Job Description

Position Title:

Rehoming Specialist, CNIB Guide Dogs

Location:

Beckwith, ON

Reports To:

Manager, Guide Dog Training

I. Scope and Summary of Primary Responsibilities

The Rehoming Specialist, CNIB Guide Dogs, is responsible for facilitating the full transition of dogs withdrawn from the CNIB Guide Dog program, securing safe and appropriate adoptive homes.



Working collaboratively with the Puppy Development Team and Technical Training team, the incumbent ensures that withdrawn dogs from the program are assessed for potential careers with reputable partner organizations or matched and placed in adoptive pet homes in a timely manner.


As an ambassador of CNIB Guide Dogs, the Rehoming Specialist demonstrates diplomacy, tact, and strong relationship building skills with volunteers, partner organizations, and the public when rehoming career change dogs. They follow CNIB Guide Dogs' protocols to provide enrichment and safe accommodations for withdrawn dogs throughout the transition period. The Rehoming Specialist also reviews adoption applications to ensure suitability based on each dog's individual needs.

II. Essential Functions

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Oversee the full adoption process with a focus on dog health and safety, including reviewing applications, responding to inquiries, screening potential adopters, conducting in-person and virtual home assessments, facilitating meet and greets, supporting adopters during the two-week trial period, finalizing adoptions, and maintaining accurate records. Collaborate with the Specialist, CNIB Guide Dogs to recruit, onboard, and engage adoption dog boarders within the local community. Provide ongoing support to volunteers fostering dogs with medical or behavioural needs while being assessed for an alternate career with an approved partner organization or waiting for pet home adoption. Review withdrawal reports and career assessments to prepare dog summaries for consideration by approved partner organizations, and collaborate with the marketing team to create and post adoptable dog profiles on the CNIB website and support adoption promotions to boost applicants. Provide enrichment and basic grooming to dogs on caseload such as leash walks, nail trims, brushing, basic health checks. Identify temperamental and behavioural issues, implement appropriate solutions, and create de-escalation plans as required. Facilitate meet and greets at Canine Campus for adopters and adoptable dogs or coordinate with interprovincial guide dog team members to facilitate meet and greets outside of Ontario. Transport dogs on caseload to and from volunteer homes, airports, health screenings, the CNIB Guide Dogs Canine Campus, or external adopters. Report all health issues to the Manager and Veterinary Advisor, ensuring prompt referral for review. Supports timely data entry of regular visit reports into Salesforce Dog Tracker for all dogs on caseload and maintains accurate and current documentation to meet CNIB Guide Dogs and IGDF Standards. Develop and maintain partnerships with external partner organizations that may have expertise in assisting with facilitating confidential adoptions of dogs with medical or behavioural considerations. Coordinates intakes and exits of all dogs on caseload into Canine Campus, works collaboratively with the Veterinary Team to ensure dogs being career changed receive exit exams. Maintains documentation of existing CNIB Guide Dogs Adoption protocols, policies and procedures and assist in the development and enforcement of policies for the Transition Program and Adoption Process. Report and document all accidents and incidents relating to dogs and with third parties, in line with current Health and Safety policies. Ensures IGDF standard duty of care when placing all withdrawn dogs in adoptive homes.

III. Qualifications

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

Proficiency in canine handling, behavior, and care using positive reinforcement methods. Professional, compassionate and understanding when working with both people (staff, vets, volunteers and the general public) and dogs. Demonstrated sound judgment, strong communication and team-building skills and the ability to make timely and prudent decisions. Current Ontario G2 driver's licence.

Experience and Education

Completed a certification for Guide Dog Trainer Apprenticeship program within an organization recognized by the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) is preferred. Formal dog handling or training experience Minimum 5 years experience in canine handling/health/behaviour with formal training/experience with positive reinforcement training methods. Good working knowledge and experience with MS Office Suite and Salesforce. Other college or university degree in volunteer management or an animal care related field is desirable. Minimum high school diploma.

Work Environment

CNIB Canine Campus "dog pods", facilities and agile office areas. CNIB Canine Campus property including training vans. Employee is exposed to kennel noise, cleaning and antibacterial solutions and animal dander and hair in confined areas such as vans and kennels. Travel may be required, as may be unsociable hours and weekend work. Ability to undertake the physical demands of the role, including walking long distances, controlling and walking with a range of dog breeds, ages, and temperaments. Occasionally long or flexible work hours.

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