The Role
Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) is expanding its School Support Dog Programme and is recruiting a School Support Dog Apprentice Instructor.
This is a full-time developmental role central to the delivery and continued growth of the programme. Working under the guidance of the School Support Dog Manager, the successful candidate will help train and prepare suitable dogs for placement in schools, support teachers and handlers, and provide ongoing aftercare to help ensure the long-term success of each placement.
The role is based at our Little Island Centre in Cork and involves regular travel to schools throughout Ireland. The successful candidate will work closely with the School Support Dog Manager and the wider AADI team to ensure that dogs, handlers and schools are fully prepared for successful placements.
Key Responsibilities
- Assess dogs for suitability for the School Support Dog Programme and monitor their progress throughout training.
- Deliver approximately 12–15 weeks of structured training with each dog, developing the specific skills required for the School Support Dog role and working across a variety of environments and school settings.
- Assess schools for suitability and meet with principals and relevant school staff.
- Assess and support the teacher or handler who will care for the dog at home and in school.
- Match suitable dogs with appropriate schools and handlers.
- Deliver three-day class training for teachers and handlers, covering the handling, training, ongoing care and welfare of the dog while building the handler’s confidence before placement.
- Deliver school-based training when the dog is placed, supporting the dog, handler and
- wider school team.
- Provide talks, presentations and practical guidance on successfully integrating a School Support Dog into the school community.
- Provide ongoing support to schools and handlers by phone, email and through additional visits where required.
- Complete scheduled aftercare and follow-up visits at one month, three months, six months and annually.
- Maintain accurate training, assessment, placement and aftercare records.
- Complete all required programme paperwork and reports.
- Respond to school enquiries and assist with managing the programme waiting list.
- Identify and report any behavioural, welfare or placement concerns.
- Work closely with the School Support Dog Manager to maintain consistent training and programme standards.
- Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of the School Support Dog Programme.
Person Specification
- At least two years’ practical dog-handling experience.
- A relevant qualification in canine behaviour or training, and/or experience training people in a dog-related setting.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Comfortable delivering training and presentations to teachers and school staff.
- Good knowledge of canine behaviour and welfare.
- Confident working with dogs in a range of environments.
- Able to work independently and as part of a team.
- Good organisational and record-keeping skills.
- Physically able and willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Willing to work occasional evenings, weekends and other hours as required.
- A full, clean driving licence and willingness to travel throughout Ireland.
- Eligible to work in Ireland.
- A calm, patient and professional approach.
About AADI
Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland is a growing national charity that trains and places Assistance Dogs and School Support Dogs to make a positive difference in the lives of autistic children, their families and school communities.
The School Support Dog Programme is an exciting and developing area of our work. This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about dogs, education and supporting children and schools.
How to Apply
Closing date: Friday, 25 September 2026
Please submit your CV and cover letter to nadine@aadi.ie.
For further information about the role, please contact Nadine at nadine@aadi.ie.
Appointment may be subject to satisfactory references and Garda vetting.