Introduction Our Organisation Guide Dogs Victoria is a leader in breaking down barriers that enable our people to live life without limits. Our organisation recognises and responds to the diverse needs and choices of our Clients. We specialise in providing high quality and safe services and supports to people living with low vision or blindness and other disabilities. We are one of Australia’s most trusted charity and an employer of choice in the disability and aged care sectors. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of our employees and volunteers and the benefits this brings to our organisation. Our people enjoy an inclusive and culturally safe work environment free from all forms of discrimination. Guide Dogs Victoria is a place where talent is recognised and innovation is encouraged. Description The Role We have an exciting opportunity for a passionate and motivated Team Leader - Kennels Facilities to join our Dog Training Team based in Kew. This is a permanent position, working in a full-time capacity. Reporting to the Dog Training & Services Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing daily kennel operations, ensuring high standards of animal welfare and care, and providing leadership and training to kennel staff and volunteers. This role typically involves a blend of hands-on animal care, supervisory and administrative duties. Responsibilities Operational Management Direct, supervise and support staff (permanent & casual) and volunteers to ensure smooth operations of the Kennels. Develop rosters for the Kennels, optimising resource allocation while adhering to expense budget. Effectively communicate rosters for the Kennels with staff and volunteers to ensure high attendance. Monitor staff workloads, leave, and staffing levels to ensure appropriate resource allocation. Maintain adequate supplies within the Kennels, ordering top-up supplies as needed. Ensure accurate documentation maintenance, adhering to recording systems and standards. Support and collaborate with the other canine care functional areas (Nursery and Breeding) to ensure smooth operations. Provide leadership coverage of other areas (Nursery and Breeding) when required and as directed by Manager, Dog Training & Client Services. Dog Care, Training and Development Foster a calm and relaxed environment for dogs/puppies within the centre. Provide and maintain the highest level of health care and temperamental management for dogs. Lead the development of policies and procedures relevant to Kennels. Contribute to meetings with the rest of the Dog Services teams to support the selection and training of all dogs entering GDV training programs. Supervise staff’s collaboration with Guide & Assistance Dog training teams to develop cooperative care plans for dogs residing in Kennels during their period of training. Provide advice to the other Dog Services Teams in relation to dog health, behaviour and temperament whilst in the Assessment and Training Facility. Support, where required, education to GDV clients in the health, care and maintenance of their dog. Collaborate with the consultant vet to address dog health care. Volunteer Management Continue to develop meaningful and necessary opportunities for volunteers. Lead the area so the volunteers and staff know that volunteers are crucial members of the team. Provide training to all volunteers who are working in the Assessment and Training Facility. Administration and Coordination Manage relevant paperwork, coordinate health checks, and medication for dogs/puppies, including export requirements. Liaise with other Guide Dogs Victoria staff to coordinate tours and marketing activities. Fulfil on-call duties on a monthly rotational basis, including making appropriate medical decisions for dogs in emergencies. Aid the Manager Dog Training and Client Services in case of leave of absence. Team Supervision Provide leadership to establish and promote Guide Dogs Victoria’s organisational values. Model commitment to building a learning culture. Build capabilities and skills within the team to develop and maintain required workforce capabilities to create career pathways. Create and promote opportunities for people from diverse identity and cultural backgrounds, particularly people with lived experience Provide people leadership for the team within area of responsibility, including recruitment, induction, supervision, coaching, recognition and performance management. Manage team dynamics within area of responsibility and support productive working relationships within the team and with other work groups. Encourage the team to show initiative and look for ways to continuously improve. Required to be on call out of hours on a monthly rotational basis. Administration Support the Manager with the development of the department’s annual revenue & expenditure budget and tracking against monthly targets and maintain costs within budget. Actively participate in the development and implementation of the department’s objectives and Guide Dogs Victoria’s strategic plan, and complete other duties when requested to ensure their achievement. Develop and implement team plans with clear targets and goals linked to the strategic and business plan. Compliance and Quality Management Follow all Guide Dogs Victoria policies, procedures and systems. Ensure safety of self and others in the work environment. Contribute to the identification and reporting of risks and hazards and contribute to their effective control. Ensure work meets Guide Dogs Victoria quality requirements, and contribute to the enhancement and continuous improvement of our quality systems. A satisfactory background check including a National Police Check, International Police Check (where relevant), National Disability Worker Screening Check, and Working with Children Check. Skills And Experiences Qualifications Relevant qualifications in veterinary nurse, canine care or relevant animal studies Knowledge, Skills and Experience Demonstrated skills in overseeing a kennel or shelter. Proven leadership experience within the Dog Care and Welfare Industry. Proficiency in dog handling and ability to supervise, coach, and mentor team members. Strong organisational skills and ability to relate well with all team members. Benefits A competitive remuneration package that reflects skills and experience, which includes tax free salary packaging of up to $18,550. 6 weeks paid parental leave. Wellbeing program which includes an employee assistance program, skin checks and annual flu vaccinations. Reward and Recognition program. Join us in making a difference in the lives of those we serve – both human and canine! Important We are an equal opportunity employer who is known for providing a work environment that embraces and values diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities including low vision or blindness, people from CALD and LGBTQIA communities, and people of all ages to apply for our roles. We are committed to making workplace adjustments and to support candidates through the recruitment and selection process. Please reach out to our team at hr@guidedogsvictoria.com.au if you require reasonable adjustments be applied. Mandatory Safety Screening Checks This role requires the successful candidate to complete and receive a clear result for National Police Check, Working with Children Check and if required, further compliance checks based on the position requirements. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of our employees and volunteers and the benefits this brings to our organisation. Our people enjoy an inclusive and culturally safe work environment free from all forms of discrimination. Lived experience as a person with a disability is highly valued. Lived experience supporting a person with a disability is highly valued.