Animal-assisted Therapist Career Profile the Balance Careers

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We are a nimble, rapidly growing organization. Any available positions will be posted here.

Executive Director

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and desired compensation range in an email with the subject line "[Your Name] - Executive Director" to jobs@ctcorps.org.

The application deadline is 10/10/2021. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until then.

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY
CTCorps is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organization into the next phase of services and growth, building on the incredible success and accomplishments of the past thirty years. CTCorps recently conducted its first capital campaign, Unleashing Potential, in which it successfully raised over $1M. The capital campaign will enable CTCorps to expand its capabilities and fund a bold vision of doubling the number of people served over the next five years. A complete renovation of our headquarters and training center was completed in 2020 with improvements that allow CTCorps to move forward with a number of initiatives, aimed at revenue generation, onsite programming and recruiting more human-animal teams to accomplish our goals.

The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of Canine Therapy Corps and is responsible for working with the Board of Directors to ensure the organization's consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives. The ideal candidate is a passionate leader and communicator with a track record of successfully growing an organization, department, or initiative. Further, the candidate is a visionary, a proven fundraiser and team leader, who possesses a deep commitment to serving the Chicago community.

Heading into 2022, CTCorps is poised for growth with the foundation of a strong suite of programs, enthusiastic community support, a well-rounded program and operations team, and a solid balance sheet. Our next leader will take this stable, well-functioning operation and strategically drive it towards greater long-term growth, service and sustainability. New programs to enable revenue generation are thriving in our new headquarters and have additional capacity for expansion to achieve our overall mission of doubling the number of people served.

As the public face of CTCorps, this position requires a foundational understanding of and strong appreciation for animal-assisted interactions, particularly animal-assisted therapy, and the human-animal bond.

THE POSITION
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for setting and executing on the vision, direction and growth plan, as well as general oversight of CTCorps, including administration of all volunteer therapeutic programs.

OPERATIONS (ADMINISTRATION AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT)

The Executive Director is responsible for the operations of the organization, managing and developing a $600,000 budget and a full-time staff of five. Key activities include:

• In conjunction with the Board of Directors, serve as the primary decision-maker on core operating activities including human resources, budgeting, and financial management.

• Manage and support staff in the successful execution of their duties.

• Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all therapy programs.

• Ensure programs achieve clear, measurable results and the impact is tracked, evaluated and communicated to the appropriate parties.

• Track systems for responsibly managing physical building resources and ensuring the tools and equipment are in good working condition.

• Fulfilling the organization's mission in collaboration with the Board and acting as a professional advisor to the Board on all aspects of development.

FUNDRAISING

The Executive Director will play a lead role in fundraising and donor outreach.

• Design, implement, manage, maintain and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan with actionable strategies and measurable objectives.

• Oversee organizational fundraising, including donor cultivation, solicitation, follow-up and stewardship.

• Work with staff to ensure donor management software and reporting is supporting fundraising needs.

• Positively and actively represent the organization, its programs, and its point of view to volunteers, donors, agencies, organizations, and the general public.

• Establish sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with stakeholders and prospective stakeholders.

BOARD RELATIONS

• Implement policies, programs, goals, and objectives as established by the Board.

• Engage the Board in meaningful participation to further the organization's goals.

• Work with the Board to identify and help recruit new Board members who will add diversity to the Board and whose talents, interests, and commitment will help to further Canine Therapy Corps' mission.

• Regularly brief the Board on the status of the organization and participate at quarterly Board meetings and Committee meetings as needed.

FINANCE

• Develop annual operating budget in conjunction with the Board.

• Oversee adopted annual operating budget.

• Develop and maintain sound financial practices as well as the organization's fiscal integrity.

• Ensure all local, state, and federal financial reporting and records are processed and maintained in a timely and legal manner and in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

HUMAN RESOURCES, COMPLIANCE AND LEGAL

• Manage all personnel in a manner that allows the organization to operate in accordance with the budget. This applies to both paid staff and volunteer positions.

• Foster a climate that attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse staff of top quality talent.

• Maintain official records and documents and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

• Sign all notes, agreements, and other instruments or documents made and entered into and on behalf of the organization, independently or with appropriate members of the Board of Directors as specified in the organization's bylaws.

SKILLS AND INTERESTS

• Desire to work with dogs, volunteers and special needs populations in therapeutic and rehabilitative settings.

• Transparent, ethical, high-integrity leadership.

• Proven fund-raising track record.

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including public speaking and ability to effectively promote the organization's mission, work, vision, and values.

• innately connect with, motivate, and engage others.

• Strong work ethic and high energy.

• Ability to serve as a strategic advisor and sounding board to the staff, enabling them to own projects and work independently.

• A history of successfully generating new revenue streams and improving financial results.

• Strong project management and strategic planning skills.

• Demonstrated competence in planning, budgeting, and forecasting.

• Comfort wearing many "hats" and juggling multiple priorities.

• Innovative, strategic, and creative thinker.

• Technologically savvy.

• Some local travel required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, exempt position that is based in our state-of-the-art facility in the city of Chicago.

Canine Therapy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions). Women, people of color, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Dog Trainer (Assistant or Lead)

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested applicants: Forward a cover letter, resume, and references to christine@caninetherapycorps.org.

• Effective Date: November 2021

• Status: Part-time, Non-Exempt Position

• Reports To: Dog Training and Behavior Manager

• Compensation: Commensurate with experience

POSITION OVERVIEW

CTCorps' vision is to double the number of people we serve by 2025. In order to do this, the organization needs to increase its therapy dog and handler teams and programs. CTCorps is expanding its dog training services to both serve the general public and individuals who would like to become a therapy dog team with their dog. Dog Trainers will lead group training classes for the public, including those seeking to certify their dogs for therapy work. Current class offerings include First Steps Puppy class, Foundations (beginner), Real World Applications (intermediate) and Competence to Confidence (advanced). Further opportunities to teach additional classes may be available for experienced instructors. This is a part-time position.

COMMITMENT

CTCorps' dog training program offers group training classes during the weekday evenings and weekends. Each class is one hour in length, and it is expected that trainers will work 1.5 hours per class, including time to set-up and clean up before and after class, instruction time, and answering student questions. Approximate time commitment is 3-10 hours weekly. CTCorps is seeking long-term relationships with its incoming trainers. There are potential opportunities for advancement.

JOB DUTIES

• Conduct weekly group dog training classes of all levels, from puppy through advanced, in accordance with Canine Therapy Corps' curriculum and using specified and approved techniques

• Serve as an ambassador for CTCorps' dog training program in order to promote student retention, and recommend CTCorps' day training and private training services as appropriate

• Distribute weekly class homework and respond to student questions in a professional and timely manner

• Communicate any incidents or dog behavior concerns to the Dog Training and Behavior Manager

• Set up training area prior to beginning of class, and clean-up of training space after class

• Document student class attendance in Acuity, our registration software program

• Assist in teaching CTCorps' volunteer teams, as requested

• Continue education and maintain training certification, including attending CTCorps' team training workshops

• Perform other duties as needed

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED equivalent

• At least 2 years of experience teaching group dog training classes preferred

• Strong understanding of and ability to apply learning theory, particularly classical and operant conditioning

• Proficiency in shaping, lure-reward, and other relationship-based and reward-centered training techniques

• Ability to approach and teach individual behaviors using multiple techniques

• Understanding of current dog training tools and equipment

• Dog training certification preferred, but not required

SKILLS, ABILITIES AND INTERESTS

• Committed, punctual, and reliable

• Strong, hands-on and hands-off dog training and teaching skills, and the ability to break down complicated concepts into simple terms

• Charismatic, friendly, and positive team player with professional demeanor

• Mature, detail-oriented, and dependable

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills (both written and oral) with diverse audiences, including speaking in front of a group

• Capable of building synergistic relationships

• Must be able to lift and carry over 40 lbs. and safely handle dogs of all sizes

• Must have outstanding people skills

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• All Canine Therapy Corps team members need a foundational understanding of and strong appreciation for animal-assisted interventions, specifically animal-assisted therapy, and the human-animal bond. All Canine Therapy Corps employees, representatives, and volunteers are expected to be well-versed and conversant in the organization's mission and work.

• A high standard of integrity and ethical behavior

• Nights and weekends required

• Access to reliable transportation required

Note: This job description is subject to change. Additional activities, duties or responsibilities may be required of the position.

Canine Therapy Corps is an equal opportunity employer. We seek a broad and diverse pool of candidates and strongly believe that our organization benefits from the perspectives and talents of a diverse staff. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Co-Program Leader (Physical or Occupational Therapist)

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants should forward a cover letter (including compensation requirements), resume, and references to callie@caninetherapycorps.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW

In fall 2013, Canine Therapy Corps began utilizing a professional leadership model that employs two co-program leaders, a professional dog trainer and a therapist specializing in the population the program serves. The leadership team's collective knowledge and experiences support both program participants and therapy dog teams, and this model increases program efficacy.

COMMITMENT

Canine Therapy Corps' programs run once per week, 20 to 35 weeks per year. Program leaders typically spend between 1.5 and 1.75 hours on-site for program sessions. Additional outside preparation time averaging 1 hour per week during the program term is likely, as are other occasional commitments. Approximate commitment is 55 to 90 hours annually.

Although this role is part-time, it is managerial and carries considerable responsibility.

JOB DUTIES

This job description details comprehensive duties and responsibilities for each Canine Therapy Corps program. Actual division of labor is determined amongst co-program leaders.

• Manage, execute, and coordinate Canine Therapy Corps' animal-assisted therapy program in accordance with organizational policies, curriculum, and/or guidelines

  • Schedule program sessions and coordinate program volunteers

  • Collaborate, cooperate, and partner with program partner staff liaison(s) to maintain an effective and efficient program

  • Attend, lead, and drive animal-assisted therapy program sessions, ensuring successful and consistent execution of curriculum and program evaluation procedures, where applicable

  • Ensure compliance with organizational and institutional rules, policies, and guidelines, and uphold organizational standards

  • Maintain frequent communication with the Canine Therapy Corps office regarding program-related matters (poignant anecdotes, program schedule, cancellations, need for volunteers and/or therapy dog teams, incidents, etc.) and provide feedback

• Manage a roster of 4-20 program volunteers, including therapy dog teams, individuals, and program evaluation team members. Ensure program is fully staffed and communicate with volunteers regarding scheduling and program-related matters.

• Maintain accurate program records including attendance, program notes and evaluations, incident reports, etc., and provide session reports and updates on program and volunteer activities

• Enhance participant experience by building volunteer skill and capacity. Impart knowledge of program population and its needs upon volunteers, enabling them to deliver high-quality animal-assisted therapy services

  • Coach and support volunteers in all facets of therapeutic interaction including, but not limited to appropriate interactions, when to allow a participant to work through an exercise independently rather than assist or modify, defining activities that are appropriate for particular therapy goals, etc.

  • Strengthen teams' proficiency, confidence, and impact

  • Instruct volunteers on multiple approaches to commonly encountered situations

  • Help program participants more effectively and efficiently gain therapy dog compliance

  • Design and implement new and unique exercises that revolve around participants' therapeutic goals

  • Ensure therapeutic intervention is effective and impactful

• Work with the Executive Director to identify, analyze, and implement new program opportunities that will lead to organizational growth, as needed

• Assist and mentor new program leaders selected for other programs, as needed

• Attend therapy dog certification sessions, as needed

• Serve as a valuable member of Canine Therapy Corps' team. Because we are a small and nimble organization, on occasion, you may be required to attend meetings, programs, and events; represent the organization in the community; and help with a variety of needs and special projects

EXPERIENCE

• At least 3 years of professional experience and demonstrated success as a physical therapist or occupational therapist delivering and administering therapy (physical therapy or occupational therapy) to individuals of all ages in rehabilitation, particularly those recovering from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, head traumas, strokes, burns, and other physical trauma

• Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree or Doctorate required

• Management experience highly preferred

SKILLS, ABILITIES AND INTERESTS

• Creativity, flexibility, patience, and the ability to improvise when necessary

• Desire to work with volunteers, special needs populations in therapeutic and rehabilitative settings, and dogs

• Capable of motivating, inspiring learning, and building synergistic relationships

• Charismatic and positive team player with strong leadership and professional demeanor

• Excellent communication skills with diverse audiences including colleagues, volunteers, program participants, institutional partners, Canine Therapy Corps staff, and Board members

• Organized, reliable, and responsible

• Takes pride in and ownership of work

• Evening availability

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• All Canine Therapy Corps team members need a foundational understanding of and strong appreciation for animal-assisted interventions, animal-assisted therapy, and the human-animal bond. All Canine Therapy Corps employees, representatives, and volunteers are expected to be well-versed and conversant in the organization's mission and work

• A high standard of integrity and ethical behavior is expected

Travel: Apart from work in program, this position may require travel to meetings and events in the Chicago metropolitan area. Canine Therapy Corps will reimburse for parking fees.

Note: This job description is subject to change; additional activities, duties or responsibilities may be required of the position.

Canine Therapy Corps is an equal opportunity employer. We seek a broad and diverse pool of candidates and strongly believe that our organization benefits from the perspectives and talents of a diverse staff.

Co-Program Leader (professional dog trainer)

HOW TO APPLY: interested applicants should forward a cover letter (including compensation requirements), resume, and references to callie@caninetherapycorps.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW

In fall 2013, Canine Therapy Corps began utilizing a professional leadership model that employs two co-program leaders, a professional dog trainer and a therapist specializing in the population the program serves. The leadership team's collective knowledge and experiences support both program participants and therapy dog teams, and this model increases program efficacy.

COMMITMENT

Canine Therapy Corps' programs run once per week, 20 to 35 weeks per year. Program leaders typically spend between 1.5 and 1.75 hours on-site for program sessions. Additional outside preparation time averaging 1 hour per week during the program term is likely, as are other occasional commitments. Approximate commitment is 55 to 90 hours annually.

Although this role is part-time, it is managerial and carries considerable responsibility.

JOB DUTIES

This job description details comprehensive duties and responsibilities of each CTCorps program. Actual division of labor will be determined between co-program leaders.

• Manage, execute, and coordinate Canine Therapy Corps' animal-assisted therapy program in accordance with organizational policies, curriculum, and/or guidelines

  • Schedule program sessions and coordinate volunteers

  • Collaborate and cooperate with institutional program partner staff as necessary to run an effective and efficient program

  • Attend and lead animal-assisted therapy program sessions, ensuring successful and consistent execution of curriculum and program evaluation procedures, where applicable

  • Ensure compliance with organizational and institutional rules, policies, and guidelines, and uphold organizational standards

  • Maintain frequent communication with CTCorps administration regarding program-related matters (poignant anecdotes, program schedule, cancellations, need for volunteers and/or therapy dog teams, incidents, etc.) and provide feedback

• Manage roster of 4-20 program volunteers, including therapy dog teams, individuals, and program evaluation team members

• Maintain accurate program records including attendance, program notes and evaluations, incident reports, etc., and provide session reports and updates on program and volunteer activities

• Build volunteer intellectual capacity and skill sets by imparting knowledge on dog training and behavior, thereby increasing their ability to deliver high-quality animal-assisted therapy services and enhancing participant experiences

  • Strengthen teams' proficiency, efficiency, confidence, as well as therapy dogs' skills inventory

  • Demonstrate and instruct volunteers on multiple approaches and cues for obtaining dog behaviors, both new and existing

  • Coach participants to more effectively and efficiently gain therapy dog compliance

  • Design and implement new and unique exercises that revolve around participants' therapeutic goals

  • Ensure therapeutic intervention is effective and impactful

• Work with the Executive Director to identify, analyze, and implement new program opportunities that will lead to organizational growth, as needed

• Assist and mentor new program leaders selected for other programs, as needed

• Attend therapy dog certification sessions, as needed

• Serve as a valuable member of Canine Therapy Corps' team. Because we are a small and nimble organization, on occasion, you may be required to attend meetings, programs and events; represent the organization in the community; and help with a variety of needs and special projects.

EXPERIENCE

• At least 3 years of demonstrated success in professional dog training, from basic to advanced obedience and tricks

• Strong understanding of and ability to apply learning theory, particularly classical and operant conditioning

• Proficiency in shaping, lure-reward, and other relationship-based and reward-centered training techniques

• Ability to approach and teach individual behaviors using multiple techniques

• Dog training certification, Bachelor's Degree, and management experience preferred

SKILLS, ABILITIES AND INTERESTS

• Creativity, flexibility, patience, and the ability to improvise when necessary

• Strong, hands-on and hands-off teaching skills and the ability to break down complicated concepts into simple terms

• Desire to work with volunteers, special needs populations in therapeutic and rehabilitative settings, and dogs

• Capable of motivating, inspiring and facilitating individual learning, and building synergistic relationships

• Charismatic and positive team player with strong leadership skills and professional demeanor

• Excellent communication skills with diverse audiences including colleagues, volunteers, program participants, institutional partners, CTCorps staff, and Board members

• Organized, reliable, ethical, and responsible

• Takes pride in and ownership of work

• Evening availability

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• All Canine Therapy Corps team members need a foundational understanding of and strong appreciation for animal-assisted interventions, animal-assisted therapy, and the human-animal bond. All Canine Therapy Corps employees, representatives, and volunteers are expected to be well-versed and conversant in the organization's mission and work.

Travel: Apart from work in program, this position may require travel to meetings and events in the Chicago metropolitan area. CTC will reimburse parking fees.

Note: This job description is subject to change; additional activities, duties or responsibilities may be required of the position.

Canine Therapy Corps is an equal opportunity employer. We seek a broad and diverse pool of candidates and strongly believe that our organization benefits from the perspectives and talents of a diverse staff.

Animal-assisted Therapist Career Profile the Balance Careers

Source: https://www.caninetherapycorps.org/employment

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