Canine Behavior and Care Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW The Canine Behavior and Care Manager is responsible for operating, overseeing, and guiding all aspects of feeding, cleaning, care, assessment, enrichment, training and supporting placement of the dogs in our care. In addition the Canine Behavior and Care Manager will work closely with several department managers/supervisors - Medical, Foster, Volunteer and Operations - to maximize animal health and well-being while working towards the goal of shortening the amount of time dogs stay in our shelter and preparing animal for a smooth transition to life in a home. The Palm Springs Animal Shelter has adopted the enrichment and training philosophy of Dogs Playing for Life programming. The Shelter follows Fear Free Shelter practices and LIMA. It is a training and behavior modification approach that emphasizes using the least forceful, least stressful intervention likely to be effective for the animal. The idea is to prioritize humane, welfare-focused methods while still maintaining safety for people and animals. This position attends to the emotional and behavioral well-being of the entire shelter canine animal population. The Canine Behavior and Care Manager will promote a friendly and professional environment where emphasis is placed on quality care, safety, education, compassion and efficient and collaborative teamwork. All responsibilities are to be carried out in accordance with The Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies standards, policies, and procedures. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and implement dog evaluation, training, care, and behavior plans. Monitor results. Work cooperatively with all staff and volunteers in an effort to develop a team approach to ensure that all dogs receive proper care and strive to improve the quality of life for our resident animals. Train and supervise staff and volunteers (as needed) in areas of feeding, cleaning, behavior, enrichment, safety, and assessment protocols. Oversees Behavior and Dog ACA Department staffing duties including staffing schedules, hiring, performance review evaluations, coaching, counseling, disciplinary actions, positive recognition, scheduling and more. Provides monthly reports and data collection for the Behavior Department as requested by Operations Director. Serves as Behavior Department Volunteer Supervisor and attends associated meetings as requested. Works with Marketing and Customer Service to provide “Available Dog” updates. Works with the Operations Director and Placement/Transfer Coordinator to transfer animals when needed. Attends and participates in the Shelter management team meetings, Pathway Planning Meetings, ALL STAFF meetings, and/or Safety Committee meetings as requested. Works within an approved budget and assists the Associate Executive Director and Director of Operations with annual planning and budgeting. Maintains current records in Shelter Software. Ensures that the Behavior team enters any behavior changes under an animal’s record in a timely manner. Working with the Operation Director, actively participates in the development of applicable standard operating procedures and policies, in accordance with organizational expectations. Plan and lead monthly department staff meetings. Work with Operations Director to develop and evaluate training materials and protocols for volunteers. Exhibit a humane and caring attitude at all times towards the animals in our care. Use a humane and safe approach in all handling and restraint of animals, striving to maintain safety and security for the animals, staff, volunteers, and the public. Working with the Director of Operations utilizes statistical data to monitor length-of-stay and other key indicators of success. Perform behavior assessments of dogs and recommend pathways including adoption, foster care, transfer to a placement partner, behavioral plans or (potentially) euthanasia. Regularly oversee and/or answer behavior related calls from adopters and other members of the community to avoid unnecessary Shelter intakes. Loop in Director of Operations when needed Creates and implements animal enrichment and socialization plans, including playgroups for dogs socialization activities, to ensure the emotional needs of animals are met. Carry and safeguard a shelter-issued communication radio at all times and remain in constant contact with Animal Care Attendants, medical, Customer Services, and other staff as needed. Provide careful, ongoing observation of dogs throughout the shelter to see that the animals are safe, healthy, clean, and comfortable - promptly notify appropriate staff if any animal shows signs of stress, injury, or illness. Oversee the movement of dogs to different housing areas of the shelter; or for medical checks, play groups, foster or in preparation for transport. Ensures rotation of all qualifying dogs through daily Play Groups. Responsible for ensuring sufficient daily exercise and time outside of their enclosure for all sheltered dogs while helping to coordinate assistance from staff and volunteers. Communicate promptly and effectively with other shelter staff in order to assure consistency of dog handling based on changing needs and to provide updates on individual behavior concerns. Assist in maintaining adequate signage and documentation (on kennels, around the building and within electronic records) for the entire canine population. Use the shelter’s computer database program to keep accurate computer records at all times including current location within the shelter. As requested, provide adoption counseling assistance to potential adopters for dogs specified as needing special adoption recommendations and/or support. Conduct dog-dog interactions with potential adopters, when requested. Teach/train designated shelter staff proper handling techniques in accordance with DPFL Programming. Required to take dogs outside when volunteers are not available or for dogs who are designated to be handled by “staff only”. Work with others to ensure that canine enrichment areas (Play Group yards) are properly cleaned and maintained. Support organization in the development and implementation of any new protocols or programs designed to enhance the quality of life for the entire canine population. Required to participate in adoption and community outreach events when asked to do so. Report any maintenance issues in a timely manner to appropriate staff. Maintain security by ensuring animal housing areas and individual kennels are kept locked, ensure exterior doors and gates are locked when shelter is closed. Able to work a flexible schedule - including regular weekend shifts, evenings and holidays. May be asked to use a shelter vehicle to transport animals locally. Other duties as required QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education and/or Experience High School Graduate or G.E.D At least two (2) years of experience caring for animals in an animal facility is preferred. At least two (2) years of management experience Dogs Play For Life or Shelter Playgroup Alliance Training is a must Required Technical / Other Skills and Abilities Proven knowledge of the guidelines and practices in an animal welfare/shelter environment preferred. Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal communication, public speaking and customer service skills. Ability to use a PC and widely used software packages, e.g., spreadsheets (Excel), word processing (MS Word), Chameleon or Pet Point shelter software; ability to learn new software as necessary. Ability to meet deadlines; ability to set and accomplish work in order of priority; professionally maintain composure and effectiveness under pressure and changing conditions. Able to work a flexible schedule with regular weekend, evening shifts, and holidays as required. Must hold a valid driver’s license and have an insurable driving record. Required Licenses/Certifications Certifications with IAABC and/or CCPDT preferred STANDARDS OF CONDUCT Leadership – Maintain a positive, upbeat role, promote and exemplify Shelter values and represent departmental objectives and interests to internal and external customers. Customer Service – Follow up on complaints, questions, and concerns; respond to internal/external customer needs in a friendly, timely and efficient manner. Teamwork – Develop and promote teamwork and cooperation among all co-workers and management staff. Safety – Comply with established safe work practices and attend to all safety-related training provided or made available by the Shelter. Other duties as assigned. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Summary: Must be able to do repetitive bending, kneeling, stooping and similar movements required, must be able to lift 50 pounds to waist, and to physically restrain dogs weighing up to and including 75 lbs. #J-18808-Ljbffr