Unique Opportunity: Youth Practitioner at Paws for Progress

Do you love dogs? Are you passionate about helping young people thrive? Do you believe in the power of human-animal interactions to create meaningful change?

Paws for Progress is seeking a Youth Practitioner to join our expert team, delivering our rescue dog training programme at HMP & YOI Polmont. This is a unique, hands-on role combining practical work with dogs and educational support for young people aged 18–23. You’ll help both students and dogs grow, learn, and succeed in a positive, inclusive, and trauma-informed environment.

About the Role

As a Youth Practitioner, you will:

• Collect and transport rescue dogs safely to and from Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home and HMP & YOI Polmont (normally twice weekly, with 8am collections)
• Co-deliver practical dog training and educational sessions, supporting students’ personal development and learning
• Monitor and enhance student progress and dog welfare
• Collaborate with Scottish Prison Service staff, partners, and volunteers
• Help create an enjoyable, strengths-based, dog-centred and person-centred learning environment

Please download our Recruitment Pack for the full Job Description and Person Specification.