Police Officer - P.A.W.S Canine Handler

Location: HISD Police Department \n\nDepartment: \n\nArea:District Wide \n\nContract Months:12 \n\nSalary Range: $63,818.00 \u2013 $83,909.00 \n\nAcademic Year: 25-26 \n\n## JOB SUMMARY\n\nThe Houston ISD Police P.A.W.S K-9 program\u2019s 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.\n\n## MAJOR DUTIES \u0026 RESPONSIBILITIES\n\nList most important duties first \n1\\. Demonstrates excellent decision-making skills, sound judgment, and temperament suitable for working as part of a Canine Team. \n2\\. 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: \n\u2022 Public events (National Night Out, Blue Santa, Graduation) \n\u2022 Community outreach and engagement \n\u2022 Major/traumatic incidents \n\u2022 School literacy programs, career fair, and demonstrations \n\u2022 Grief loss and trauma (both within the Police Department as well as within Houston ISD) \n\u2022 Natural disaster incidents \n\u2022 Victim forensic interviews \n\u2022 Criminal investigations/interviews \n\u2022 Crisis intervention \n\u2022 Medical facility visits (hospital, nursing homes, VA clinics, etc.) \n\u2022 Staff wellness \n\u2022 In partnership with government and non-profit organizations that address the effects of trauma, mental health, and crime \n\u2022 Any use not covered in this procedure as deemed appropriate by the Chief of Police or his designee.\n\n## MAJOR DUTIES \u0026 RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED\n\n3\\. 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. \n4\\. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.\n\n## EDUCATION\n\nHigh School diploma or GED required 48 college hours preferred \n\n## WORK EXPERIENCE\n\nThree years law enforcement experience \nWork history demonstrating excellent decision-making skills and sound judgment \n\n## SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION\n\nBasic TCOLE Peace Officer Certification \nMust be proficient in understanding the Texas Penal Code, Education Code, juvenile laws, and use of force requirement. \nThe 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). \nHave Mental Health Officer Certification or successfully pass the course before becoming a \nP.A.W.S handler. \nThe candidate must successfully pass all certifications with a P.A.W.S during phases 1, 2, and 3. The candidate\u2019s 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\u2019 family (if applicable). \nIf 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. \nWill adhere to YAYABA (you are your animal\u2019s 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. \nOn call twenty-four hours \nMust be able to work within a team environment. \nConfirm to Houston ISD Police Department dress and grooming regulation. \nMust 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. \nMust be comfortable with and understand working dogs and maintain a home life compatible with care and maintenance of a police canine. \nThe Canine Supervisor will make a home inspection of the prospective candidate\u2019s residence to ensure that the residence is suitable for the housing of a police canine. \nCandidates who have met the eligibility requirements will appear before a Canine Handler Selection board. \n\n## LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES\n\nNo supervisory or direct people management responsibilities. May provide occasional work guidance, technical advice and training to staff. \n\n## WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT\n\nMust 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.\n\n## BUDGET AUTHORITY\n\nNo budget development activity is required \n\n## PROBLEM SOLVING\n\nDecisions 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.\n\n## IMPACT OF DECISIONS\n\nDecisions 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. \n\n## COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS\n\nCollaborate 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. \n\n## CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS\n\nTakes 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. \n\n## WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS\n\nWork 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. \n\nHouston Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer. \n