Manager of School Based Animal Assisted Intervention Program (School Therapy Dog Program Manager) in Whippany, New Jersey at Calais School

The Calais School is a state-approved provider of special education for students with special needs. The school serves students in grades K – 12+ with multiple learning disabilities. It is our goal to help each and every child realize and build on their strengths and gifts. We are committed to cultivating the potential of every student, making a difference, one child at a time. Our employees know firsthand all the benefits of working for The Calais School and how we foster a culture of collaboration, teamwork and the highest service and support to our students.

Job Responsibilities:

The Manager of School-Based AAI Program is responsible for the daily implementation, coordination, and operational management of Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) programming within The Calais School. This position provides

• Direct animal-assisted intervention services
• Supervises school-based handlers
• Supports program fidelity
• Coordinates schedules and operations
• Supports therapy dog readiness and welfare.
• Ensures the effective day-to-day operation of AAI programming throughout the school environment.

The Manager of School-Based AAI Operations serves as the lead operational representative of the AAI department within the school setting and works collaboratively with administration, educational staff, related service providers, and AAI personnel to maintain high-quality, consistent, and mission-aligned programming. This position includes both direct service responsibilities and operational leadership duties, including handler supervision, scheduling coordination, fidelity monitoring, therapy dog readiness, documentation oversight, and participation in training, workshops, demonstrations, and public-facing activities related to TCM programming.

• Experience working in animal-assisted intervention, education, behavioral support, special education, counseling, human services, or related fields.
• Experience handling therapy dogs within educational, therapeutic, or community settings.
• Demonstrated organizational, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to supervise, mentor, and support handlers within active programming environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary educational settings.
• Experience coordinating schedules, activities, or operational programming preferred.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and adaptability within dynamic school environments.
• Completion of an approved dog handler training program.
• Proven experience working as a dog handler.
• Bachelor's degree in related field