Effective Date: July 2026

Status: Part-time, Non-Exempt Position

Reports To: Operations Manager

Compensation: $25/hour

Schedule: Sundays from 10 am - 1 pm Other shifts may vary

Organizational Overview: Founded in 1991, Canine Therapy Corps (CTCorps) is a Chicago-based, volunteer-driven, animal-assisted therapy organization, providing therapy dog services to Chicago-area health and human service organizations.

Position Overview: Assistant Dog Trainers will work with Lead Trainer to conduct group training classes for the public, including those seeking to certify their dogs for therapy work. A list of our current offerings is available at https://www.caninetherapycorps.org/group. Further opportunities to teach additional classes may be available for experienced instructors. This is a part-time position.

Commitment: CTCorps’ positive reinforcement dog training program offers group training classes during the weekday evenings and weekends. Each class is 50-min in length, and it is expected that trainers will work 1.25 hours per class, including time to setup and clean up before and after class, instruction time, and answering student questions. CTCorps is seeking long-term relationships with its incoming trainers. There are potential opportunities for advancement. 

Job Duties:

• Assist in weekly group dog training classes of all levels, from puppy through advanced, in accordance with Canine Therapy Corps’ curriculum and using specified and approved techniques
• Serve as an ambassador for CTCorps’ dog training program in order to promote student retention
• Respond to student questions in a professional and timely manner
• Communicate any incidents or dog behavior concerns to the Operations Manager
• Set up training area prior to beginning of class, and clean-up of training space after class
• Perform other duties as needed 

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• At least 2 years of experience teaching group dog training classes preferred
• Strong understanding of and ability to apply learning theory, particularly classical and operant conditioning
• Proficiency in shaping, lure-reward, and positive reinforcement training techniques
• Ability to approach and teach individual behaviors using multiple techniques
• Understanding of current dog training tools and equipment
• Dog training certification preferred, but not required

Skills, Abilities, and Interests:  

• Fluency in Spanish a plus
• Committed, punctual, and reliable
• Strong, hands-on and hands-off dog training and teaching skills, and the ability to break down complicated concepts into simple terms
• Charismatic, friendly, and positive team player with professional demeanor
• Mature, detail-oriented, and dependable
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills (both written and oral) with diverse audiences, including speaking in front of a group
• Capable of building synergistic relationships
• Must be able to lift and carry over 40 lbs. and safely handle dogs of all sizes
• Must have outstanding people skills

Special Requirements:

• All Canine Therapy Corps team members need a foundational understanding of and strong appreciation for animal-assisted interventions, specifically animal-assisted therapy, and the human-animal bond. All Canine Therapy Corps employees, representatives, and volunteers are expected to be well-versed and conversant in the organization's mission and work.
• A high standard of integrity and ethical behavior
• Nights and weekends required
• Access to reliable transportation required

Note: This job description is subject to change. Additional activities, duties or responsibilities may be required of the position.

Canine Therapy Corps is an equal opportunity employer. We seek a broad and diverse pool of candidates and strongly believe that our organization benefits from the perspectives and talents of a diverse staff. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.