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Job Title


Court Engagement Officer


Company : Guide Dogs NSW/ACT


Location : Sydney, New South Wales


Created : 2025-06-07


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Job Category: Community Services & DevelopmentWe are committed to providing services for people with low vision or blindness by tailoring solutions to help overcome barriers and build independent and fulfilling lives.We are united in our shared mission of creating opportunities, championing the rights of people with low vision or blindness, and building communities who share our mindset and ambition for accessibility and inclusivity.With a strong culture of innovation, learning, flexibility and belonging, we live our values and allow our team members to be the best version of themselves inside and outside work.Job DescriptionThe purpose of a Court Dog is to make the court experience more trauma sensitive by providing a calming influence, reducing stress, and promoting the emotional wellbeing of litigants and children attending The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA). This is a casual position for 3 days a week at the Sydney Family Court.Key Accountabilities:Collecting and returning the dog to the Guardian each day.Supervising the dog, ensuring downtime, whilst balancing other tasks.Preparing the dog for bookings, considering environmental factors, escorting to court events, and staying nearby as needed.Following Guide Dogs NSW/ACTs care standards, monitoring interactions, mitigating risks, and guiding appropriate engagement.Ensuring welfare needs are met in line with the GDN dog Welfare strategy (water, toileting, rest, enrichment, and daily training).Monitoring health, ensuring the dog does not work when unwell or over threshold, and reporting concerns.The clients rights are always upheld, and provision of service complies with relevant professional and ethical standards.Coaching about appropriate engagement with the dog is provided.Manage electronic bookings and liaise with Judges, Registrars, Court Child Experts, and staff for event scheduling.Adhere to all handling protocols and training guidelines from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT and FCFCOA.Dog handling skills including confidence managing dogs in public, and around distractions and children.Sound emotional maturity and ethics regarding animals and their welfare.Capacity to interact with litigants, children, lawyers and the public in a friendly and professional manner.Ability to meet the physical demands of the job including working with large breed dogs.Ability to commute to the designated location to meet the roles obligationsDemonstrate resilience and composure in high stress environments, recognising own limits and fully engaging in support services and debriefings.Benefits that Guide Dogs offer:As a member of the Guide Dogs team, you will have access to a wide range of benefits tailored to your needs.EAP - Get support when you need it with Employee Assistance Program counselling sessions.Employee benefits program and Reward and Recognition program.Join an organisation that makes a meaningful and positiveimpact on our society.Guide Dogs Values:Our clients come first in everything we doWalk the Talk - The buck stops with us. So we keep our word and keep going, no matter what.Lead with Head and Heart - Forever focused on our purpose and mission, we combine care and careful planning to deliver successes worth celebrating.Lift each other - From a guiding hand to a high five, we unleash and acknowledge everyone''s potential.Never stop exploring - We''re fearlessly creative. We''ve always asked and answered the tough questions and if there''s a better way, we''ll find it.Guide Dogs NSW/ACT areproud to be an inclusive workplace that reflects our clients and the broader community and are committed to providing a work environment in which everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect. We offer equal employment opportunity regardless of your disability, gender or gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital or domestic status, carer status, or political opinion.If you require an adjustment within the recruitment process, please contactjobs@guidedogs.com.au to inform us of your preferred method of communication. #J-18808-Ljbffr