Paediatric Physiotherapist
Application Form
Dogs for the Disabled is a National Registered Charity, located in Co. Cork, set up in 2007 to provide Assistance Dogs free of charge, to children and adults living with physical disabilities.
We do not overlap services with other organisations and provide a unique service across Ireland.
We are driven by our belief in a better world for our clients, a world where they are active members of society and not limited by their disability and we do this through the provision of our multi-talented assistance dogs. For our clients, the feeling of not always having to ask other people for help with simple everyday tasks is empowering, developing confidence and allows for the persons true gifts to shine through.
Our dogs are ethically bred and trained to perform tasks such as opening/closing doors, retrieving dropped items, assisting with daily chores, sending for help and assisting children with walking difficulties to walk.
Position Summary
Position Title:
Paediatric Physiotherapist
Position Type:
Full time (35 hours)
(9am – 5pm) hour for lunch – please note that these hours may be adjusted depending on the needs of the charity.
This position will require working occasional weekends, holidays, and being open to working additional shifts on an as-needed basis.
Essential:
Full Clean Driving Licence
Some Dog Handling Experience
Cork based
Prepared to travel
Computer skills
Good at writing reports
Excellent interpersonal skills
Physically fit and in good health
Role
As our Paediatric Physiotherapist, you will work alongside our trained facility dogs and assistance dogs to help children with physical disabilities achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.
Responsibilities
You will be responsible for designing and implementing physiotherapy programs, assessing and monitoring progress, and working closely with our team of trainers to ensure that our dogs are trained to assist with the specific needs of each child
Work Environment
This job operates in our Head Office in Cork and surrounding areas. The location is a non-smoking environment. Every effort is made to ensure calmness and quietness within this environment, to reduce stress in the dogs and clients.
Physical Demands
This job is physically demanding and requires the applicant to be physically fit and able bodied.
Work occasionally requires more than 35 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position; may require irregular hours to accommodate training programmes. outside of regular hours. During work, the employee is expected to be physically present at the kennels when not on an outing with a dog in training. Employee must be able to drive a company vehicle.
Travel
Travel for client training and assessment is required. National travel may also be required with occasional overnight stays.
Required Education and Experience
Relevant 3rd level degree and minimum 2 years experience post graduation.
A passion for working with children and a willingness to work collaboratively with our team of trainers and dogs is essential.
Experience in working with assistance dogs is preferred but not essential.
Must not be afraid of hard work.
Required Skills and Competencies
Dog Interaction and Interpersonal Skills:
Must have an affinity for dogs.
Must be able to work in a fast paced environment.
Must be able to work cooperatively in a team environment.
Must be able to stay focused despite numerous distractions and multiple tasks.
Language and Communication Skills:
Ability to communicate effectively with peers, management, clients, volunteers and the general public.
Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate and follow instructions effectively with a diverse group of staff and provide information with ordinary courtesy, patience and tact.
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to solve practical problems and deal in a variety of situations using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Ability to interpret and to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
Ability to maintain a high level of mental concentration and effort and strain when performing a high volume of analyses and decision making as well as other essential duties.
Office Skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook and typing proficiency.
Proficiency in using a database system and awareness of GDPR compliance.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Garda Clearance is required
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Essential and marginal job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Dogs for the Disabled, is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any term, condition, or privilege of employment. We do not discriminate against applicants, clients, graduates or employees on the basis of race, colour, creed, national origin, sex, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other status protected by state or local law.
