Leader Dogs for the Blind, an international organization based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, has been empowering individuals who are blind or low vision for over 85 years. We provide comprehensive guide dog services and orientation and mobility training, equipping individuals with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel. Our life-changing work is provided free of charge, and we are 100% philanthropically funded. Our mission is driven by 191 dedicated team members and more than 1,000 volunteers who advocate alongside our clients to create a more equitable world. 

Why work at Leader Dogs for the Blind?

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance after 30 days of employment

• Employer paid life insurance

• Employer paid disability insurance

• 401k with employer match

• Flexible spending account

• Paid time off front loaded on first day of employment

• Annual merit-based pay increases

• Dog friendly office

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the development, management, and coordination of the Orientation & Mobility (O&M) program, Teen Summer Camp, and assistive location technology provided through Extended Services.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages and maintains effective measurements of service quality, program outcomes, all relevant documentation, as well as team performance including challenges and opportunities as it relates to O&M, Teen Summer Camp, and assistive location technology.
• Participates in the admission process and recommends client acceptance into the Leader Dog programs or makes recommendations for other services based on client needs
• Recruits, mentors, develops, and successfully manages a team to achieve the strategic objectives and the present and future needs of the department. 
• Develops and assists with implementation of effective short- and long-term strategic goals and standards for O&M, Teen Summer Camp, and assistive location technology through collaboration with other department managers to ensure an integrated approach for instruction and professional growth amongst the team.
• Collaborate with Director of Guide Dog Services and Director of Client Strategy and Experience to support pilot program initiatives and ensure quality client training and follow up. 
• Collaborate with Manager of Outreach and Community Engagement as continuing education provider and maintenance of ACVREP RPPLE.
• Analyzes feedback systems’ results and recommends new approaches, policies and procedures to effect continual improvement in efficiency of department and services performed.
• Manages and trains any employees or contract employees providing services to Leader Dog clients in the extended services area.
• Conducts research into best practices in O&M, Teen Summer Camp, and assistive location technology.
• Leads team members using a performance support process including goal setting, feedback, and development.
• Builds relationships and collaborates with universities to coordinate university practicums and internships.
• Maintains Agency AER Accreditation and Michigan Camp Licensing or equivalent high-level standards recognition and commitment to quality service provision.
• As needed, provides client instruction in vision rehabilitation certified subject areas.
• Develops and maintains department budget.
• Attends professional conferences as needed and provides education on Leader Dog programs and services to the community as well as maintaining effective relations with the professional community.
• Collaborates with the volunteer engagement department to identify the need for volunteers as well as interviewing, training, and providing on-going supervision and feedback, support and recognition of volunteers working within the department.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree and graduate of an Association for Education & Rehabilitation of the Blind & Visually Impaired (AER) recognized curriculum required, Master’s degree preferred.  Must have proper and current Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP) certification. Four years of experience in a certified specialty of vision rehabilitation instruction preferred. Must be able to demonstrate an ability to develop and lead effective teams. Previous supervisory experience preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Possess excellent interpersonal skills; must have the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with other management staff and all other employees.
•  Certified specialty vision rehabilitation critical knowledge and skills that promote the provision of quality services and ethical practice.
• Knowledge of vision rehabilitation services and resources.
• Sound knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of personnel administration and management.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as strong organizational skills, and have acuity with detail.
• Ability to work well under pressure, handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines; must have the ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
• Possess sound business judgment, exercise professional conduct, understand and follow business ethics and standards, and maintain a high level of confidentiality in all duties.
• This position may be required to be on campus when deemed necessary at the direction of management.
• Proficient in latest version of Microsoft Office products.
• Possess the ability to evaluate and interpret data, define problems, analyze business issues and develop workable solutions.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Comfortable with and willing to work around large dogs.
• Willing to perform general public relations duties on behalf of Leader Dog (perform tours, answer general questions, be a professional and courteous representative of Leader Dog, etc.).
• Ability to establish and maintain professional, productive and courteous interactions with employees that promote positive teamwork, as well as with volunteers, donors, clients, university students and all constituents of Leader Dog. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stand, use the phone, and reach with hands and arms, and drive.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Must regularly be able to walk distances consistent with training requirements for our clients in a variety of weather conditions.

Leader Dogs for the Blind reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete, and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities and position title as it deems necessary to meet the needs of its business.

Leader Dogs for the Blind is an at-will employer.  This means that the employment relationship may be ended at any time without notice by the employer or employee for any reason.  Neither this document, nor any manual issued by Leader Dogs for the Blind, is a contract of employment.