Instructor Assistant Position
Canine Companions for Independence is a pioneer in the assistance dog field and the largest nonprofit of its type in the country. As a result of high standards for its canine and participant training programs, CCI is a recognized leader in the assistance dog field and respected for its services to people with disabilities.

Joining the CCI family of caring and dedicated supporters, staff and volunteers is a unique opportunity. Employees are surrounded by and work with others that share both a love for dogs and a commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities.
  • Improve the lives of people with disabilities
  • Work with a dedicated team of staff, supporters and volunteers
  • Train dogs to high skill levels
  • Develop communication and instruction skills
  • Take advantage of comprehensive career development

Instructor Assistant:
The Instructor Assistant (IA) is the entry-level position for those interested in becoming a professional CCI Instructor. Successful IAs complete a program, lasting 12 to 16 months in most cases, at CCI's Santa Rosa campus, learning CCI values and training protocols under an experienced Instructor. The IA's primary job responsibilities include:
  • feeding & grooming
  • basic health care & exercise
  • kennel cleaning & management

Additional requirements of an IA include the ability and desire to:

  • take direction and show initiative
  • cooperate with co-workers
  • work with people with a wide variety of disabilities
  • effectively communicate, verbally and in writing
  • problem solve in high stress situations
  • learn to train dogs to high skill levels
  • recruit, manage and motivate volunteers
  • work some evenings and weekends, including overnight travel
  • ability to perform strenuous physical work such as lifting dogs and sanitizing kennels.

The IA may advance to Apprentice Instructor upon completion of IA requirements. Advancement is based on performance and availability of positions in any of CCI's five regional training centers, located in Santa Rosa, CA; Oceanside, CA; Orlando, FL; Delaware, OH; and Farmingdale, NY.

RELOCATION REQUIRED: All Instructor Assistants begin in Santa Rosa, CA. If promoted to an apprenticeship, a relocation to one of our regional training centers is required.

Apprentice Instructor:
The apprenticeship of a CCI Instructor lasts approximately three years. At six-month intervals, the Apprentice rotates through all aspects of the CCI program to develop skills in the following areas:
  • Participant Program: working with participants; gaining knowledge of disabilities and how they can affect a person's range of motion; conducting application interviews; problem solving
  • Puppy Adoption Program: selection of and communication with active puppy raisers; teaching evening puppy classes
  • Graduate Program: techniques for instructing participants in proper handling and care of CCI's assistance dogs; matching dogs to participants; one-on-one instruction; follow-up
  • Training Program: Training a string of dogs

After completing the requirements of the Apprentice and passing an extensive certification test, the Apprentice Instructor may advance to full CCI Instructor.

Instructor:
Instructors' conscientious application of their expertise and their genuine interest in people and dogs make a tremendous difference in the lives of people with disabilities. They train dogs to meet CCI's high standards and the standards for official assistance dog certification. They also teach CCI participants the dog handling skills they need to benefit fully from their new partner in independence.

Successful Instructors share the following:

  • motivation
  • self-direction
  • knowledge of dogs
  • excellent teaching skills
  • ability to motivate volunteers and students
  • strong written & verbal communication skills
  • physical stamina
  • college experience
  • satisfaction from helping others.

Applying for a Position as an Instructor Assistant
CCI's investment in its Instructors is a serious one. CCI provides long-term career development with comprehensive, hands-on training under the guidance of professional Instructors and experienced staff.
For these reasons, CCI seeks individuals who are interested in and demonstrate a long-term commitment to a career as an Assistance Dog Instructor. Desirable areas of knowledge or experience include:

  • College coursework in the biological and/or behavioral sciences
  • Hands-on experience with dogs in a training environment
  • Experience working with people with disabilities
CCI does not provide instruction for individuals seeking to become assistance dog instructors outside of CCI.

Apply for a career as a CCI instructor.