JOB SUMMARY

The Houston ISD Police P.A.W.S K-9 program’s mission is to enhance and assist in responding and treating trauma and mental health by providing well-trained dogs as a medium in those efforts. The program will encourage and cultivate positive relationships with the school district students, staff, and the community through various school programs and community relation events. The P.A.W.S program will also serve as a tool within the police department to provide comfort during need regardless of the circumstance.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

List most important duties first
1. Demonstrates excellent decision-making skills, sound judgment, and temperament suitable for working as part of a Canine Team.
2. When not engaged in training or animal maintenance, the P.A.W.S handler will provide support services to include but not be limited to the following:
- Public events (National Night Out, Blue Santa, Graduation)
- Community outreach and engagement
- Major/traumatic incidents
- School literacy programs, career fair, and demonstrations
- Grief loss and trauma (both within the Police Department as well as within Houston ISD)
- Natural disaster incidents
- Victim forensic interviews
- Criminal investigations/interviews
- Crisis intervention
- Medical facility visits (hospital, nursing homes, VA clinics, etc.)
- Staff wellness
- In partnership with government and non-profit organizations that address the effects of trauma, mental health, and crime
- Any use not covered in this procedure as deemed appropriate by the Chief of Police or his designee.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

3. Handler and those involved with P.A.W.S team must educate anyone, including those without animal training/handling experience, appropriate interaction skills, equipment use, and the appropriate handling techniques necessary to work with the dog in the activity and setting.
4. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

High School diploma or GED required 48 college hours preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE

Three years law enforcement experience
Work history demonstrating excellent decision-making skills and sound judgment

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Basic TCOLE Peace Officer Certification
Must be proficient in understanding the Texas Penal Code, Education Code, juvenile laws, and use of force requirement.
The handler must have good general knowledge of dogs, including training methods using positive reinforcement (ex. Clicker training, body language, behavior, stress indicators, and calming techniques).
Have Mental Health Officer Certification or successfully pass the course before becoming a
P.A.W.S handler.
The candidate must successfully pass all certifications with a P.A.W.S during phases 1, 2, and 3. The candidate’s residence must be capable of housing the P.A.W.S and have adequate space for constructing a kennel since the member will be required to keep the P.A.W.S at his/her residence. If the member does not own the property, the member must obtain written permission from the property owner for housing the P.A.W.S. Also, there will be an interview of the P.A.W.S candidates’ family (if applicable).
If they choose, the handler may board or not board their P.A.W.S when taking approved leave. The handler will keep a P.A.W.S during weather and other emergencies such as hurricanes, tornadoes, etc., when boarding is not possible.
Will adhere to YAYABA (you are your animal’s best advocate) and can advocate for P.A.W.S during situations that may be deemed unsafe by the handler/P.A.W.S team.
On call twenty-four hours
Must be able to work within a team environment.
Confirm to Houston ISD Police Department dress and grooming regulation.
Must have satisfactory supervisory evaluations from his/her current and previous supervisors. Must be willing to make a commitment to remain in the unit for a minimum of three (3) years unless transferred by necessity or transferred due to failure to meet the expectations and/or standards of the unit.
Must be comfortable with and understand working dogs and maintain a home life compatible with care and maintenance of a police canine.
The Canine Supervisor will make a home inspection of the prospective candidate’s residence to ensure that the residence is suitable for the housing of a police canine.
Candidates who have met the eligibility requirements will appear before a Canine Handler Selection board.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

No supervisory or direct people management responsibilities. May provide occasional work guidance, technical advice and training to staff.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Must demonstrate and maintain sound judgment as it relates to matters of law as well as Departmental and District policy. Must be able to make good decisions, with or without direct supervision, as necessary to maintain public safety. The job receives regular and ongoing supervision.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

No budget development activity is required

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made on both routine and non-routine matters with some latitude, but are still subject to approval. Job is occasionally expected to recommend new solutions to problems and improve existing methods or generate new ideas.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions usually have minor, small and possibly incremental impact on the department or facility. Errors are usually discovered in succeeding operations where most of the work is verified or checked and is normally confined to a single department or phase of the organizational activities resulting in brief inconvenience.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Collaborate and solve problems - works with others to resolve problems, clarify or interpret complex information/policies, and provide initial screening/negotiations without approval authority. Interactions are typically with customers, senior level professional staff, and managers.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Takes routine or required customer actions to meet customer needs. Responds promptly and accurately to customer complaints, inquiries and requests for information and coordinates appropriate follow-up. May handle escalated issues passed on from coworkers or subordinates.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work involves continuous exposure to hazardous substances, potentially dangerous situations, and unpleasant work conditions such as adverse weather conditions or extreme risk of accidental or ill health. Ability to carry and/or lift 45 pounds or more.