Warrior Canine Connection is a nonprofit organization with a unique and highly effective service dog training model we call Mission Based Trauma Recovery. In short, active duty Service Members and Military Veterans with combat related stress are engaged to help us train Golden Retrievers and Labradors to be service dogs. By learning to train service dogs, these Warrior Trainers are given a chance to develop practical skills such as patience, positive reinforcement, emotional regulation, and effective communication skills, while simultaneously helping to prepare the dog to assist a fellow injured Veteran in the future. Our service dogs learn up to 90 commands during a comprehensive, two-year training process. After those two years of training, the dogs are professionally matched with a disabled Veteran who has mobility impairments or psychological injuries.
General Description
As a Warrior Canine Connection Veteran Training Program Coordinator, the Employee will support, coordinate, administer, and help oversee all Veteran-related aspects of our dog training programs at multiple sites to ensure a positive experience for our Veterans and promote program efficacy.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Work closely with the Veteran Training Program Manager
- Understand WCC’s KPI, work closely with Veteran Training Program Manager to ensure that WCC is able to hit projected KPI metrics for current year and projected years.
- Provide Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) services to recovering Warriors and their families at designated program site(s) in Northern VA, D.C. , and Maryland as assigned (Baltimore VTC, JCI, WCC HQ, PVSC, etc.), and on field trips in accordance with program standards and goals.
- Communicate regularly with the Manager of Service Dog Training Programs and other WCC leaders regarding program execution, potential improvements, questions and other topics related to delivery of MBTR and dog placement recommendations.
- Coordinate with WCC program manager and host facility point of contact (if applicable) to ensure compliance with HIPAA, patient goals, research guidelines, medical record requirements, and facility regulations.
- Perform program responsibilities in compliance with contract requirements, host facility rules, instructions from WCC leaders, and WCC policies.
- Groom and care for dogs in accordance with Assistance Dogs International and WCC standards and best practices.
- Maintain proper and accurate record keeping of all administrative taskers, field notes, and indirect documents related to MBTR are completed in a timely manner.
- Ensure timely and accurate collection of program data and information by staff.
- Track, analyze and reporting on key performance indicator (KPI) data.
- Ensure accuracy of MBTR data collection and entry into Salesforce CRM across all WCC sites.
- Assist in development of MBTR KPI reporting processes in order to increase productivity and efficiency.
- Track and enter key performance indicator (KPI) data, and complete required forms and reports in a timely manner.
- Train WCC staff on use of Salesforce CRM and associated forms necessary for program data collection
- Monitor tracking redundancies, in order to verify accuracy of KPI data.
- Assist in establishment and maintenance of strong relationships with referring agencies.
- Assist in development of Memorandums of Understanding and Standard Operating Procedures for new partnering agencies and MBTR delivery sites.
- Participate in staff meetings, professional development and community activities as directed.
- Comply with or exceed Assistance Dog International minimum standards and ethics.
- Participate in programs, trainings, and clinical supervision as required by WCC.
- Ensure performance of program responsibilities in compliance with any applicable contract requirements, host facility rules, instructions from WCC leaders, and WCC policies.
- Maintain positive relationships with coworkers as well as individuals, community groups, government representatives, contractors, volunteers, and organizations that support WCC and/or wounded Warriors and their families.
Required Experience, Skills, Background:
- At least three (2) years of professional dog training experience, including at least one (1) year of experience working with service dogs or assistance dogs.
- Comfort in leading one-to-one or group training sessions.
- Detail oriented and demonstrably strong work ethic – this can be demanding work.
- Friendly, calm, mature, patient, and professional demeanor with excellent communication skills.
- Desire to work with Veterans and the knowledge, skills, and ability to effectively interact and work with Veterans who have experienced combat trauma and/or psychological health or physical injuries.
- The ability to work independently with minimal supervision – you must learn quickly.
- Ability to prioritize work tasks - organization skills and time management are critical.
- Ability to instruct people with a variety of backgrounds and skill levels in the WCC training methodology and best practices for service dog training.
- Knowledge of, and ability to implement, effective training methods, problem solving and instruction for all phases of training (puppy through graduate training).
- Ability to learn and manage a variety of administrative processes.
- Basic computer skills and competency in Microsoft Office applications in order to maintain dog records, training charts, puppy evaluations, etc. Salesforce experience is a plus.
- Ability to pass background check for clearance to work on Federal property (livescan finger printing, TB tests, no felony convictions, etc.).
- Possess a valid driver’s license, working vehicle and insurance.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work, psychology, or canine health fields.
- Previous experience working with Veterans with combat trauma.
- Comfort and experience in public speaking, presentations and interacting with community members, sponsors and public relations partners.
Warrior Canine Connection is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Job Type: Full-time
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $45,000.00 - $47,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person