A rare opportunity to join our successful RSB Dogs team.

Our guide and assistance dogs program is expanding, providing a rare opportunity for an experienced assistance dog instructor to join our team. If you’re passionate about working with people whose lives are changed by our highly trained dogs, you might be just right for the team.

About us

Royal Society for the Blind of SA (RSB) supports people who are blind or have vision impairment to gain new skills, be engaged in life and grow confidence at home, at work and in their communities. Working together, RSB supports a culture of participation, meaning and purpose with the understanding that small changes can often have a powerful impact.

RSB is the leading service provider in disability and aged care support for people who are blind or vision impaired. In the past few years our Assistance Dog program has grown to provide much-needed dogs for veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as working with children with autism.

The opportunity

RSB is looking for a full-time Assistance Dog Instructor to work as part of the RSB Guide and Assistance Dog Team. In the past few years our program has significantly expanded and this year we marked the 50th partnership we have delivered between an assistance dog and a veteran with PTSD.

The day to day is focused on the safe and effective training of clients in all aspects of assistance dog services, dog assessments and delivering all types of assistance dog training. We’re looking for a real team player with excellent communication skills.

This is a permanent full-time role. Occasional country travel and weekend and out of hours work will be required (with plenty of notice).

What we can offer you

We have a successful and established Guide and Assistance Dogs team. We can also offer:

• A brilliant role where you make a difference every day
• Attractive remuneration including salary packaging and additional benefits
• A supportive, collaborative team environment
• Career development opportunities
• Flexibility including work life balance
• Company car fleet for appointments
• Salary range $70,000 to $80,000 plus superannuation

Your skills and expertise

We’re looking for someone with the right skills and expertise to join the team. You’ll have:

• A current Assistance Dog Instructor qualification, as certified by the Assistance Dog International Accreditation body.
• The ability to analyse, assess individual dogs, and carry out a tailored training program.
• Skills in determining the needs, abilities, suitability, and potential of new or existing clients.
• The knowledge to evaluate all relevant client information and identify ideal dog type, within specific timeframes.
• The ability to plan and organise work activities to ensure safety and welfare of self, clients, and others.
• Prior experience in training and supporting Cadet ADI’s and Puppy Education staff in both practical and theoretical training.
• Some experience in public speaking and presentation.

A position description is attached.

Please submit your resume and cover letter of no more than 2 pages explaining why you’d be perfect for the role.