Shelter Behavior Associate

Summary Are you interested in companion animal behavior and want to learn more about providing high-quality care while optimizing welfare for animals in need? Do you thrive in a dynamic and complex environment, where colleagues from all skill levels work together to continually advance the animal behavior field? If so, the role of Behavior Associate at the ASPCA’s Cruelty Recovery Center (CRC) might be right for you! Summary Are you interested in companion animal behavior and want to learn more about providing high-quality care while optimizing welfare for animals in need? Do you thrive in a dynamic and complex environment, where colleagues from all skill levels work together to continually advance the animal behavior field? If so, the role of Behavior Associate at the ASPCA’s Cruelty Recovery Center (CRC) might be right for you! Who We Are The CRC, located in Columbus, OH,is part of the Rehabilitation Services Group, which also includes the Behavioral Rehabilitation Center (BRC) in Weaverville, NC, and the Recovery and Rehabilitation Center (R&R) in Pawling, NY. All three facilities provide opportunities for animals to heal after rescue. As they engage in hands‑on care, teams prioritize the elevation of our work through ongoing learning, advancing the animal welfare field through research, developing effective, efficient interventions, establishing new best practices and sharing innovations with other organizations nationwide through the ASPCA’s Learning Lab, ASPCApro, publications, and professional and academic conferences.At the CRC, a dedicated team of sheltering, veterinary and animal behavior staff work together to serve animals rescued in ASPCA national cruelty cases and disaster responses. In addition to their work as part of the CRC team, Behavior Associates are part of the ASPCA’s larger Animal Behavior team, which includes the Behavioral Sciences Team (BST), the Learning Lab (LL), and the behavior teams at all other ASPCA sheltering facilities. Working within and across teams, ASPCA behavior staff share expertise, use aligned behavior practices, and help advance the ASPCA’s strategic priorities. What You’ll Do The Shelter Behavior Associate role at the CRC offers a unique opportunity to jump‑start or accelerate your career as a shelter behavior expert. The role starts off with an intensive, 10‑week paid training program called the Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship (SBA). The only program of its kind, the SBA provides a deep dive into the science of animal behavior, coached hands‑on learning, and critical knowledge about how to apply behavior expertise in a shelter environment. Following completion of the SBA, graduates join their team as Shelter Behavior Associates and continue to develop their skills, guided by their managers. Behavior Associates whoconsistently demonstrate strong shelter behavior knowledge and skills, and collaborate effectively within and across teams, typically moveintothe role of Behavior Specialist after approximately one year of on‑the‑job training. The Specialist role includes additional responsibilities, including coaching and teaching other team members, visiting learners from other organizations and volunteers, crafting behavior modification plans, and doing more advanced behavior rehabilitation work. Ideal candidates for Behavior Associate will have a keen interest in the science of animal behavior, a passion for animal welfare, and exceptional people skills. The Behavior Associate reports directly to the Senior Manager, Shelter Animal Behavior and has no direct reports. Where and When You’ll Work #J-18808-Ljbffr ASPCA