Clear Path for Veterans
Job Title: Puppy Development Coordinator
FSLA Status: Non-Exempt/hourly
Work Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday; hours may vary
Reports to: Canine Program Manager
Primary Location: Chittenango, NY
Please apply for this position through the following link. A cover letter is required. https://clearpath4vets.talentnest.com/en/posting/47114
JOB SUMMARY
Clear Path for Veterans, Inc. (CPV or Clear Path), is Upstate New York’s Veteran Resource Center serving as a hub of information, programs and services for veterans and their families. The incumbent in this position is responsible for performing the duties of their position as a Puppy Development Coordinator in a manner that supports our mission of maximizing overall holistic warrior care and wellness. The Puppy Development Coordinator recognizes and provides additional support needed for Veterans participating in the Canine program and connects them to the appropriate resource. This position also requires engaging and working with the Canine Program Manager to ensure all puppies and shelter dogs are cared for appropriately. The Puppy Development Coordinator will engage with volunteers on a regular basis to support Canine Programming operations.
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS
1. Maintains cleanliness and functionality of the Puppy Development Center during tenancy in Home for the Brave(H4B) Residence.
2. Ensure consistency among Clear Path’s current dog handling and training techniques; ability to apply and teach these techniques with individual Veteran-dog teams or in a group class setting.
3. Monitor and evaluate dogs assigned to the Puppy Development Center for extended periods of time.
4. Set up and perform current temperament/behavioral testing method on pups at appropriate age levels.
5. Advise and provide on-going feedback to Canine Program Manager on Clear Path dog’s development and their selected career paths.
6. Scheduling all veterinary appointments and following up on any emergency visits that may arise.
7. Develop and maintain accurate training and veterinary records, including attendance and shot records.
8. In consultation with Canine Program Manager, approve or deny all applications for Clear Path puppy/dog adoption and fostering programs.
9. Assigning puppy sitting to flex fosters as needed.
10. Transferring and/or removing a dog from a home for safety concerns, evaluation purposes, or for any developmental issues that may arise.
11. Exhibit maximum flexibility to fill in for other dog trainers as needed and during time off as necessary.
12. Collaborate with the Canine Program Manager to resolve issues that may delay Veterans from being matched to a puppy/dog.
13. Continuous development and improvement of puppy raiser syllabus, homework and other documents pertaining to puppy/dog fosters and training.
14. Efficiently schedule classes & meetings associated with the puppy/dog foster orientation & training program.
15. Data entry of information related to the CPV puppy/dog, foster, and Veteran matching activity (ex: puppy/dog medication, trainer/foster notes etc.) into the Dog Tracker module located within SalesForce.
16. Must be available during regular business hours to answer questions, instruct, or give emotional support to fosters.
17. Ability to respond to fosters outside of business hours for occasional, urgent inquiries may be required.
18. Return all calls and emails within 48 hours; 24 hours if urgent or a complaint.
19. Attend and actively participate in departmental and organizational meetings.
20. Effectively communicate with the Canine Program Manager and other Canine Programming staff through participation in regular, informal meetings; These meetings cover topics such as, but not limited to, puppy progress; resolving issues; sharing new techniques; and any other topics that foster team cohesion.
21. May be required to respond to dog health or behavioral emergencies with Clear Path owned dogs after regular business hours.
22. Represent, or assist in representing Clear Path for Veterans at a variety of community outreach events and other activities.
23. Complete other related duties as assigned.
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
· High School Diploma or GED equivalency required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
· Formal dog training education with an approved dog training school or equivalent preferred.
· American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator certification preferred.
· 3-5 years’ proven successful experience training dogs using modern training techniques required.
· Experience with both group and private training sessions required.
· Experience with and knowledge of Assistance Dogs training and standards preferred.
· Experience working with or maintaining extended associations with Veterans preferred.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, and ABILITIES NEEDED TO PERFORM EFFECTIVELY IN THE POSITION
· Ability to exhibit passion and support for the Clear Path for Veterans mission.
· The ability to be compassionate yet firm while applying effective problem-solving techniques.
· Ability to resolve conflicts through solution-based decision making.
· Working knowledge of dog behavior and communication.
· Ability to problem solve dog behavior issues.
· Ability to multi task with multiple dogs.
· Superior interpersonal and communication skills.
· Exceptional organizational skills.
· Computer literacy and the ability to operate office equipment sufficient to perform the functions of the job.
· Ability to understand and work with Post Traumatic Stress, Military Sexual Trauma, and Traumatic Brain Injury in Veterans.
· Knowledge of Military and Warrior culture.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
· Valid New York State driver’s license and must have use of a reliable vehicle.
· May be required to work weekends, evenings as needed.
· Participate in special events as required.
· Maintain cleanliness and functionality of dog use areas.
WORK LOCATION
As a Canine Program team member, work locations will vary depending on day-to-day tasks and responsibilities. Active attendance at the Clear Path for Veterans main location will be required when not conducting off-site tasks.
JOB-RELATED PHYSICAL ABILITIES NEEDED IN ORDER TO PERFORM THE JOB IN A SATISFACTORY MANNER
Must possess speech and hearing sufficient for telephone and in-person communications. Manual dexterity sufficient for constant use of computer keyboard and other office equipment. Vision sufficient for frequent use of a computer monitor, developing and reading paperwork. Must be able to stand and be actively mobile for extended periods of time, including bending, stooping, reaching, running, balancing, etc. Must be able to lift a minimum of 35 lbs.
• All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
EXPECTATIONS
· All Clear Path for Veterans employees are required to conduct themselves in a professional manner towards others to include but not limited to; Veterans, volunteers, visitors and other Clear Path employees.
· Ensure that Veterans, volunteers, employees, donors and visitors have a positive experience with Clear Path.
· Supports and promotes the Clear Path mission.
· Adheres to Clear Path for Veterans policies and procedures.
· Promotes teamwork amongst coworkers.
· Meets or exceeds expected performance standards, including consistently reporting to work on time prepared to perform the duties of the position.
A COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
ONLY QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED IF SELECTED FOR THE HIRING PROCESS.