Manager, Guide Dog Training

Position Title: Manager, Guide Dog Training
Reports To: Director, Guide Dog Training & Apprenticeships

I. Scope and Summary of Primary Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director, Guide Dog Training & Apprenticeships, the Manager Guide Dog Training Team, supervises and oversees a team of Guide Dog training professionals in order to provides expertise in assessment, training, and matching, as well as providing oversight to CNIB Guide Dogs After Care services. This position will ensure individuals who are seeking a guide dog from our organization receive high quality, comprehensive service through each stage of the process while adhering to international standards within financial and resource constraints.

II. Essential Functions

The position entails, but is not limited to the following general responsibilities:

• Implements a comprehensive guide dog training program for individuals applying to become guide dog Handlers
• Supports the maintenance of client and canine files in accordance with CNIB and International Guide Dog Federation standards.
• Provides advice into the strategic planning processes of CNIB Guide Dogs strategy, taking multiple variables into account for the program decision making process.
• Fulfills responsibilities of a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor and/or Guide Dog Trainer in support of program as required.
• Allocates dogs coming in for training within their team of Guide Dog training professionals.
• Works effectively with other CNIB staff to support the organizations' overarching goals.
• Works effectively with the Director, Guide Dog Training & Apprenticeships to review client applications, assess eligibility, assign certified staff, monitor progress and wait times, provide insight to matching dogs, oversee training of Handlers and determining when graduation status is achieved.
• Utilizes supportive management techniques, provides supervision to direct reports including interviewing and selection of new Guide Dog Mobility Instructors and Guide Dog Trainers, the completion of performance evaluations, approving requests for leaves of absence, approving all expenditures and providing discipline if required.
• Provides direction and support to the work of the technical team to implement new and continuously improving services within CNIB Guide Dogs' service strategies, processes, and practices.
• Coordinates work schedules for their team of Guide Dog training professionals.
• Supports the Director, Guide Dog Training & Apprenticeships to provide leadership in planning, development and implementation of programs that result in continuous service quality improvement.
• Makes recommendations regarding new program initiatives and ideas to meet consumer needs and improve service delivery.
• Ensures that all staff comply with essential file documentation in accordance with CNIB and IGDF standards.
• Liaises and builds relationships with various internal and external stakeholders to support and implement program goals.
• Manages multiple relationships through diplomacy, information sharing, value-added expertise, and facilitation.
• Ensures that any program initiatives that could positively or negatively impact our role within the guide dog community are brought to the attention of the Director, Guide Dog Training & Apprenticeships.
• Ability to provide strategic solutions to routine as well as complicated problems utilizing excellent analytical, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
• Provide deliverables in timely manner as appropriate for program initiatives.
• This position works under the general guidance of National/ Divisional guidelines and standards, and has autonomy on daily operational activities.
• Consults with supervisor on issues that are deemed to require upper-level approval.
• Consults with team on decisions required for special projects, service development and quality outcomes.
• Facilitates and enhances team efforts on a professional level and share specialized knowledge, sources, experience, concepts, and skills
• Provides leadership, coaching and management support and advice to reporting staff and key external stakeholders

III. Qualifications
Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Expert level comprehension of standards and competencies required for certification of Guide Dog Trainers, and Guide Dog Mobility Instructors
• Excellent relationship building skills; ability to teach adult learners effectively.
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent written communication and oral presentation skills
• Ability to write efficiently and accurately, and effectively for needs of the program.
• Knowledge of client management systems and change management techniques.
• Ability to collect, synthesize and analyze a broad array of variables to implement programs and processes that optimize outcomes.
• Demonstrated decision making skills; self directed.
• Excellent analytical, problem definition and problem-solving skills
• Proven time management, planning, coordinating and organization skills; proactive in initiating multiple projects on an ongoing basis.
• Professional attitude, results oriented, strategic, and flexible.
• Demonstrate passion for maintaining the highest professional standards and best practices in own work and for encouraging others to constantly strive for professional excellence.

Experience and Education

• Minimum three plus years direct work experience as Certified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor role with experience in mentoring of technical guide dog staff.
• Discipline training and/or experience specific to CNIB services.
• A combination of education and experience that align with position requirements.
• Proficient in MS Office suite software applications
• Knowledge of client management systems and adaptive technology an asset
• Knowledge and experience in working in not for profit, in the field of vision loss desired.

Work Environment

• Willingness to work flexible hours.
• Occasional travel may be required.

CNIB is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities and will work with applicants requesting accommodations at any stage of the hiring process