Bilingual Guide Dog Mobility Instructor in Ottawa, Ontario

Bilingual Guide Dog Mobility Instructor

Full Time, Contract

Carleton Place, ON

Compensation: $50,200 – $63,000

Reports to: Director of Training and Apprenticeships

Direct Reports: Yes

Join us in our mission to change what it is to be blind in Canada.

Founded in 1918, CNIB is one of Canada’s oldest charities. We believe our new strategic plan, The Way Forward, will once again revolutionize the way we serve and support our community from coast to coast. Working with us means that you’ll be part of an ambitious, diverse team that’s committed to changing what it is to be blind today.

We’re looking for a mission-driven Bilingual Guide Dog Mobility Instructor who is passionate about creating more accessible, inclusive, and equitable communities across Canada where people with low vision have unlimited opportunities and can experience life free from barriers and discrimination.

Your Impact at CNIB

• Implement and deliver training courses to program participants, which also may include staff colleagues and apprentices within the program.

• Ensure that the trained guide dogs are suitably paired to an appropriate program participant by thoroughly understanding the dog’s temperament and skills and how these would best compliment the needs within the lifestyle of the participant.

• Train all dogs within the program according to established standards as well as specific program principles as determined by CNIB Guide Dogs; which includes identifying temperamental and behavioral characteristics and ensures the application of appropriate training methods.

• Assess and recommend specific dogs that have the necessary attributes to progress within the established training program, including those that are deemed to be better suited in a different function within the program.

• Provide the necessary aftercare services to the trained guide dog and participants that supports a high level of mobility, dog welfare and maximizes the pairing between the Guide Dog and its handler.

• Assess the capacity and skills-sets exemplified by the trained guide dog and how to best apply these in consideration of the assessed capacity of the participant.

• Develop a mobility plan, tailored to the participant, to meet needs and expectations in relation to the individual’s mobility goals and the use of a Guide Dog.

• Have an ability to provide ongoing written reports that enhance quality control and contribute to a historical summary on each dog within the program that lead to recommendations throughout the formal training process.

• Act as an ambassador for CNIB Guide Dogs, promoting a best in class service and professional public image.

Who you are:

Education and Certifications

• Degree or diploma in related field, or equivalent work experience.

• GDMI qualification or certificate recognized by the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF).

• Current valid driver’s license.

  Experience and Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and proficiency in both English and French.

• Experience and knowledge of best practice dog training methods.

• Eligible to work in Canada.

• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office suites.

• Experience working with and training guide dogs of all ages and training levels for the blind and partially sighted community.

• Experience working with people with disabilities.

• Able to apply theoretical and practical knowledge of teaching and learning to people with disabilities (including children, youth and adults).

• Able to undertake physical demands of the role including walking long distances and working effectively with a range of dogs, ages and temperaments.

• Collaborative contributor in a team environment and also a proven ability to work independently.

• Personal or professional experience relating to blindness and sight loss is considered an asset.

• Personal or professional experience working with assistive technology and/or accessible environments is considered an asset.

Perks

We offer industry leading comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards packages and a wide range of perks, including:

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements and schedules.

• Opportunities for professional development and growth, including internal inclusion, diversity equity and accessibility (IDEA) initiatives.

• Group insurance benefits include dental, health and vision care.

• Enticing internal employee referral program.

Be Part of Our Mission

If this sounds like the role for you, please visit our website to submit an application. Be sure to include a resume, cover letter, and mention how you heard about this opportunity.

Closing date: March 20, 2025

Please note that while we invite applications from all interested and qualified applicants, we are unable to follow-up with every applicant.

Working Together for Change

Our diversity is our strength – we take pride in our inclusive workplace. We are committed to recruiting and selecting candidates through fair, transparent, and accessible practices. We strongly encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, people who are blind, partially sighted, or Deafblind, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

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

Learn more about our mission here (https://www.cnib.ca/en?region=on) .