Prison Program Certificate Coordinator

At Canine Companions, we’re dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. As an employee, you’ll help provide independence to individuals, while also giving a dog a meaningful job. Our commitment to our mission is reflected in our equally strong dedication to our employees. 

Our Employee Benefits 

We believe in offering a comprehensive benefits package to ensure the well-being and growth of our team: 

• Retirement Savings: Employer-matched 403(b) retirement plan 
• Community Engagement: Additional paid hours to volunteer within your community 
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs: Support for both professional and personal well-being 
• Inclusion and Diversity Committee dedicated to ongoing efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace by setting actionable goals and evaluating progress  

Employee Testimonial
“The organization really lives out the core values in daily actions and decision making.  I enjoy coming to work as I know that my day will be filled with integrity as the organization does what is right, guided by honesty, accountability, and sincerity.”   

 - Canine Early Care Technician

The Prison Program Certificate Coordinator will oversee programs in eight to ten correctional facilities, supporting more than 150 incarcerated participants and managing the developmental progression of dogs through each certification stage. This position serves as the central point of coordination between correctional partners, internal Canine Companions departments, volunteers, and community finishers. 

This role is essential to implementing a tiered certification pathway for incarcerated adults, increasing program participation, strengthening dog development outcomes, and expanding the national impact of prison-raised service dogs. 

Key Responsibilities  

• Program Oversight & Coordination: Oversee daily operations of all prison-based puppy raising and training programs across South Central Region, Serve as the primary liaison between correctional facilities and Canine Companions
• Certificate Program Management: Track certification progress, assessments, exams, and practical evaluations for all participants, maintain individualized timelines for incarcerated participants and dogs 
• Dog Development & Welfare: Monitor each dog’s developmental journey from puppy placement through release to finisher or professional training, ensure all medical, grooming, and animal welfare standards are met 
• Training & Mentorship Support: Support incarcerated participants in mentorship roles within intermediate and advanced stages, provide guidance on training plans, cue development, cooperative care, and behavior management 
• Data, Reporting & Documentation: Maintain accurate records of participant certifications, exams, and practical evaluations, track dog outcomes, training milestones, and placement results, provide reports to regional leadership demonstrating program growth, outcomes, and impact 
• Travel & Logistics: Travel regularly between correctional facilities across the region, coordinate national transportation and shipping for dogs transitioning to finishing homes or end-goal placements 

Qualifications 

To be successful in this role, candidates should possess the following: 

Must Have:  

• 2-3 years of experience working with dog training, animal welfare, or service dog programs  
• Strong organizational and data-tracking skills 
• Ability to manage multiple facilities, timelines, and stakeholders simultaneously 
• Strong communication, mentorship, and problem-solving skills 
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel extensively within the region 

Nice to Have:  

• Experience working in or with correctional, nonprofit, or structured institutional environments preferred 

• Familiarity with LIMA training practices preferred 

 Schedule:

• Full-Time, Temporary

Compensation 

• Salary: $24-$26.50 per hour

For internal candidates, compensation will be set within the posted wage range for the role, in consideration of internal equity and the scope of the position.  

Inclusion and Diversity Commitment  

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.  

The base salary range above represents the low and high of the range for this position. Actual salaries will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors, including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. 

Pursuant to local Fair Chance Ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 

Accommodation Request 

If you need accommodations during the interview process, please let us know. We are committed to ensuring all applicants have equal access to the opportunity to succeed. 

Salary : $24 - $27