Paws for Purple Hearts·Tacoma, Washington
Assist in the implementation and maintenance of the Assistance Dog Training Program under the supervision of senior instructors. Support the mission of helping veterans and active-duty military personnel through dog-assisted services.
The Paws for Purple Hearts’ Assistant Dog Trainer position is a feeder position for the Associate Program Instructor position.
Promotion to the Associate Program Instructor will be considered with completion of probationary period and successfully meeting training benchmarks.
The Paws for Purple Hearts’ Assistant Dog Trainer is expected to have met the following specific educational requirements: AS degree Preferably volunteer experience with assistance dog organizations.
Prior experience preferred for this position includes: Two-years experience in human service/mental health field (licensing may be required based on assignment); One-year experience in dog handling/training or kennel work, desirable if with assistance dogs; Work in or knowledge of the assistance dogs field; A background in teaching or human health services related to disabilities (particularly Veterans' mental health or mobility).
Basic qualifications include the following areas: A strong desire to teach dogs to help people; Knowledge of and or interest in teaching people to train puppies and dogs using positive methods; Knowledge of or an interest in understanding and working with Warriors (active-duty and Veteran military personnel) with physical and psychological injuries; Knowledge of or an interest in symptomatology related to Post Traumatic Stress acquired from military deployments and other circumstances; Licensing from a board of behavioral science may be required based on assignment; Accurate reporting and record keeping; Good communication and interpersonal skills; Ability to make presentations to the general public or other interested parties; Ability to complete all requirements for the locations of our services, which may include TB testing, vaccination requirements, and background checks to gain clearance to military bases and locations; Valid driver's license; Compatibility with PPH’s direction and purpose.
As assigned by and under close supervision of the Senior Program Instructor and Site Manager under the direction of the National Dog Program Director, assist in the implementation and maintenance of the Paws for Purple Hearts Assistance Dog Training Program and the specialty management roles as appropriate to each regional site; As assigned by and under close supervision of the Senior Program Instructor and Site Manager under the direction of the National Dog Program Director, assist with the concept of dogs helping veterans, active-duty military and other military personnel; As assigned by and under close supervision of the Senior Program Instructor and Site Manager under the direction of the National Dog Program Director, assist in the development of an influential stakeholders group to compliment and sustain the program; Continuing professional education, including, if instructed for job promotional purposes; Commitment to PPH’s mission, goals, objectives; All other duties as assigned by the Senior Program Instructor as approved by the National Dog Program Director, the Site Manager or Regional Director or the National staff responsible for that specialty. Job Type: Full-time
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Opportunities for advancement Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance Schedule: 8 hour shift Day shift Evenings as needed Monday to Friday Weekends as needed Occasional traveling Application Question(s): Are you willing to complete all requirements including but not limited to required vaccines, TB testing, and paperwork for military base access in order to provide the services to our clients and participants? Ability to Relocate: Tacoma, WA 98402: Relocate before starting work (Required) Work Location: In person
Requires an associate degree and preferred experience in human services, mental health, or dog training. Candidates must be able to pass background checks and vaccinations for military base access.
Market context
In Washington, classroom teacher roles are often competitive because schools and early learning programs look for candidates who meet state requirements and bring prior licensed daycare or teacher assistant experience. This posting’s requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original job description, helping you review fit and compensation details faster. If you’re applying, confirm your state preschool teacher assistant eligibility and highlight any classroom support experience on your resume.