Work With Us
Join the Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) team and create positive change
At Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH), people don’t just come to work — they come to make an impact in the lives of both people and animals, hearts and paws. We create programs that connect vulnerable or socially isolated people with rescue animals in ways that build confidence, connection, and hope for the future.
Through the magic of the human-animal connection, we run programs from Darwin to Tasmania, from the ears to the tail of Australia, empowering participants with disabilities and neurodiversity, veterans and first responders, and youth at risk.
In working with the animals, participants build life management skills, social connection and skills, confidence, independence and vocational skills to assist them into entering or re-entering a vocational pathway. Our programs change lives for both hearts and paws alike.
Why HPHH?
Why join HPHH?
We are more than a workplace – we are a fast-growing movement driven by heart.
As a valued team member at HPHH, you will experience:
A culture that is heart-led and grounded in real connection, where our people genuinely care for one another, and the mission we all work towards.
Work with purpose and impact – see the tangible difference you make each day.
Growth that celebrates individuality. From learning on-the-ground from each other’s strengths and experience to ongoing learning and development opportunities.
Leadership that listens: Our leaders are values-led and approachable, not just literally but physically on-the-ground, contributing to and building an environment where everyone can thrive.
Wellness initiatives and Employee Assistance Programs
Salary Sacrificing benefits (as a not-for-profit)
Daily tail Wags!
We value and embrace individuality, celebrating moments where each person’s lived experience, knowledge, and skills are recognised and celebrated. We support each other on a journey of change and making positive experiences together through living our values of:
We have welcoming hearts, we have courageous hearts, we have hopeful hearts and we have big hearts.
Current Vacancies
Head of Program Delivery - Wacol
Is your happy place leading a dynamic team, solving problems and engaging with a variety of people? Do you have a heart that beats for both people and animals?
If you are looking for a unique role that blends your passion for both, then this role could be your paw-fect match!
As our Head of Program Delivery - Wacol, you’ll lead our engaged and positive team providing structured programs, creating meaningful connections between participants and rescue animals. Our Program supports individuals with diverse needs—including people with disability, mental health challenges, and those experiencing social isolation—to build skills, confidence, and social connection in a safe, inclusive environment.
You will provide strategic oversight and operational leadership to ensure the high-quality delivery of programs at Wacol. This role is responsible for program development, stakeholder engagement, site-based event coordination, overseeing rostering, and project and commercial management.
What You Bring
Tertiary qualification in social work, education, project management, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in program management, team leadership, or operational management roles.
Excellence in driving performance, engagement, and retention of teams.
Experience in disability services, community programs, or the non-profit sector.
Expression of Interest - Program Trainers
Program Trainer
Various locations
Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) are seeking Program Trainers across a number of our locations in Australia to be the glue which brings socially isolated people together with rescue animals. You will work closely with the RSPCA/animal shelters, creating meaningful connections between participants and animals. With your facilitation/training experience, you will deliver our suite of programs in an engaging fashion and support our participants to achieve their individual goals.
At HPHH we work with a diverse range of people from those living with a disability on the NDIS, to veterans, injured workers and first responders, youth justice and those on a journey to change their mental health.
This is a fast pace roll which includes program facilitation, animal training and administrative activities - no one day will be the same and you will leave each day with your cup filled. It is a hands-on active role and can be physical in requiring energy and enthusiasm to engage the class but also retrieve animals from the shelter campus’.
This is not a traditional training role however you will contribute to positive psychosocial, independence and vocational outcomes for our diverse group of participants, and the wellbeing and experience of the shelter animals in care which we work with.
Meet the recipients of our Happy Hearts Awards
Charlotte, Outcomes and Evaluations Analyst
The North Star Award
Jess, Team Leader - Regional Queensland
Jess The Juggling Juggernaut award
Emily, Program Trainer - Toowoomba
Queen of the Mountain award
Our Paw-some Staff Stories
-
![]()
Introducing Lisa, Program Trainer in Toowoomba
-
![]()
From Volunteer to Program Trainer and Enrolments Officer – Sara’s Journey at HPHH
-
![]()
Fearsome Feline Lover, Juliana at Ten Lives Cat Centre
-
![]()
What inspired Sarah to ditch the desk job for pups and people
-
![]()
How Nina found her calling to help people and animals
-
![]()
From Shark Tank to HPHH: Meet Lori Phegan
-
![]()
What Emily Plunkett loves about working at HPHH
-
![]()
Meet Justin Palazzo-Orr: Passion and purpose at HPHH
-
![]()
Love at first sight: How Tara met the ‘paw-fect’ puppy on her first day
-
![]()
‘Brought tears to my eyes’: How Claire was inspired to join HPHH
-
![]()
From North England to North Australia: How Susan found HPHH
-
![]()
How a love for animals opened new doors for Louise
-
![]()
From California to Toowoomba: Bianca’s journey to HPHH
If these roles aren’t quite what you’re after, would you be interested in sharing your time with us?
