Feline Behavior Specialist

Summary:

Overview

Join the ASPCA’s Animal Recovery Center as a Feline Behavior Specialist to provide behavioral evaluations, enrichment, and behavior modification to feline victims of cruelty or neglect and at-risk cats to…

• help support our groundbreaking, lifesaving work in a dynamic career.
• make a direct and meaningful impact on the vulnerable animals who need us most.
• make a real impact on animals and help advance our work with opportunities for
• professional growth
• help advance our lifesaving work and create meaningful change for animals

Who We Are

The ARC (Animal Recovery Center) is dedicated to the recovery and rehabilitation of victims of cruelty and neglect admitted through NYPD and the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) and Community Engagement (CE) programs. 

Our dedicated team of sheltering, medical, and animal behavior professionals, within the Shelter Rehabilitation Operations division (SRO) collaborates closely with the ASPCA Animal Hospital, Forensics, Criminal Practice & Investigations, Behavioral Sciences, Shelter Medicine Services, Community Engagement, Centralized Placement, Relocation Services to ensure coordinated response and operations, and integrated, balanced, high quality care for the animals we serve in alignment with the organization’s priorities. The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is the first animal welfare organization established in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. The organization’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA provides local and national leadership in three key areas: protecting and rescuing animals from crisis, assisting animals in communities and advancing legal protection for animals.

What You’ll Do

• The Feline Behavior Specialist reports directly to the Manager, Feline Behavior and has no direct reports.

As part of the Animal Behavior Center of Excellence, The Feline Behavior Specialist (the Specialist) works with the Manager, Feline Behavior to provide safe, high-quality behavioral support from intake to outcome or discharge, in accordance with organizational protocols. The Specialist will assist with assessments, behavior modification, enrichment and placement recommendations for cats seized by the New York City Police Department or surrendered through the ASPCA’s Community Engagement (CE) Program. The cats from these cases are often severely under-socialized and aggressive; prior experience and advanced-skills handling and working with fearful and aggressive animals is required. The Specialist will help develop and implement enrichment/behavior modification protocols for individual animals and coordinate with caretakers to facilitate the delivery of these interventions. The animals may be housed in the ASPCA Animal Recovery Center (ARC), partner veterinary clinics or in foster.

The Specialist supports, communicates, and collaborates with staff in ARC, the Adoption Center, the Animal Hospital (AAH) and Forensics, in order to optimize the health and welfare of animals and, whenever possible, to set them up for success in a new home. The Specialist may also provide on-scene support for large scale animal cases locally or nationally.

Where and When You’ll Work

• This position is an on-site role and reports to the 92nd street ASPCA location.
• Schedule is full time, Tuesday-Saturday 10a-6pm
• Schedules are subject to change as needed by the ASPCA.
• Ability and willingness to travel up at least once a year as needed.
• Must have flexibility in schedule to accommodate program needs

What You’ll Get

Compensation

Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience.   The expected hiring   salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future.  

• The target hiring range for this role is $34.92 - $37.10 per hour

Benefits

At the ASPCA, you don’t have to choose between your passion and making a living. Our comprehensive benefits package helps ensure you can live a rewarding life at work and at home. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental and optional vision coverage.
• Flexible time off that includes vacation time, paid personal time, sick time, bereavement time, paid parental leave, and 10 company paid holidays that allows you even more flexibility to observe the days that mean the most to you.
• Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings, including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions — we match dollar-for-dollar up to 4% and provide an additional 4% contribution toward your future each year.
• Robust professional development opportunities, including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship with industry-leading peers, internal mobility, opportunities to support in the field and so much more.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential support for physical, mental, financial and social wellbeing, including online programs, six free counseling sessions and discounted legal/financial consulting.
• Health Care Navigation and Caregiver Support Benefits : Free, confidential and personalized concierge-style support to help you care for anyone you consider family. Expert assistance is also available to help you and your family navigate the healthcare system, from claims resolution to finding doctors.

For more information on our benefits offerings,   visit our website .

Responsibilities:

Responsibility buckets are listed in general order of importance. They include, but are not limited to:

 

Provide Safe Behavior Response, Assessment, and Support:

• Provide behavior support and expertise for all NYPD and CE cat intakes

• Ensure timely evaluation of animals and appropriate documentation of evaluations for each animal, including recommendations for outcome, assessment with respect to and placement and treatment using the ASPCA’s Adoptability Guidelines and Treatment Eligibility Charts

• Implement behavior modification and treatment plans for all animals

• Clearly document and communicate the results of each animal’s assessment, including behavioral prognosis, safe handling guidelines, plan for behavior modification and enrichment, and the animal’s suitability for foster and placement

• Create, execute, and assign enrichment, training and behavior modification for animals on-site, at boarding partners, and in foster homes for behavior treatment; monitor and track their implementation and effectiveness.

• Advise on appropriate housing and other forms of environmental enrichment for ARC cats.

• Identify and respond to behavior concerns from a variety of sources (seen directly, or from other team members) and address them with appropriate behavior modification, enrichment, or environmental changes. Collaborate with the medical and daily care teams; where appropriate, collaborate with the medical team for potential psychopharmacological support

• Ensure timely and consistent delivery of specialized low stress handling as required for intake, medical handling and/or procedures.

• Respond to and manage emergent behavior needs as they arise; communicate revised handling/daily care plans and safety measures to ensure staff safety in a timely manner including updating signage

• Liaise with NYPD officers upon intake of animals to gather behavioral histories and information on the animals’ environment/living conditions so that this information may be considered in developing safe animal handling guidelines and in determining each animal’s behavioral prognosis

• Communicate results of behavior assessments to colleagues, other shelters and rescue groups who may be considering taking these animals; provide write-up’s and/or video

• With the Senior Director of Behavior and Feline Manager, provide behavioral information to inform appropriate outcome decisions (foster, placement, euthanasia, etc.)

• Support foster parents on a regular basis to ensure all animals and foster parents are set up for success. May include weekly zoom calls to provide live coaching for assigned behavior modification. Document call and progress in an organized manner for sharing with the feline time and referencing in outcome decisions.

• Use active listening and respectful dialogue to answer questions and help staff understand behavioral signs that indicate potential fear, aggression and/or poor quality of life

• Assist in transition, acclimation, and continuity of care during various stages of rehabilitation process including transitions from the field, AAH, ARC to the Adoption Center

• Assign behavior treatments for the volunteer cat behavior program where appropriate

• Provide support to the ARC administrative volunteer and assign weekly tasks

• Utilize multiple databases to ensure animal records are complete and up to date, including but not limited to treatment notes, behavior observation reports, foster notes, behavioral medication, history of location changes, and evaluations

• Respond to panic button/ safety calls involving felines

• Collaborate with members of various departments including, but not limited to, CE, Adoption Center, and AAH as needed.

 

Train and Coach:

• Ensure the team has a deep understanding of the importance of behavioral welfare in integrated care and be a leader in the collaborative concept that ‘we are all on the behavior team’; empower staff and volunteers to innovate in ways that improve behavioral care

• Coach staff and qualified volunteers, when appropriate, in assisting with behavior modification and enrichment programs

• Contribute to the creation of written and video training materials in animal behavior, Low Stress ™ handling, recognizing and responding to the signs of stress in animals, and other relevant topics as requested

• Participate in staff training and ongoing coaching about animal behavior (safe and low stress handling, enrichment, socialization, body language, etc.) through informal meetings and other trainings as assigned

• Direct staff and volunteers in behavior tasks, supporting integrated care and prioritizing behavioral welfare

• Attend department rounds to communicate behavioral changes or euthanasia decisions

Qualifications

 

• Safe and humane animal handling skills required

• Outstanding defensive handling skills required

• Ability to handle animals for examinations and medical procedures using the least restraint possible/ least stressful method possible preferred

• Ability to give and receive direction and feedback in a fast paced, dynamic, demanding environment

• Able to work closely with behaviorally compromised animals and feel comfortable making euthanasia decisions and assisting with the euthanasia of those animals.

• Sophisticated animal training and behavior modification abilities including timing, creation of benchmarks, and adjustment of criteria for desensitization or shaping.

• Demonstrates high professional standards, including being guided by science rather than personal experience and opinion. Adept critical thinker.

• Must be a self-guided, creative and flexible individual who performs well with minimal supervision, with a high degree of integrity and accountability.

• Excellent and demonstrated ability to be a team player

• Must demonstrate the ability to interact effectively with ASPCA employees, clients and the public. 

• Able to adjust quickly, calmly, and efficiently to changes in direction and re-prioritize work

• Excellent written and oral communication skills; able to communicate clearly, effectively, sensitively and professionally, with staff at all levels

• Excellent organizational and time management skills

• Excellent ability to provide timely and professional communication, verbal and written and service to internal and external stakeholders

• Excellent presentation and teaching skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook Word, Excel Power Point and Box required

• Experience with File Maker Pro, or AirTable preferred

• Willing to learn from mistakes; enjoys problem solving and identifying ways to improve.

• Willing to accept responsibility for sustaining a healthy work-life balance.

• Capable of standing for 8 or more hours and bending, crouching, kneeling and moving freely to perform responsibilities that include handling potentially dangerous animals in stressful conditions.

• Willing to occasionally work in challenging conditions, including harsh temperatures or unsanitary environments. Able to wear appropriate protective gear, including personal protective equipment and protective masks. Potential situations include:

• • excessive noise

  • uneven walking surfaces

  • inclement weather

  • chemical and biological hazards, such as feces and blood

  • constructed spaces with narrow passageways

  • strong odors and excessive dirt or dust

• May occasionally have to lift as much as 60 lbs

• Ability to exemplify ASPCA’s core values and behavioral competencies.

 

Language

 

• English (required)

• Additional language fluency a bonus

Education and Work Experience

 

• BS or BA preferred

• High School degree or GED required

• Certification from a reputable behavior professional program (i.e. CCPDT, IAABC, KPA-KA) or comparable work experience

• At least 1 year experience in feline behavior and hands-on experience working with cats required

• Fundamental grasp of animal learning theory and its applications required

• 2 years experience working as a professional trainer/behaviorist, handling, evaluating and conducting behavior modification for behaviorally compromised animals such as private consultations or shelter setting, required

• At least one year experience working in an animal shelter (volunteer work included) required

• Experience working with fearful and aggressive cats required

• Experience handling cats for medical examinations/procedures preferred

• Experience training/coaching staff and/or volunteers in behavior-related tasks, guiding individuals with varying levels of experience and comfort around animals preferred.

 

Additional Information

 

• Fear Free® certification required or within 30 days of employment

• Complete Low Stress Handling University Silver Level Certification within 6 months of hire

• Completion of Shelter Behavior Academy foundations with-in 2 years of hire

 

Language:

Education and Work Experience:

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About Us:
The ASPCA was founded in 1866 on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans and must be protected under the law. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States.

The ASPCA is headquartered in New York City, where we maintain a full-service animal hospital, spay/neuter clinic, mobile spay/neuter and primary pet care clinics, a rehabilitation center for canine victims of cruelty, kitten nursery, adoption center, and two community veterinary centers.

The ASPCA also operates programs and services that extend nationwide. We assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources.

At the ASPCA, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and compassionate culture and we welcome all voices to contribute to our lifesaving mission. Our staff represent a vast array of backgrounds and diversity dimensions, bringing with them valuable experiences and perspectives. They join the ASPCA to learn, grow, and continually do their best work on behalf of animals. We are inspired by our staff, partners, and the communities we support across the country who work to improve animal lives. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the ASPCA because it elevates our organizational culture, aligns with our Core Values, and enables us to move further and faster toward the ASPCA’s vision – that all animals live good lives; valued by society, protected by its laws, and free from cruelty, pain and suffering.

Our EEO Policy:
The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA’s standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA. Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).

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