combines hands-on, On the Job Learning (OJL) with a Mentor ADW Instructor Trainer with three hours of “classroom style” related instruction provided by ADW each week. Related instruction topics cover canine behavior, learning, and development; service dog skills and training; matching clients and service dogs; facilitating groups of student trainers, including both adults and children and adolescents; understanding disabilities, and more.
Provide basic obedience, behavior modification, and custom task training to meet the needs of clients using positive reinforcement (clicker training) and relationship based training methods. Adhere to training requirements and standards as required by Assistance Dogs International (ADI).
Essential Functions
The essential functions listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed and which the Apprentice will be trained in learning; these are the essential functions of the ADW Instructor/Trainer role, with the exception of the Related Instruction essential functions which are specific to the Apprenticeship Program only. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to be completed by the position.
Related Instruction
· Hands-on skills require demonstration of proficiency using rubrics for each skill
· Earn third-party certifications as required in the Related Instruction syllabus through online and in-person learning lectures and modules
· Learn material through the following methods: reading assignments at a 12th grade level; watching live and recorded webinars and in-person lectures; educational online modules that involve reading and video.
· Present material as assigned, including researching topics to create presentations
· Participate in group discussions and learning
Clients and Training
· Coordinate with Administration to set up and conduct interviews with new clients
· Participate in Check-in/Follow up Process with past clients
· Assist in client placements
· Assist with private placements
· Participate in Self Training Client Courses
· Train dogs/clients/volunteers on Public Access Certification
· Teach basic obedience, service works tasks
· Take dogs out in public to socialize
· Train at the Puppy Enrichment Center
· Teach Puppy Raiser classes
Education Programs may include any of the following
· Teach Warrior Canine Connection™ classes in Santa Fe and Albuquerque
· Teach weekly In-School classes as scheduled
· Teach After-School classes as scheduled
· Supervise Student Teaching Assistants in classes
· Transport dogs to and from schools as required
· Transport students to and from the office as required
· Assist with any program locations as scheduled (at-risk students, homeless youth, developmentally disabled students, veterans, etc.)
· Manage Dog Progress Reports
· Conduct Student Assessments at the beginning and end of the year
· Participate in student grading
Other
· Represent ADW at community events, participate in presentations and conduct demonstrations as requested
· Organize student presentations for Graduation
· Participate in continuing education relative to the position
· Adhere to ADW dog care and training standards
· Adhere to ADW facility maintenance and hygiene standards
· Assist with dog care, canine training facility care and cleaning
· Drive company vehicles to transport dogs, students and for other organization needs
· Other duties as assigned by management
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment, canine training facilities, surrounding areas, client homes, agencies, communities and the Puppy Enrichment Center
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 the job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and perform a variety of physical motions with his or her hand, arms, shoulders and legs in order to care for and train dogs.
The employee must be able to manipulate and use all equipment and tools necessary to care for dogs, including leashes, medicines, locking mechanisms and dog toys.
The employee must regularly lift and move up to 50 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
The employee must regularly be in public and in cramped, chaotic, noisy and sensory stimulating spaces.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time, non-exempt position consisting of a minimum of 32 hours per week, maximum of 40 hours of work per week. Attendance at the weekly Related Instruction 3-hour classes is mandatory, which will take place weekly on Mondays from 9:00am to 12:00pm. This position may require working weekends, evenings, holidays and being open to working additional shifts on an as needed basis. Flexibility will be required to accommodate the schedules of our clients and co-workers. The Puppy Enrichment Center requires flexibility because of the pups’ needs, growth and age.
Travel
Local travel, travel to Taos and Albuquerque, travel to client homes, ADW program spaces and other public spaces is expected. Out-of-state and in-state travel may be required to assist clients with training, placement and for required re-certifications of the dog/client team. Local travel is expected to be more frequent and occur on a weekly basis.
Required Education, Experience and Competencies
· Must be over 18 years old
· Must have a Driver’s License and must provide a copy at time of submitting application. Applications without this supported documentation will not be accepted.
· A high school diploma, General Educational Development (GED) equivalency, or other high school equivalency credential is required. Applicants must provide a copy of high school diploma, GED certificate, or other acceptable documentation of minimum education requirement, at the time of submitting application. Applications without this supported documentation will not be accepted.
· Applicant must be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the apprenticeship program, with or without reasonable accommodation, and without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of the individual or others, including the dogs.
· Must have the ability to assist people with disabilities in their home & community
· It is the policy of ADW to maintain a drug- and alcohol-free work environment that is safe and productive for employees and others having business with the company. Our goal is to ensure that all employees are able at all times to safely and efficiently perform their duties.
The unlawful use, possession, purchase, sale, distribution, or being under the influence of any illegal drug and/or the misuse of legal drugs while on company or client premises or while performing services for the company is strictly prohibited. Any illegal substance found in the workplace will be confiscated and turned over to the appropriate law enforcement agency immediately. ADW also prohibits reporting for work or performing services under the influence of alcohol or consuming alcohol while on duty or during work hours.
ADW may perform drug and alcohol tests for any reason at any time, in accordance with applicable state law, including the following:
· Pre-employment Drug Screen
· Post-accident/injury Drug and/or Alcohol Test
· Reasonable-suspicion Drug Screen
· Random Drug Test – as authorized or required by federal or state law
Any employee violating this policy is subject to discipline, up to and including termination, for the first offense.
· Nonprofit work/volunteer experience
· Service Dog training experience
· One-on-one and group client training experience
· Puppy Enrichment Program knowledge
· Experience working with veterans
· Occupational Therapy experience
Dog Interaction and Training Skills
· Must have an affinity for dogs
· Must be able to learn ADW dog training techniques and consistently implement training techniques
· Must be able to work in a fast paced environment
· Must be able to work cooperatively in a team environment
· Must be able to work independently and have excellent decision making and problem solving skills when away from the office
· Must be able to stay focused despite numerous distractions and multiple tasks
Leadership and Communication Skills
· Ability to communicate effectively with donors, students, clients, volunteers, vendors, stakeholders and others having business with the company
· Must exercise professionalism and maintain a high level of confidentiality
· Desire and patience to work with people with disabilities with empathy, not sympathy
· Ability to give presentations comfortably to small and large groups
Additional Eligibility Qualifications - Must have a valid driver’s license in good standing and maintain current vehicle insurance.
Work Authorization - Must be authorized to work in the United States
Other Duties
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Essential and marginal job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with our without notice.
Equal Employment Opportunity
It is the policy of ADW that all employees and applicants receive equal consideration and treatment without regard to the individual’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (transgender status), domestic partner status, marital status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, height, weight or any other protected group status as defined by law.
Instructor / Trainer
Assistance Dogs of the West (ADW) builds successful working partnerships between clients and dogs that empower people and open doors to new opportunities. ADW’s compassionate training approach facilitates the deepest possible bond between humans and animals, and models best practices in social-relationship interactions.
Position Title: Instructor/Trainer
Position Type: Full time or Part-time, non-exempt
Compensation: Commensurate with Experience
Reports to: Senior Vice President(SVP)/Program Director
Overall Summary
The Instructor Trainer position can be full- or part-time with duties that may include: implementing dog training curriculum for the following student trainer groups - students from elementary, middle & high schools, veterans and adults with developmental disabilities; training for assistance dogs in progress; working with clients with disabilities; matching assistance dogs to new owners and providing technical assistance through the lives of those relationships; working with agencies receiving facility and crisis response canines; providing support and training at the Puppy Enrichment Center.
Provide basic obedience, behavior modification, and custom task training to meet the needs of clients using positive reinforcement (clicker training) and relationship based training methods. Adhere to training requirements and standards as required by Assistance Dogs International (ADI).
Essential Functions
The essential functions listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed; the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to be completed by the position.
Clients and Training
- Coordinate with Administration to set up and conduct interviews with new clients
- Participate in Check-in/Follow up Process with past clients
- Assist in client placements
- Assist with private placements
- Participate in Self Training Client Courses
- Train dogs/clients/volunteers on Public Access Certification
- Teach basic obedience, service works tasks
- Take dogs out in public to socialize
- Train at the Puppy Enrichment Center
- Teach Puppy Raiser classes
Education Programs may include any of the following
- Teach Warrior Canine Connection™ classes in Santa Fe, Taos and Albuquerque
- Teach weekly In-School classes as scheduled
- Teach After-School classes as scheduled
- Supervise Student Teaching Assistants in classes
- Transport dogs to and from schools as required
- Transport students to and from the office as required
- Assist with any program locations as scheduled (at-risk students, homeless youth, developmentally disabled students, veterans, etc.)
- Manage Dog Progress Reports`
- Conduct Student Assessments at the beginning and end of the year
- Participate in student grading
Other
- Represent ADW at community events, participate in presentations and conduct demonstrations as requested
- Organize student presentations for Graduation
- Participate in continuing education relative to the position
- Adhere to ADW dog care and training standards
- Assist with dog care, canine training facility care and cleaning
- May volunteer to house dogs in the Instructor/Trainer home
- Drive company vehicles to transport dogs, students and for other organization needs
- Other duties as assigned by management
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment, canine training facilities, surrounding areas, client homes, agencies, communities and the Puppy Enrichment Center
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 the job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and perform a variety of physical motions with his or her hand, arms, shoulders and legs in order to care for and train dogs.
The employee must be able to manipulate and use all equipment and tools necessary to care for dogs, including leashes, medicines, locking mechanisms and dog toys.
The employee must regularly lift and move up to 50 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
The employee may cover shifts at the Puppy Enrichment Center, including overnight shifts. The employee must be alert and able to respond to the needs of a litter of pups and the mother dog as well as any situation that may need immediate attention on a 24/7 basis.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This can be a full- or part-time, non-exempt position consisting of approximately 40 hours of work per week. This position may require working weekends, evenings, holidays and being open to working additional shifts on an as needed basis. Flexibility will be required to accommodate the schedules of our clients and co-workers. The Puppy Enrichment Center requires flexibility because of the pups’ needs, growth and age.
Travel
Local travel, travel to Taos and Albuquerque, travel to client homes, ADW program spaces and other public spaces is expected. Out-of-state and in-state travel may be required to assist clients with training, placement and for required re-certifications of the dog/client team. Local travel is expected to be more frequent and occur on a weekly basis.
Education, Experience and Competencies
- Bachelor Degree in animal behavior, psychology, zoology, biology or related experience preferred
- Certificate or degree from Animal Behavior College, Bergin University of Canine Studies, Karen Pryor Academy or other positive reinforcement or clicker training dog training program preferred
- Advanced understanding of canine behavior and learning theory
- Must have the ability to assist people with disabilities in their home & community
- Must be familiar with clicker training and positive reinforcement behavior modification techniques
- Minimum 2 years of dog training experience
- Nonprofit work/volunteer experience
- Service Dog training experience
- One-on-one and group client training experience
- Puppy Enrichment Program knowledge
- Experience working with veterans
- Occupational Therapy experience
Dog Interaction and Training Skills
- Must be able to learn ADW dog training techniques and consistently implement training techniques
- Must be able to work in a fast paced environment
- Must be able to work cooperatively in a team environment
- Must be able to work independently and have excellent decision making and problem solving skills when away from the office
- Must be able to stay focused despite numerous distractions and multiple tasks
Leadership and Communication Skills
- Ability to communicate effectively with donors, students, clients, volunteers, vendors, stakeholders and others having business with the company
- Must exercise professionalism and maintain a high level of confidentiality
- Desire and patience to work with people with disabilities with empathy, not sympathy
- Ability to give presentations comfortably to small and large groups
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
Must have a valid driver’s license in good standing and maintain current vehicle insurance.
Work Authorization
Must be authorized to work in the United States
Other Duties
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Essential and marginal job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with our without notice.
Equal Employment Opportunity
It is the policy of ADW that all employees and applicants receive equal consideration and treatment without regard to the individual’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (transgender status), domestic partner status, marital status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, height, weight or any other protected group status as defined by law.