AddressCompany Overview:Cornerstone Companions Pty Ltd is a leading organisation at the forefront of implementing Canine Animal-Assisted Services within educational settings. We proudly serve students in the Macarthur, Camden, Wollondilly, Southern Highlands, and Penrith regions, providing valuable support for their social and emotional growth.
Job Introduction: We are excited to announce an exceptional opportunity for a compassionate and dedicated individual with a strong background in canine training and educational support to join our team as a Canine Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) Teachers' Aide. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in our mission to enhance students' wellbeing and academic progress through the innovative use of therapy canines.
About the Role: As a Canine Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) Teachers' Aide at Cornerstone Companions, you will work in close collaboration with educators, therapists, and support staff to implement Canine Animal-assisted activities in the educational setting. Your primary goal will be to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where students can connect with our canines and experience positive learning interactions.
Responsibilities:
- Assist teachers in preparing and implementing lessons that incorporate Canine Animal-Assisted Therapy techniques to engage and motivate students.
- Provide daily care and ensure the wellbeing of canine therapy animals, including feeding, grooming, and maintaining their overall health and safety.
- Facilitate Canine Animal-assisted interventions to address specific learning, emotional, and behavioural needs of students.
- Recognise and respond to students' emotional cues during Canine Animal interactions, providing a supportive and empathetic presence.
- Collaborate with the educational team to create a well-organised and positive classroom environment.
- Maintain accurate records of Canine Animal-assisted activities and student progress, contributing to team meetings to discuss outcomes and make recommendations for future interventions.
- Provide ongoing training and support to school staff involved in the program.
- Attend school open days on a Saturday once per year to promote our services and build relationships with the community.
Qualifications:
- Minimum Certificate III in School-Based Education Support with at least 3 years' experience in this supportive role.
- Minimum Certificate III in Animal Care Services.
- Current HLTAID012 First Aid certification.
- Valid Working with Children Check.
- Current Mental Health First Aider certification or willingness to obtain.
- Completion of Child Protection Awareness Training.
Desirable:
- Certification - Animal-Assisted Services Skill Set.
- Certification - Canine Therapy.
If successful a willingness to undertake further training and study, including Animal Assisted Therapy for Trainers, Assistance Dog Foundation certification, and Assistance Dog certification, is essential. This will be provided by Cornerstone Companions.
Join Our Team: If you are enthusiastic about the power of Canine Animal-Assisted Therapy and are committed to making a positive impact on students' lives, we invite you to apply for the position of Canine Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) Teachers' Aide at Cornerstone Companions.
Application Process:
Only those applicants who provide the items on the application checklist will be reviewed and considered. Please email your application to **********@cornerstonecompanions.com.
Application Checklist:
- Include your current WWCC Clearance number and expiry date.
- Attach a covering letter outlining your skills and experience relevant to the advertised position.
- Include a copy of your resume.
- Include copies of your academic transcripts (if successful in gaining an interview, please bring the originals to the interview for verification).
- Include 100-point photocopied identification with your application.
- Save all documents in one file, clearly labelled with your first and last name.
