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K9s For Warriors Inc

Warrior Trainer

K9s For Warriors Inc, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, United States, 32082

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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.

Role and Responsibilities Under the general direction of the Manager of Warrior Training, the Warrior Trainer oversees all aspects of Warrior Training, including daily instruction, introduction of new commands, monitoring the practical application of each command, and presenting class lectures as required. The Trainer must maintain training standards and update training methods and materials.

Preparation for Team Training

Review upcoming Warrior applications to familiarize yourself with each Warrior’s disabilities and training needs

Review each class dog file with the K9 Training team

Request supplies for delivery prior to team training, such as leashes, vests, collars, treat bags, collapsible bowls, and waste bag dispensers

Make sure each class has equipment and binders set up prior to arrival

Warrior Training

Conduct all training of Warrior and Service Dog teams including daily public access

Review and administer written exams and the Public Access Test

Assist with and participate in the graduation ceremony each month

Schedule training and locations of Warrior and Service Dog teams

Review and provide written weekly personalized training plans for each Warrior

Mentor, guide, and assist Warriors through difficult training situations

Miscellaneous Tasks

Carry an after‑hours duty phone on a rotating basis for Warrior graduates to have contact with us 24/7 for any training and/or medical concerns with their Service Dog

Work with the Manager of Warrior Training on staff events, Warrior events, photos and press releases, media requests, and interviews

Maintain detailed training and evaluation notes as per policies and procedures

Provide public access exposure to Warriors and Service Dogs in training that include shopping centers, restaurants, sporting events, crowded city environments, parades, etc.

Attend weekly staff meetings and special events, and/or make presentations when needed

Always represent the organization in a professional manner

Assist in giving campus tours and check presentations

Preferred Skills

Leadership

Military experience

Management skills

Core Competencies

Customer Orientation

Results Oriented

Coaching

Conduct

Stress Management

Professionalism

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, crouching, twisting, turning, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds individually. Exposure to unpleasant odors or sounds. Exposure to chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma or equivalent is required

Knowledge of issues facing Veterans and a passion for serving this community

Minimum of 2 years’ experience working directly with veterans at any Veteran Service Organization and/or Department of Veterans Affairs

Experience working with Veterans dealing with mental and physical disabilities

Experience working in customer service field preferred, e.g. customer service associate

Possess patience to interact with challenging clients

Strong verbal, written, and oral communication skills; this position requires the candidate to possess a strong ability to speak clearly and effectively as well as the ability to listen to and hear clients who may be challenging and/or in distress.

Veteran status preferred or familiarity with military/veteran community

Valid driver’s license, and meeting policy requirements for company auto insurance is required

Schedule Monday – Friday; Typically 8am to 5pm; Some weekends & holidays

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