Job vacancies at Medical Detection Dogs

THE JOB

We are looking for a passionate and driven person who ideally has previous experience and skills working as an Instructor within an Assistance Dog organisation, who has worked with clients and partnerships. The role includes supporting both clients who have had a MDD dog placed with them and also our own dog applicants with their puppies and young dogs to ensure they receive the highest standard of socialisation and early training in terms of obedience, public access and developing an alert to the applicant’s condition, with the aim to reach an accreditable assistance dog partnership status. It is also will include carrying out client specific and odour training for MDD own dogs, placing these dogs with their new clients and looking after a number of established partnerships.

Duties that encompass the role of an Instructor include:

•  Be the first point of contact for the allocated partnerships in your area.  To provide guidance and instruction to applicants who have applied to the charity to have their own dogs considered for the training programme guidance and instruction on handling, behaviour and obedience and odour training as well as newly placed partnerships.
• Alongside the Instructing team, to run puppy classes, public access training, recall sessions in small groups for applicant own dogs that are in line with the charity’s quality standards and in accordance with timescales and targets.
• To also carry out support visits and home interviews for applicants and clients that have been allocated to you.
• Regularly monitor progress of the puppies and partnerships in training in your area and provide detailed, evidenced feedback to Instructor Manager and Head of Assistance Dog Programme.
• To carry out client specific training with any MDD owned dogs that have been matched, including the required odour scent training.
• Instructing, guiding and supporting new assistance dog clients in managing and handling a Medical Alert Assistance Dog effectively, via pre training, placement training and aftercare visits.
• Supporting partnerships in training in successfully reaching an accreditation standard and in maintaining this standard throughout the life of the partnership.
• To support a number of established partnerships in the form of aftercare, refresher training and yearly re-accreditations, assisting further afield on occasions as required.

Reports to: Instructor Manager

Responsibilities 

• To escalate issues and problems to the Instructor Manager as appropriate.
• To assist the Dog Supply Team with carrying out scent assessments on any MDD dogs in socialising as and when required with the support of the Instructor Manager and rest of the Instructing Team.
• To plan, organise and deliver practical and theoretical training to clients, meeting their individual needs in line with agreed standards to include areas such as dog welfare, appropriate handling, commanding and overall management. This will involve working with the parents as Team Leader and child as Client and working with adult clients.
• Assess the team dynamics of the family & balancing the needs of all family members as well as those of the dog.
• Assess the individuals preferred learning style and amending as relevant to aid a client.
• To accompany the client into all regular environments that they will take the dog to, ensuring the dog behaves in an acceptable manner and that the client and others are aware and clear in terms of where they dog should reside and behave for eg public transport, place of work. To complete a check list of environments for any applicant own dogs in training who are on the programme to be assessed within.
• To support and advise clients in transferring the odour training from pot training and recognising alerting behaviours to establish real life alerting.
• To monitor the correct and false alerting percentages of allocated partnerships via data analysis, advising where necessary until the correct alerting levels are achieved.
• To complete comprehensive reports and paperwork for any time spent with applicants or partnerships in training or established. Maintain accurate records by providing verbal and written information with agreed timescales about clients, dogs, applicants and apprentices as appropriate.
• To work alongside allocated partnerships with the aim of the partnership reaching an accredited standard and feeding back to the Instructor Manager and Assistance Dog Programme Manager if there are any concerns that the accreditation cannot be achieved.
• To provide clients with appropriate aftercare services at regular intervals in their own homes in the form of annual visits, support visits or at refresher workshops run at the Centre to agreed standards.  This will include continual re-assessment of the dynamics of family and dog, formulating and training on appropriate solutions, as well as offering additional dog training advice.
• To deliver handling days as part of an applicant’s pre training to include ‘Introduction to Assistance Dog’ ‘Advanced Handling’ and Family Handling.
• To scent train and seizure proof advanced dogs in preparation to be partnered with an adult or child client and ensure that applicant own dogs have received this at the earliest opportunity.
• To maintain the ongoing public access training with any advanced dog in scent training that has been allocated to them.
• To provide support to the Charity’s public relations and fundraising functions as required, specifically in your area.
• To act as the ‘contact’ person for the assistance dog programme in relation to training policy procedures with clients and their families, other professional service providers and members of the public.  This will include on-going research and development of the project.
• To liaise with and provide support for Volunteers who may operate as part of the aftercare programme provided by the charity.
• To ensure all partnerships are in line with the ADUK regulations with regards to behaviour, obedience and welfare and branding.
• Due to the nature of the role, flexible working hours may be required in some instances to facilitate the effective delivery of the work e.g. working during the school holidays with school age clients.

Other

• Share best practice with colleagues across the charity.
• Any other duties or tasks that are required to ensure the successful running of the Medical Alert Assistance Dog Department and the Charity overall.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• High level of preparation, organisational and co-ordination skills
• Strong and clear teaching and instructing skills
• Experience of running puppy classes and carrying out public access training and recall sessions
• High level of self – motivation and planning
• Approachable, calm and empathetic to children and adults with debilitating and life threatening conditions
• Happy to travel alone within the UK to visit any clients as necessary.
• Happy to be on call at all times for partnerships as and when required.
• Happy to stay away from home and stay in local hotel when the client’s location is too far from the Centre to travel back.
• Happy and able to have Medical Alert Assistance Dogs in training to reside in their home.
• Good team worker, but equally able to work alone.
• Positive, empathetic and calm attitude
• Able to embrace a constantly evolving organisation
• Flexible

Essential

• Previous Assistance Dog Instructing or Dog Training with puppy socialisers experience
• Knowledge of AD(UK) and ADI regulations 
• Law in relation to dogs.
• Knowledge of medical conditions relevant to puppies between 8 weeks and 2 years of age.
• Dog and human psychology.
• Proven evidence and experience of dog handling and training skills
• Previous experience of teaching and instructing
• Sound dog training and dog behaviour knowledge
• IT literacy and report writing skills
• Experience of using Microsoft based programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel, Internet Explorer and Power Point, teams, zoom and Microsoft share point for data etc
• Full UK driving licence
• Pass a DBS (CRB) check due to regular contact with children

Preferable

• Knowledge of debilitating medical conditions and understanding of how they can impact people, both physically and psychologically, particularly when they are unstable and fluctuating.

•  Previous knowledge of odour/scent training

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• High level of preparation, organisational and co-ordination skills
• Strong and clear teaching and instructing skills
• High level of self – motivation and planning
• Approachable, calm and empathetic to children and adults with debilitating and life threatening conditions
• Happy to travel alone within the UK to visit any clients as necessary.
• Happy to be on call at all times for partnerships as and when required – to include outside standard working hours.
• Able and willing to stay away from home and stay in local hotel when the client’s location is too far from the Centre to travel back.
• If able, possibility of having Medical Alert Assistance Dogs in training to reside in their home through the 6 – 8 week training phase.
• Good team worker, but equally able to work alone.
• Positive, empathetic and calm attitude
• Able to embrace a constantly evolving organisation
• You should be supportive of the charitable aims of Medical Detection Dogs and capable of working as part of a team, as well as able to motivate yourself.

Values & Behaviours

Working at Medical Detection Dogs will be a richly rewarding experience. Our Values & Behaviours encapsulate who we are, what we stand for and what it will feel like to be part of our team: 

1. We treat each other with respect and courtesy
2. We act professionally at all times
3. We accept responsibility for our own performance and behaviour
4. We are honest and open in our dealings with each other 
5. We are inclusive and open minded
6. We provide a safe space for challenging opinion, behaviour and decisions
7. We give credit when and to whom it is due
8. We support one another in achieving our goals

And of course, we advocate for Medical Detection Dogs whenever we get the chance, and we pride ourselves on our role as ambassadors. 

Finally, the successful candidate will also be expected to:  

• Hold a full UK Driving Licence 
• Provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK. 
• Undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check 
• Work some evenings and weekends 

MAIN PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE JOB

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Canine Specialist to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for coordinating and managing canine training in research and community deployment projects across ongoing and future projects for the charity.  

You will be primarily focused on detection training, canine research delivery, development of canine services, deployment of services and the expansion and scale-up of canine services.  

Your role will be project based and will work across our canine departments – Bio Detection Canine Supply and Training, Bio Detection Research and Community Medical Detection Dogs (CMDD) projects.  

As an operational specialist you will coordinate joint working between the relevant teams to ensure delivery of the highest level of canine training with the goal of bringing our canine services to those who need it more quickly and efficiently and supporting our organisational strategy of expanding and scaling up the impact of our charitable work. 

You will strive to deliver the highest level of canine performance for research projects and whilst working alongside the Head of Research & Commercialisation, within the framework and parameters of research requirements, you will establish the appropriate positioning of canine deployment in line with the charity’s service development and, if applicable, commercial plans to create a viable and sustainable service within existing health frameworks.  

You will ensure consistency of canine training procedures in bio detection supply and fostering and have full overall responsibility and delegation remit for the selection, fostering and support training for all bio detection research and passive detection dogs for community deployment.  You will oversee and ensure maximum performance of canine services and trainer and handler protocols across these departments and advise on areas for improvement. 

POSITION IN ORGANISATION  

• Reports to: Head of Canine Supply and Training 

• Other key stakeholders: Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) Head of Research and Commercialisation, Head of Assistance Dog Programme 

Responsibilities 

Project Management

• Alongside the Head of Research and Commercialisation design and develop the logistical strategies for canine deployment projects from inception to completion, ensuring that canine training is executed on time, within budget and sustainable.
• Develop canine training project plans, set goals, and track progress using project management tools. ( MS Project).
• Maintain detailed records and provide regular project status reports of canine services to management and stakeholders.
• Ensure maintenance of good relationships with relevant primary stakeholders and collaborators
• Review and ensure operational effectiveness of bio canine training and community deployment projects

Detection Training

• Plan and conduct detection training programs for dogs on new projects ensuring they meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• In consultation with Heads of Departments and CSO collaborate with trainers and handlers to develop training materials, ensure appropriate specialist staff training, and maintain a high level of proficiency in detection techniques.
• Evaluate canine performance and make necessary adjustments to training programs.

Interdepartmental coordination

• Work closely with various departments within the organisation, such as training, operations, and logistics, to ensure seamless collaboration and communication in regard to canine services. 
• Provide support and guidance to different teams to facilitate the successful deployment of canines for various purposes. 
• When required support Medical Alert Assistance Dog department team for canine training and  partnership annual visits for environmental search allergen assistance dogs.  

Expansion and Scale up of services

• Contribute to the strategic planning and execution of expanding our canine deployment services. 
• Assist the Head of Research and Commercialisation to identify growth opportunities and assist in the development of new service offerings, whether these be commercial opportunities or support the growth of our charitable impact. 
• Collaborate with internal fundraising and communication teams to promote our canine deployment services to potential clients. 

Other

• Share and implement best practice with colleagues across the charity, and when required plan and deliver training to staff.  

• Ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager required to ensure the successful running of the charity. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

Essential

• Canine Training and Behaviour: A deep understanding of canine behaviour, training techniques, behaviour modification, and positive reinforcement training methods. Detailed knowledge of canine detection work.to include experience and expertise of ‘real world’ canine detection models and deployment services.  behaviour modification, and positive reinforcement training methods.
• Project Management: A strong foundation in project management is crucial, as this role involves coordinating and managing canine deployment projects. Experience in project planning, execution, and monitoring, as well as the ability to use project management tools, is essential.
• Interdepartmental Coordination: Experience in working with multiple departments within an organisation and the ability to facilitate effective communication and collaboration are key skills for success in this role.
• Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and compliance requirements related to canine deployment services, including detection, is essential to ensure all activities are conducted in a legal and ethical manner.
• Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential for interacting with team members, stakeholders, clients, and trainers. This includes the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities to address various issues that may arise during training, deployment, and project management.
• Previous Canine Handling Experience: Prior experience in canine handling, particularly in detection work or canine-related roles.
• Decision-Making: The ability to make informed and timely decisions, often in fast-paced environments, is essential for ensuring the success of canine deployment projects.

Desirable:

• Advanced Education: A master’s degree in a related field, such as animal science, canine behaviour, or project management, could be a desirable qualification that demonstrates a higher level of expertise.
• Certifications: Possessing certifications related to canine behaviour, training, or project management can add credibility to the role and may be desirable.
• Income Generation and Marketing Skills: Knowledge of commercial opportunities, fundraising and marketing strategies can be advantageous when contributing to the expansion and promotion of canine deployment services.
• Industry-specific Expertise: Familiarity with the specific industry or sector in which canine deployment services are applied (e.g., security, law enforcement, search and rescue, or agriculture) can be valuable in tailoring services to meet client needs.
• Ethical and Legal Awareness: An understanding of ethical considerations and legal requirements related to the use of canines in various industries, as well as animal welfare regulations, is desirable.
• Data Analysis Skills: Knowledge of data analysis and reporting can be useful for evaluating the effectiveness of canine detection and deployment programs.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES 

• Passion for dogs: A genuine love and passion for working with dogs, combined with a deep understanding of their behaviour, needs, and capabilities, are essential attributes. A strong affinity for animals, especially canines, is crucial.
• Empathy: Understanding and empathizing with the needs and well-being of the canines under their care is critical. Canine Deployment Specialists should prioritise the welfare and comfort of the dogs they work with.
• Leadership Skills: Strong leadership qualities are necessary for managing projects, leading training sessions, and coordinating interdepartmental teams effectively.
• Team Player: The ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and departments is crucial. Candidates should be skilled at building and maintaining positive working relationships.
• Attention to Detail: Precision in recording data, tracking project progress, and monitoring canine behaviour and performance is essential.
• Calm Under Pressure: Canine Deployment Specialists may encounter high-pressure situations, especially in deployment scenarios. The ability to remain calm and composed is valuable.
• Continuous Learning: A willingness to stay updated on the latest advancements in canine behaviour, training techniques, and relevant industry developments is beneficial.
• Professionalism: Candidates should maintain a high level of professionalism in all interactions and represent the organization positively.

Values & Behaviours

All employees will be expected to comply with the company terms and conditions, rules, policies, procedures, codes of conduct, quality standards, authorisation processes, risk managements policies etc and relevant external regulations.   

All staff are expected to comply with the company Charter of Behaviours (further details will be made available to successful applicant) 

1. Treating each other with respect and courtesy
2. Acting professionally
3. Accepting responsibility for own performance and behaviour 
4. Being honest and open in our dealings with each other
5. Being inclusive and open minded
6. Providing a safe space for challenging opinion, behaviour and decisions 
7. Giving credit when and to whom it is due 
8. Supporting one another in achieving our goals  

Other Requirements

• Whilst employed will be required to hold a full UK Driving Licence 
• The post is subject to clearance under the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) scheme
• Proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK.