Manager of Warrior Training

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 Manager of Warrior Training to join our amazing team!

Role and Responsibilities

Under limited supervision of the Director of Warrior Training & Education, the Manager of Warrior Training’s primary function is to lead and manage the Ponte Vedra, FL Warrior Training & Education Team, consisting of Warrior Trainers, Warrior House Parents, and Training Liaisons, who are principal liaisons/instructors for the Warrior applicant/graduate. In addition to coaching and managing a 5–10-member team, this employee will be responsible for coordinating communication between campuses, and the Director of Warrior Training & Education.

Essential Functions and Duties

• Manage and guide the team responsible for Warrior Training, which consists of approving training locations and any additional support needed to make Warrior class successful
• Manage and guide the Warrior House Parent, which consists of approving Warrior grocery requests, cleaning of all Warrior houses and common areas, inventory and washing of all household linens, and scheduling of all volunteer cooking program meals.
• Manage and guide the Training Liaison team, which consists of creating and/or approving remedial training plans, ordering supplies needed for class and class preparation
• Supervise the conduct of Warrior classes, training progress, and class lectures to ensure training always remains consistent and professional
• Supervise the Public Access Test in each class to ensure the administration of the test is performed appropriately and with fairness, and that all Warriors are held to the same standard
• Plan and prepare for monthly Warrior orientations and classes
• Finalize arrival and departure operations plan and send to key personnel in a timely manner
• Ensure successful reset during off weeks in training
• Assist in the execution of graduation ceremonies
• Recertification and remedial training process
• Coaching, guiding, and counseling the Warriors in class

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 Director of Warrior Operations on staff events, Warrior events, photos and press releases, media requests, and interviews
• Attend weekly staff meetings and special events, and/or make presentations when needed
• Maintain detailed training and evaluation notes as per policies and procedures.
• Represent the organization in a professional manner at all times
• Assist in giving campus tours and check presentations

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of the Veterans community and issues regarding serving clients within this community
• Required 2 years' experience working with Veteran Service Organizations and/or Department of Veterans Affairs
• Possess patience to interact with challenging clients
• Veteran status preferred
• Required 4yrs experience working with Veterans with mental and physical disabilities
• Problem Solving
• Trustworthiness & Ethics
• Ability to speak clearly and effectively, as well as the ability to listen and hear clients who may be challenging or in distress
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Valid Driver’s License, a clean driving record, and ability to be added to company insurance is Required

Core Competencies

• Teamwork
• Managing
• Decision Making
• Integrity
• Customer Orientation

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will manage 5-10 staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The Manager of Warrior Training is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This position would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and to bend or to stand on a stool as necessary. This role also requires walking and standing for interim periods of time to communicate in person with the Warriors.