Regional Guide Dog Mobility Instructor

At Guiding Eyes for the Blind, we are passionate about connecting exceptional dogs with individuals for greater independence.  We are dedicated to creating and supporting life-changing connections between people and dogs.  
 
At our facilities we breed, raise, and train exceptional dogs.  Then we connect them to people who are seeking increased freedom and independence, so that together, they can experience all kinds of life adventures.  As a Regional Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, you will play a key part in making that happen by fostering successful partnerships!

Working with our dogs will inspire you!  We put our clients first and seek to exceed their expectations by supporting them with exceptional dogs trained to meet their unique needs, so they can live the life they want to live.  As one of our Regional Guide Dog Mobility Instructors, you will be supporting our mission by assisting our applicants and graduates in their home area.  In this role, you will be responsible for working with all the clients in your assigned region and ensuring that new guide dog teams are safe, confident, and capable.

For this position, you must have successfully completed an IGDF recognized Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Program.

This position currently covers New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Canada and parts of Ohio.  States covered can change depending on the need.

The Role

• Travel to students’ home area to assist them in working effectively with their guide dog
• Conduct phone calls, home interviews and zone visits
• Conduct post class visits with recent graduates
• Manages and provides continued support, guidance, and follow-up training both virtually and in-person to graduates after the initial pairing, including, but not limited to adjustments to skills and troubleshooting any challenges that arise
• Maintain accurate records of training sessions, client progress, and dog performance
• Conduct four (4) in home client placements per year
• Conduct agency visits and act as a representative for Guiding Eyes at conferences
• May be asked to transport guide dogs to and from the Training Center in Yorktown Heights, NY

Qualifications You Will Need

• College degree is preferred, ideally with a concentration in Animal Behavior, Psychology, or Education/Teaching
• GDMI Qualification by International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) accredited organization
• Physical stamina with the ability to lift and handle large, active dogs
• Ability to maintain a pace of 4.0 miles per hour if needed when working with a guide dog
• Stand and walk for extended periods of time, indoors and outdoors on uneven and changing surfaces in all types of weather conditions (average of three (3) to ten (10) miles per training day)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to skillfully navigate high stress and emotional conversations and clearly communicate expectations/outcomes to clients
• Ability to manage multiple clients and cases in a regional setting
• Ability to accurately assess situations and make quick, sound judgements
• Outcome focused and works to achieve through collaborative work practices
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities
• Detail oriented with demonstrated ability to set priorities and multitask effectively
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include non-traditional business hours including, but not limited to nights, weekends, evenings and holidays as required to fulfill the requirements of training
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs; Salesforce savvy a plus
• Must have a valid Driver's License and enjoy long drives

• Day trips, overnights (60 – 90 per year) which may include weekends
• Willing to fly or drive within the U.S. and Canada

Salary : $75,000 - $85,000