DOC Logan CC Industries Helping Paws Program Instructor

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Corrections is looking for a professional, compassionate, and detail-oriented Helping Paws Program Instructor. The successful candidate for this position must realize that instructing individuals in custody in dog training is a career that combines knowledge of animal behavior with practical teaching skills. Patience, consistency, and excellent communication skills (both verbal and nonverbal) are required for this position to help others effectively teach their canine and human clients. If interested in this rewarding opportunity, please apply to the instructions listed on the job posting. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. 

Job Responsibilities

1. Serves as a Helping Paws Program Instructor.
2. Establishes and coordinates occupational instructions in dog grooming.
3. Reviews training materials and activities to ensure canine training and grooming are completed according to Illinois Correctional Industries guidelines.
4. Monitors individuals in custody to ensure discipline in the canine training program.
5. Reviews inventory to ensure appropriate materials are in stock and ready for use.
6. Maintains training schedules, logs, and reports on each individual in custody assigned to the area.
7. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of four (4) years of high school.
2. Requires two (2) years of practical journey level experience in the trade or occupational area for which instruction is given.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Prefers at least two (2) years of experience conducting operant and/or classical conditioning training for dogs.
2. Prefers at least two (2) years of professional experience working with a variety of dog breeds at veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and/or through similar animal-like organizations.
3. Prefers Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and/or similar type of professionally recognized certification.
4. Prefers at least two (2) years of experience following strict cleaning and sanitation procedures to ensure clean areas for kenneling, training, grooming, and for disease prevention.
5. Prefers at least three (3) years of experience training dogs to perform a job or task relating to a disability.
6. Prefers at least two (2) years of experience training dogs to tolerate novel sights and sounds in various public settings.

Conditions of Employment

1. Requires completion of an approved course in correctional officer training within six (6) months of employment.
2. This position is considered medium work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(c)). Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
3. Requires use of agency-supplied equipment (i.e., mobile phone, laptop, etc.).
4. Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.
5. Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
6. Requires ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check.
7. Requires ability to pass a drug screen.  The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of the position held, is prohibited.
8. Applicants are required to abide by all vaccine and/or other medical standards as set out by the employer.
9. The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Corrections is a multicultural agency deeply committed to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion.  This commitment is at the forefront of our operations, hiring, policies and procedures, and training. We recognize the benefit of workplace empowerment, the importance of diversity and fully support an environment where ALL employees are treated fairly, respectfully, and have equal access to opportunities and resources necessary to thrive and contribute to the agency’s success. IDOC genuinely values the differences of individuals in our custody and is committed to ensuring a healthy living environment where they feel valued, respected, and included. Through our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we shall establish and uphold agency policies and practices conducive to eliminating all forms of exclusion including, but not limited to, racism, ageism, ableism, sexism, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender, and religious oppression. The IDOC team works to serve justice in Illinois and increase public safety by promoting positive change in behavior of individuals in custody, operating successful reentry programs, and reducing victimization. Employees enjoy excellent benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance; retirement plan and deferred compensation; state holidays and other benefit time off; and pre-tax benefit programs. The department also offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. The Illinois Department of Corrections is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.