Description

Leader Dogs for the Blind, based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, has been making people unstoppable for 80 years, empowering people who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel. To learn more about our mission and campus follow the link to our website here.

Why work at Leader Dogs for the Blind?

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance after 30 days of employment
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid disability insurance
• 401k with employer match
• Flexible spending account
• Paid time off front loaded on first day of employment
• Annual merit pay increases
• Workout room access
• Dog friendly office

SUMMARY

The Field Services Representative is responsible for in-home applicant visits to assess potential suitability for programs and graduate client visits to resolve possible issues. Visits state rehab centers providing programmatic information to clients, potential clients, and other instructors.

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assesses the orientation and mobility needs and capabilities of clients seeking to improve their mobility. With the client, writes SMART objectives to achieve safe and independent guide dog travel.
• Assists Leader Dog Graduates in home environment with safe and effective travel
• Assists Leader Dog Graduates with acclimation to environment. 
• Conducts in-home assessment and educates prospective client on programs
• Based on assessment and selected objectives, tailors instructional techniques within standards to train qualified Leader Dog clients to travel effectively with a Leader Dog or other applicable methods.
• Deliver class ready canines to clients requiring instruction in their home environments
• Continuously evaluates client progress during instruction and modifies training plan in order to achieve objectives.
• Provides basic instruction in Orientation and Mobility techniques and GPS when needed.
• Visits agencies to meet with potential clients and to interact with orientation and mobility professionals to promote Leader Dog programs.
• Provides counsel and assistance to clients who may need assistance with program selection.  
• Completes required reporting according to defined process in a timely manner.
• As requested, represents Leader Dogs for the Blind at consumer conferences or other public speaking engagements.
• Perform on campus Guide Dog Mobility instruction as requested.
• Coordinate and conduct regional guide dog instruction as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.          

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

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.

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 on a daily basis.
• 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. 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.

Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions and walk distances consistent with training program needs for students and dogs.

Leader Dogs for the Blind reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete, and otherwise assign any and 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.

Salary : $66,560 - $73,840