Careers

Position Title:  Canine Care Coordinator
Department: Programs
Reports To: Director of Programs
Hours per week: 20 hours
Exempt/Nonexempt  Status: Exempt
Prepared By: Sue Kliewer, Dir. of Training and Client Services

Summary
Oversees veterinary care of Helping Paws dogs by working with Helping Paws staff, volunteers, Graduates, and the veterinary community. This position requires excellent interpersonal skills whether communicating with others via email, phone or face-to-face meetings. The position will involve working with other staff members, organization volunteers and individuals utilizing our program services. The office environment includes exposure to dogs on a daily basis.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1.Assists the Director of Training and Client Services in the development of the mission and strategic plans related to Program driven initiatives.
2. Coordinate veterinary procedures for dogs in training. Procedures to be covered are: 

    • Hip clearances between 8 – 11 months and after 2 years of age.
    • Elbow clearances for dogs in the Breeding Program after 2 years of age (done at the same time as their hip clearances).
    • Eye clearances ~1 year and ~2 years of age, and annually for active Breeding Program Dogs.
    • Heart clearances for dogs in the Breeding Program. 
    • DNA testing for dogs in the Breeding Program.
    • Make all arrangements for spaying/neutering of dogs in training between 14 – 18 months of age, career change dogs, and retired Breeding Program dogs. 
    • Make all arrangements for annual heartworm clinic.
    • Procurement and distribution of heartworm and flea and tick preventatives.
    • Accompany Foster Home Trainers to specialty veterinary appointments.
    • Inform Director of Training of any canine pandemic issues within the community 
    • Maintain inventory of dog medications and checklists per ADI standards.

3. Answer veterinary related questions from staff, volunteers, and clients.
4.Update veterinary care sections of Foster Home Trainer manual, Dog Sitter manual, and all Team Training manuals on an as needed basis.
5. Research canine care information so that organization remains knowledgeable regarding current canine health, nutrition, and veterinary care.
6. Ensure all veterinary records are compiled for distribution to Graduates during the placement process.
7. Keep veterinary records up to date in Dog Tracker
8. Assists in maintaining healthy, safe, sanitary, pleasant and clean facilities for the public and dogs at all times and follows established procedures governing safe work practices.
9. Represent Helping Paws inside and outside of the organization.

Experience and Qualification Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:
Knowledge such as usually possessed by a Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, business or human services, veterinary technician or other business or health related field with one or two years related experience and /or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

1.Experience, competence and sensitivity in working with people with physical disabilities and people of diverse races and cultures is highly valuable.
2. Ability to assist volunteers and clients in a responsive, courteous and tactful manner.
3. Ability to assist and work cooperatively with other staff and volunteers within the organization.
4. Proven knowledge and practical experience in training service dogs using humane training methods.
5. A genuine enjoyment of working with volunteers who will have a variety of learning styles.
6. A strong affection for dogs and concern for their welfare. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly be working with dogs and is required to do repetitive motions in the handling of the dog that may involve bending, stooping and squatting.
7. Due to the nature of working with dogs the employee must occasionally lift and/or move a dog that could weigh up to 72 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with physical disabilities to perform the essential functions.
8. Able to communicate via voice mail, text and e-mail. Proficiency computer skills to include Google platform and Salesforce
9. Strong techniques for organizing and managing work priorities. Ability to work both independently and as a Team member dependent on the task or project.
10. Strong verbal communications and telephone skills, with the ability to deal effectively with a wide range of internal and external audiences.
11. Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
12. Strong knowledge of Helping Paws programs.
13. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends.
14. Ability to perform duties in a manner that encourages the attainment of goals and the mission of Helping Paws and its programs. Exhibits maturity, good judgment and professional personal appearance.
15. Ability to establish rapport with staff, foster home trainer volunteers, general volunteers, applicants, graduates and the public.
16. Ability to promote the mission of Helping Paws, garnering support and commitment by various stakeholders.
17. Must have a valid Minnesota Driver’s License and vehicle. 

Position Specifications:
20 hours per week

The job will be done both on site and off site of the Helping Paws training center. Evening hours are required and position will include some weekend and Holiday work on an as needed basis.

Position Salary Range:
Mileage for off-location meetings.
Benefits: Paid time off and holidays. Salary is paid on the 15th and the last day of each month.
Direct deposit to your checking account is the method of salary payment.

Salary:
$22.66 Hourly

Evaluation: A performance review will occur after the three-month introductory assessment period and annually thereafter. Performance reviews may occur more frequently than salary reviews. The Director of Training and Client Services will evaluate performance.

Introductory Assessment Period:
The introductory assessment period runs from the date of hire through the first day of the month immediately following the date of hire, and for three months thereafter. If hired on the first day of the month, the introductory assessment period will end three months from hire date. For employment in any position with Helping Paws, this introductory assessment period is the period during which the specifics of the job are learned. During this period, either the employee or Helping Paws may end the employment relationship without notice or prejudice.

At Will Employment:
There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer. It is the policy of Helping Paws that employment for this position is at will, which means that employment is for no specified term and that employment may be terminated by the employee or Helping Paws at any time without cause. 

As a courtesy, Helping Paws requests 3 weeks’ notice from employees when terminating their employment. 

Next Steps:
If you are interested in learning more, please contact Sue at skliewer@helpingpaws.org.

 

 

Helping Paws is a 501c3 non-profit organization located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.  We are dedicated to the breeding, training and placement of assistance dogs for people who have physical disabilities and for Veterans and first responders who have PTSD.  We also provide facility dogs that are partnered with a facilitator working in a care giving, educational or courtroom setting.  The human/animal bond is the foundation of Helping Paws, and we celebrate the mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between them each day.

As a Helping Paws employee, you will enjoy knowing that you make a difference each day. Full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Health, dental and long-term disability insurance
  • Paid time off**
  • Employer matched Simple IRA plan**
  • Eleven Paid Holidays
  • Professional development opportunities**

Helping Paws is committed to providing a safe work environment for all employees.  As a part of this process, we will conduct a criminal background check on all new hires. If you want to know that you make a difference and are interested in learning more, please apply today!

Helping Paws shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), gender (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, other protected classes recognized by applicable state or local law, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.