DPS - IOD - VESS Employee Support Canine Handler
DPS - IOD - VESS Employee Support Canine Handler - 4164 (00058249)
Job Closing on May 15, 2026.
Organization: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Primary Location: Texas-Austin
Work Locations: AUSTIN HQ (MAIN)
5805 N LAMAR BLVD PO BOX 4087 AUSTIN TX 78773 Austin 78752
Job: Community and Social Service
Employee Status: Regular
Schedule: Full-time
Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00
Travel: Yes, 75 % of the Time
State Job Code: 4164
Salary Admin Plan: B
Grade: 20
Salary (Pay Basis): 5,060.00 - 5,060.00 (Monthly)
Number of Openings: 1
Overtime Status: Exempt
Job Posting: May 8, 2026, 11:58:13 AM
Closing Date: May 15, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
Description
***Ability to travel 75% regionally and statewide as needed***
PLEASE NOTE: All applications must contain complete job histories, which includes job title, dates of employment, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information.
SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS: Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. In order to complete the supplemental questions please go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login and access your profile. Go to CAPPS Recruit to Sign In https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Performs advanced (senior level) planning, coordinating, and implementing the Victim and Employee Support Services (VESS) K9-Employee Support Services (ESS) Program, and provides support services and assistance to DPS commissioned officers and employees. Provides administrative, outreach, and technical assistance work for the VESS section. Provides initial critical incident stress response utilizing established department guidelines and protocols; assesses needs; and makes appropriate referrals. Conducts training of, caring for, and deployment of any Department assigned therapy canine, utilizing positive reinforcement techniques, managing human-animal interactions, and monitoring animal behaviors as necessary. This position may serve as a lead in coordinating the services of other K9-ESS Program volunteers. Work may also include responding to critical and large-scale incidents involving first responders. Works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment within the limits of applicable statutes, professional ethics, allocated resources, regulations, policies, and procedures.
The following Military Occupational Specialty codes are generally applicable to this position.
Link Here: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_MedicalandHealth.pdf
Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Serves as a handler for an assigned facility dog, providing specially trained assistance dog interventions to Department employees. Responsible for the care, support, and training for any dog assigned.
2. Serves as a liaison for VESS employee support services and facilitates referrals to VESS clinicians. Work includes establishing and maintaining effective relationships with stakeholders and DPS leadership.
3. Travels within the state of Texas on a day-to-day basis as a liaison for VESS and the Department as required to achieve position objectives (i.e., emergency, disaster, and critical incident site visits, as well as ceremonial events).
4. Utilizes the assistance dog to provide support to first responders and other employees who have experienced critical and/or traumatic events.
5. Provides emotional support to those who have experienced emotional trauma and who may benefit from the support and reassurance provided by an assistance dog.
6. Consults with VESS leadership on clinical needs and issues as they arise during the course of their duties.
7. Monitors and evaluates the efforts of the VESS K9-ESS Program and its staff volunteers.
8. Participates in the planning and implementation of special events and programming that involve the assistance dog.
9. Develops and implements education that addresses psychosocial needs and challenges of law enforcement and the therapeutic benefits of utilizing an assistance dog.
10. Maintains documentation, including but not limited to program statistics to assess and evaluate the quality of programming.
11. Participates in training appropriate for a mental health paraprofessional and maintains training and professional certifications as required.
12. May provide support to the VESS management team and behavioral health professionals when needed.
13. Maintains and reports activity data monthly or as requested.
14. Attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.
15. Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS:
Education – Graduation from a standard senior high school or the equivalent is required. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in a mental health, social science, behavioral science, animal science, or other related discipline is preferred.
Experience – Minimum of two (2) years of verifiable work experience working in a law enforcement, social service, or criminal justice field. Experience working with multidisciplinary teams, law enforcement (including first responder critical incident stress management or peer teams), or court personnel preferred.
Licensure and/or Certification – Must possess a valid driver license from state of residence.
Regulatory knowledge – Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TXDPS, State and Federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
Abilities and Skills – Ability to house and care for assistance dog according to the regulatory standards, policies, and procedures. Knowledge of and an ability to use Positive Reinforcement Dog Training techniques. Ability to commit a minimum of three (3) years to the position is preferred. An observant, alert, and patient disposition. Ability to participate in DPS-associated events as requested.
Technology – Proficiency with Microsoft Office and appropriate levels of proficiency with utilized software and systems (e.g. CAPPS, SharePoint) and be able to learn new software/systems.
Interpersonal Skills – The position continually requires demonstrated diplomacy, tact, collaboration, and an ability to establish and maintain effective working/professional relationships with external and internal customers. Ability to provide services effectively and professionally to first responders and employees in a culturally competent and trauma-informed manner. Ability to assist in establishing and maintaining a professional and ethical tone in the workplace. Ability to address conflict directly and respectfully. Must demonstrate DPS’ core values: Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Teamwork. Establishes and maintains good boundaries, understands, and demonstrates good judgment.
Organizational and Prioritization Skills – Must be highly organized, flexible, and able to effectively prioritize in a multi-demand and constantly changing environment; able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, timeliness or professionalism.
Presentation/Communication Skills – Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and be comfortable speaking or presenting to various and diverse individuals. Able to understand and effectively apply complex oral and written instructions and procedures. Ability to make quick and accurate judgment calls regarding the need to provide information and critical decisions.
Research and Comprehension – Must demonstrate ability to quickly and efficiently access relevant information and be able to utilize and/or present research and conclusions in a clear and concise manner.
Analytical Reasoning/Attention to Detail – Must demonstrate an ability to examine data/information, discern variations/similarities, and be able identify trends, relationships and causal factors, as well as grasp issues, draw accurate conclusions, and solve problems.
Confidentiality and Protected Information – Must demonstrate an ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information and situations and adhere to applicable laws/statutes/policies related to access, maintenance and dissemination of information.
Safety – Must be able to work in safe manner at all times, avoiding shortcuts that have potential adverse results/risks, and must be able to comply with safety standards and best practices. Must be able to monitor animal behaviors to ensure animal care and appropriate positive human-animal interactions.
Schedule and/or Remote/Telecommuting work and/or Travel – Availability for after-hours and weekend work is required. Ability to travel 75% regionally and statewide as needed, maintain a flexible work schedule outside of the traditional workweek (i.e., Mon-Fri. 8-5), and be on-call for response to critical incidents as needed.
PHYSICAL and/or ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those encountered and/or necessary for the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Environment: Office/Indoors and/or Outdoors and/or on-scene/field work;
• Ambulatory skills, e.g. stand, walk, sit;
• Hand-eye coordination and arm/hand/finger dexterity;
• Ability to speak, hear, and exercise visual acuity;
• Ability to transfer weights of up to fifty (50) pounds anticipated for this position;
• Driving requirements: Extensive (up to 75%).
State of Texas Benefits and Retirement Information: https://www.ers.texas.gov/
Current DPS employees who submit applications for posted DPS positions shall notify their immediate supervisor in writing.
A DPS employee who is selected for a position in the same salary group and state title as their current position will be transferred with no salary change.
A DPS employee who is selected for a position in their current salary group with a new state title may receive an increase of no more than 3.4% over their current salary regardless of posted salary.
Salary is contingent upon qualifications and is subject to salary administration and budgetary restrictions.
DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS, WE DO NOT ACCEPT TELEPHONE CALLS. ONLY CANDIDATES SELECTED FOR INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.
State of Texas retirees may be rehired for full-time, non-commissioned positions only under very specific circumstances.