ANIMAL CARE SPECIALIST- BEHAVIOR SUPPORT

Job Description

Job Description

ANTI-CRUELTY JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Animal Care Specialist, Behavior Support

DEPARTMENT: Operations

REPORTS TO: Dog Care or Cat Care Managers, Shelter Care

STATUS: Non-Exempt

GENERAL SUMMARY

All Specialists:

• Master Associate-level responsibilities
• Serve as subject matter resource in a specialization
• Support training and mentorship
• Operate with increased independence
• Demonstrate advanced decision-making

Creating an inclusive and welcoming culture for volunteers, staff, and our community is an essential part of our work to support the human-animal bond, which is at the heart of what we do. As stated in our PETS Work Culture Agreement, we uphold Praise, Engagement, Trust and Support. We strive for excellence in all aspects of our mission from feeding hungry mouths to cultivating donors. We respect the variety of talents required to support our mission and we work together to accomplish this. We support and protect self-care managed by each individual in recognition that our work is endless, but impactful.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Uphold the PETS work culture agreement through Praise, Engagement, Trust, and Support.
• Engage in continued education in animal care
• Guide and train Associates when needed.
• Be well versed in Animal Care Associate position.
• Provide daily cleaning, feeding, and husbandry tasks as required
• Conduct behavior assessments on intake animals
• Develop and implement behavior modification plans
• Complete behavior checks and follow behavior plans
• Lead playgroups, dog class, cat class, or other out of kennel enrichment activities
• Support safe handling protocols across teams
• Provide training to staff on behavior techniques
• Partner in euthanasia decision-making (as applicable)

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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must have customer service experience and a passion for working with people.
• Must be experienced in Microsoft Office.
• Communicates proactively, empathetically, and professionally
• Dependable, punctual, and follows through on commitments
• Embraces the organization's commitment to be an open door to all
• Embraces the organization’s commitment to keep owners and pets together.
• Exceptional interpersonal and written communication skills
• Able to remain calm, composed, and empathetic in high stress situations
• Works well in a team environment while motivating and supporting peers
• Present a neat and professional appearance to the public as well as a polite and friendly demeanor.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma or GED required.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Please see Shelter Care Advancement Criteria.

Note: A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills and ability required may qualify individuals

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to be comfortable working with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish and wildlife.
• Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop and reach.
• Due to nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Available to work an extended schedule, including weekends, early mornings, evenings and holidays according to demands of the role. Respect for animals and belief in the mission of The Anti-Cruelty Society.

The job description is a guide to the essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands, and work environment conditions. Job descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet the changing needs of the organization at the sole discretion of management.

Anti-Cruelty is an equal opportunity employer.