Vacancy - Social Walk Leader (Cardiff) with Rainbow Pooch Pride
Role Description
Organisation: Rainbow Pooch Pride
Position Title: Social Walk Leader (Cardiff)
Responsible to: Project Manager
Details: Events are schedule on Sundays. Rainbow Pooch in the Park is monthly and Rainbow Pooch Ramble is once every season (quarterly).
This role must be available for the following dates:
Training (online) Saturday 7 October 12-5pm
Rainbow Pooch in the Park - 13:00 – 15:00 on 19 Nov 23, 17 Dec 23, 21 Jan 23, 18 Feb 24, 17 Mar 24, 21 Apr 24
Rainbow Pooch Ramble – 28 Jan 24, 28 Apr 24 (times dependent on location – tbc)
Position Overview:
Join us to lead social dog walks that celebrate diversity, acceptance, and the unique bond between our canine companions and the LGBTQ+ community!
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Freelance Social Dog Walk Leader to lead our engaging dog walking events. Rainbow Pooch in the Park is a social dog walk held in a local park and Rainbow Pooch Ramble is, as the title suggests, a longer walk in a more rural space. As the leader of these walks, you will play a pivotal role in creating a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for dogs and their LGBTQ+ owners, while advocating for diversity and acceptance within the broader dog-owner community.
Responsibilities:
· Leading Dog Walks: Take the lead during the dog walks. Be responsible for the walk equipment, providing guidance and direction, ensuring all participants and volunteers adhere to park regulations and safety guidelines, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere where all dog breeds and LGBTQ+ individuals feel embraced.
· Coordinating a Team of Volunteers: Coordinate a team of volunteers who support the dog walking events, ensuring tasks are assigned and executed effectively.
· Ensuring Safety: Prioritise the safety and well-being of all dogs and their LGBTQ+ owners throughout the walks, adhering to organisational policies and procedures, and managing any potential risks.
· Advocating for Diversity and Acceptance: Act as a vocal advocate for diversity and acceptance within the dog-owner community, fostering an environment that celebrates and welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and identities.
· Promoting LGBTQ+ Inclusivity: In addition to advocating for diversity, specifically promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity within the dog-owner community, creating a space where everyone feels respected and valued.
· Facilitating Socialisation: Encourage positive interactions between dogs and their LGBTQ+ owners, creating opportunities for socialisation, and facilitating bonding among members.
· Answering Queries: Address any queries or concerns from participants related to the walks, Rainbow Pooch Pride, or general dog-related matters.
· Maintaining Order: Manage large groups of dogs and owners, working with volunteers to ensure the walk proceeds smoothly and maintaining order during the event.
· Monitoring Dog Behaviour: Keep a close eye on dog behaviour during the walks, identifying signs of distress, and taking appropriate action when necessary.
· Promoting Positive Training: Advocate for positive reinforcement training methods and discourage the use of punitive training techniques during the walks.
· Documenting Events: Work with volunteers to capture photos and videos of the walks to share on social media platforms and promote future events, highlighting the diversity and joy within Rainbow Pooch Pride.
· Managing the Local Facebook Group Page: Take ownership of the local Facebook group page for Rainbow Pooch Pride, ensuring regular updates, promotion of upcoming events, engaging content that encourages participation and a supportive online environment.
· Monitoring and Evaluation: Work with the Project Manager to monitor attendance and feedback on activities. Complete and return all event paperwork, providing feedback after each event, as well engage in any evaluation of your role.
Requirements:
· Passion for Dogs: Demonstrated love and enthusiasm for dogs and a deep understanding of their behaviour and needs.
· Experience: Prior experience in leading dog walks or working in a similar role is highly desirable.
· Leadership Skills: Ability to take charge and lead groups effectively while maintaining a positive and friendly attitude.
· Strong Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with participants and address their inquiries.
· Inclusive Mindset: A strong commitment to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and acceptance within the LGBTQ+ dog-owner community and the broader dog-owner community.
· Responsibility: Reliable and punctual, taking responsibility for the safety and well-being of all participants.
· Dog Handling: Knowledge of safe dog handling techniques and the ability to recognise and respond appropriately to various dog behaviours is highly desirable (although training will be provided).
· Physical Fitness: The role requires walking for extended periods, so a reasonable level of physical fitness is necessary.
· Liability insurance: Whilst Rainbow Pooch Pride maintains its own liability insurance, we also require freelancers to have their own liability insurance cover.
· First Aid: The role requires you to be first aid trained (training will be provided if required).
· DBS Clearance: A valid and up-to-date Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance or background check, ensuring a safe environment for vulnerable individuals who may participate in the events (provided by Rainbow Pooch Pride).
· Rainbow Pooch Pride Alignment: Understanding and alignment with the values, constitution, and mission of Rainbow Pooch Pride as an inclusive community for LGBTQ+ individuals and their canine companions and advocating for diversity and acceptance within the dog-owner community.
Payment:
Walks are calculated at £15 per hour.
Rainbow Pooch in the Park lasts two hours and is held monthly.
Rainbow Pooch Ramble lasts anything up to four hours and is held quarterly (4 times a year).
A fee of £45 per month is allocated towards administration.
If you are interested in applying for this role please send your CV and a cover letter detailing why you think you’d be suitable candidate to:
Dealing for applications: Midnight Friday 29 September 2023