MacKillop Family Services is seeking a Paw Pals Learning and Training Specialist to lead the design and delivery of high‑quality professional learning that supports ethical, evidence‑based Animal Assisted Education (AAE) across schools and community settings. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced learning professional who combines expertise in adult learning, a passion for animal welfare, and a strong commitment to child‑safe, trauma‑informed practice. About the role The Paw Pals Learning and Training Specialist will: Design, develop and deliver engaging professional learning, workshops and e‑learning modules for therapy dog handlers, educators and external professionals Ensure all learning content aligns with current research, animal welfare standards, best practice and organisational policy Collaborate with internal teams, subject matter experts and external partners to ensure consistency and quality Manage learning resources, branding and digital tools across print and online formats Lead stakeholder engagement through the Paw Pals Therapy Dog Alliance, including quarterly meetings and continuous learning initiatives Contribute to evaluation, reporting, funding compliance and continuous improvement Represent the Paw Pals program at internal and external forums About you You will bring: Tertiary qualifications in Education, Learning & Development, Animal Behaviour or a related field Experience designing and delivering adult education and professional learning programs Experience working with therapy dogs (preferably in education or community settings) A strong understanding of child development, student engagement and the impact of trauma on learning Proficiency with learning management systems and digital learning tools Excellent facilitation, communication and stakeholder engagement skills The ability to manage multiple projects, prioritise effectively and work autonomously Knowledge of, or willingness to learn about, Aboriginal culture and culturally safe practice Why join MacKillop? MacKillop Family Services has been supporting vulnerable children, young people and families for over 25 years. We are driven by social justice, guided by our values of Justice, Hope, Collaboration, Compassion and Respect, and underpinned by the Sanctuary Framework, which supports safe, trauma‑informed workplaces and communities. We are proud to be a child‑safe organisation and are deeply committed to diversity, inclusion and cultural humility. This is a Permanent Part-Time (22.8 hours per week, 0.6EFT) opportunity based in either Footscray or South Melbourne within our Paw Pals Program, MacKillop Education and Engagement Programs . Please address the full Key Selection Criteria outlined in the PD as part of your application. For a full position listing, please click APPLY. The Position Description is available for review at the bottom of the page. For further information about this position, please contact Brona Walshe at brona.walshe@mackillop.org.au to arrange a phone call. You must have a: Valid and current Driver’s Licence; Satisfactory Criminal History Check (paid for by MacKillop); Valid Employee Working with Children Check; Valid and current NDIS Workers Screening Check (for risk assessed / client facing roles). MacKillop can assist successful candidates with their application. Shortlisting for this position may commence immediately so please submit your application as soon as possible. Child Safe Standards MacKillop Education and Engagement Programs are committed to providing child-safe environments. Our programs actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all participants, and all staff are dedicated to protecting individuals from abuse or harm, in line with legal obligations, including adherence to child safe standards.
