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
- Location: HMP & YOI Polmont (with travel across the Central Belt, including Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home)
- Contract: Part-time, permanent, 0.8 FTE (28 hours/week, flexible)
- Salary: £26,000 FTE pro-rata
- Benefits: 5% pension, 37 days annual leave (pro-rata), Employee Assistance Programme, paid training, flexible working, supportive and inclusive workplace
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.
How to Apply
- Submit: CV + 1-page cover letter explaining why you want to join us in this role, how you meet the person specification, and what you would bring to the role.
- Email: info@pawsforprogress.co.uk
- Deadline: Monday 12th January 2026 at 12pm (early applications encouraged, as the closing date may be brought forward if enough high standard applications are received sooner).
Interview Process:
- Online interviews – week beginning 19th January 2026
- In-person practical assessment & workshop visit – week beginning 26th January 2026 (near FK2 0AB)
Please download our Recruitment Pack for full details on the recruitment process and timeline.
Commitment to Accessibility & Inclusion
At Paws for Progress, we welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to conscious inclusion, creating a sense of belonging, and supporting everyone to participate fully.
Adjustments can include, but are not limited to:
- Providing interview questions in advance
- Flexible application format (e.g. video as cover letter)
- Flexible interview format (e.g. Support person or coach present, panel vs 1:1 interview, walking or alternative interview formats)
- Other adjustments tailored to your individual needs.
Contact Suzanne Ruby at info@pawsforprogress.co.uk for support or to discuss adjustments.
Please download our Recruitment Pack for further details on our approach to accessibility and inclusion.
About Paws for Progress
For over 14 years, Paws for Progress has pioneered Human-Animal Interaction programmes across Central Scotland. We help young people develop confidence, skills, and wellbeing while improving the welfare of rescue dogs. We are internationally recognised experts in this field, committed to creating a world where people and dogs improve and enrich each other’s lives.
Website: www.pawsforprogress.co.uk
