Leader Dogs for the Blind, based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, has been making people unstoppable for 80 years, empowering people who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel. To learn more about our mission and campus follow the link to our website here.
Why work at Leader Dogs for the Blind?
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance after 30 days of employment
Employer paid life insurance
Employer paid disability insurance
401k with employer match
Flexible spending account
Paid time off front loaded on first day of employment
Annual merit pay increases
Workout room access
Dog friendly office
The Early Puppy Development and Host Coordinator is responsible for recruiting and supporting Leader Dog Host homes during the whelping process and the new litters by providing early puppy socialization prior to placement with a puppy raiser. This position will also perform Behavior Checklist (BCL) assessments on puppies.
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Establishes and maintains ongoing relationships with all host homes and their new litters until their return to the Leader Dog campus at 7-8 weeks of age.
- Provides BCL data to the breeding team and to puppy development coordinators to assist them in placing puppies with raisers.
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Travels to host homes to evaluate whelp preparedness and provide support during parturition of first-time host homes during their first whelping experience.
- Consult and support host homes with early development litter socialization curriculum and processes.
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May provide support to puppies on campus with socialization curriculum until placed with a raiser.
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Performs puppy BCL assessments for IWDR database.
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Facilitates training programs for host homes, host counselors, and mentors.
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Coordinates with business liaisons to maintain and distribute supplies needed for puppies.
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Uses host counselor questionnaires to prepare data for review and recommend changes based on results.
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Provides philanthropic support and coordination with appropriate departments to assist with public relations as it relates to the puppy program.
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Responsible for ensuring meaningful volunteer experiences within puppy development department.
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Performs other duties as assigned.
High School Diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) from an accredited four-year college or university or a two-year specialized training program preferred. Dog/puppy training experience preferred. BCL certification attained within one year. Veterinary technician skills or LVT preferred.
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Ability to work well under pressure, handle multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently.
- Possesses a valid driver’s license without restrictions and the ability to travel frequently.
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Possesses excellent customer service and problem-solving skills.
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May be required to be on campus when deemed necessary at the direction of management.
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Proficiency in the latest version of Microsoft Office products.
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Possesses sound business judgment, exercise professional conduct, understand and follow business ethics and standards, and maintain a high level of confidentiality in all duties.
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Comfortable working within and around community-based venues.
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Comfortable working with and around puppies and large dogs.
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Must be willing to perform general public relations duties on behalf of Leader Dog (perform tours, answer general questions, be a professional and courteous representative of Leader Dog, etc.)
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Must be able to establish and maintain professional, productive and courteous interactions with employees that promote positive teamwork, as well as with volunteers, donors, clients and all constituents of Leader Dog. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, crouch, kneel and reach with hands and arms. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange accurate information using various methods including in-person, telephone and email. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.
Leader Dogs for the Blind reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete, and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities and position title as it deems necessary to meet the needs of its business.
Leader Dogs for the Blind is an at-will employer. This means that the employment relationship may be ended at any time without notice by the employer or employee for any reason. Neither this document, nor any manual issued by Leader Dogs for the Blind, is a contract of employment.