Jobs

• Strong stakeholder management.
• Contribute and make a difference in the lives of dogs and humans.
• Part time 0.8 FTE.

About the company:

Established in 1997 and an initiative of Greyhound Racing SA, the Greyhound Adoption Program SA (GAP SA) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to finding homes for both retired and non-racing greyhounds, as well as educating the public about the gentle nature of the breed.  The Prison Program was established to help prepare retired greyhounds for life as a domestic pet. The greyhounds are paired with inmates from minimum security prisons, who take on the role of foster carers. The inmates, with the guidance of qualified domestic dog trainers, have had sensational results with even the most boisterous of greyhounds. Not only does the Prison Pet Partnership assist in giving greyhounds a second chance at life, but it has provided many inmates with experience in working with animals, purpose, and unconditional love from the greyhounds.

About the role:

The Prison Program Coordinator will work closely with the GAP team around assessment of dogs and suitability for the program. Based at Mobilong Prison, the role involves teaching the greyhounds basic manners and social skills and providing the dog handlers (prison inmates) with basic obedience, dog handling and toilet training skills. Working with the dog handlers, the role will positively promote animal welfare and resolve issues that detract from GRSA’s animal welfare goals.

Key Duties:

• Conduct first point assessments to test the suitability of dogs for the Program
• Support the prison program ensuring maximum utility of kennels and facilities available
• Organise dogs to go in and to come out of the prison, ensuring greyhounds’ stay is kept to a minimum
• Work with dog handlers to provide green collar assessment training in group sessions
• Monitor greyhounds in prison GAP kennels, assess the greyhounds in advance of green collar assessments
• Respond to and/or action any dog behaviour related enquiries within agreed timeframes
• Ensure that all documented processes are followed
• Perform any ancillary duties, which may be required in relation to GAP activities
• Find adoptive families (and occasionally, if needed, foster homes) for the dogs that have been in the prison program
• Organise and conduct weekly socialization sessions for the dogs in the prison kennels
• Recruit dog handlers from prison inmates and ensure there is always a sufficient number of handlers
• Liaise with Prison Officers to address any operational issues

Skills & experience:

With an ability to recruit, train and manage a team of handlers within a prison environment, you will demonstrate strong crisis management skills and possess high level emotional intelligence. Personally, you will have the natural ability to engage and build strong and trusted relationships and have a steadfast approach and confidence in stakeholder management. With a solid knowledge of dog behaviour, assessment and training and understanding of kennel management, you will possess an Animal 1^st Aid Certificate. You will be able to multitask, ensuring the wellbeing of the dogs is paramount. You will have the capacity to travel when necessary and be willing to work out of hours when required. A background of, or experience in animal behaviour is favourable and qualifications and experience in positive reinforcement dog training are essential.

Culture & benefits:

Join an organisation with a strong drive around developing a positive working culture, whilst you support a worthwhile and rewarding program that continues to grow and achieve positive outcomes year on year.

Applications in Microsoft Word only should be forwarded to Briony Trotter

Email: Please click the 'Apply' button.