Behavior and Enrichment Technician (Feline Focus)

Humane Society of Huron Valley•Ann Arbor, MI

22d

About The Position

The Behavior and Enrichment Technician works to provide assistance with stress reduction and enrichment of shelter animals. They assist with implementation and monitoring of all programs intended to identify, correct and prevent problem behavior in animals in accordance with HSHV policies, including Asilomar Accords.

Requirements

This position requires a compassionate, objective, calm yet energetic individual who possesses excellent problem solving, verbal and written communication skills, and sound judgment.
Must be able to thrive in fast-paced, team-based, high stress environment.
An animal care facility can be an emotionally challenging, high-stress, rapidly changing, and high-demand environment.
Feelings of grief and loss, secondary trauma, and compassion fatigue are not uncommon.
As such, working at HSHV requires a high degree of emotional regulation and resilience; the ability to tolerate and manage stress; adaptability to change; empathy for both animals and people; and an overall positive outlook.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working or volunteering at an animal shelter preferred.
Keyboarding/computer skills a plus.
Animal behavioral testing experience ideal.

Responsibilities

Assist in the flow of animals throughout the shelter.
Perform the evaluation of shelter animals in accordance with Asilomar Accords, including assisting with initial assessment (i.e., temperament tests) to determine level of sociability and suitability of placement.
Works with department to insure digital animal profile is continually updated and appropriate (e.g., at check-in, as behavior issues or progress in treatment arise, etc.).
Follow HSHV memoing standards and maintain objectivity.
Ensure animals with action/treatment plans are communicated and implemented..
Works with department to maintain impartial behavior documentation on animals, ensuring information and knowledge of animals is used to address problems and improve adoptability when appropriate, including memos, care activity, program participant information, and any other relevant shelter software entry.
Works with department to ensure daily general population enrichment is planned and implemented.
Include special or extra enrichment as needed for specific animal “treatment” plans.
Help ensure an enriched environment for shelter animals where attention and care is given to the psychological needs and reduction of kennel stress including
Work with shift supervisors and staff to ensure proper exercise, socialization of animals, appropriate toys, treats and attention to keep them healthy and happy
Assist behavior department as a behavior consultant for adopters and community pet owners via Behavior Help Line, phone, written correspondence, email and personal appointments.
Provide referral information and advice on animal behavior issues, training methods, training equipment and animal trainers.
Stay current in the field of animal behavior.
Maintain resource library of animal training, obedience and behavior materials including but not limited to books, journals, DVDs, relevant Internet sites and lists of professionals in the field.
Network with other professionals and attend animal behavior and training seminars, as appropriate.
Help further develop HSHV SOP’s related to the welfare of animals aimed at saving the lives of healthy and treatable animals and shortening their length of stay in care, reducing overpopulation, and improving their quality of life both in the shelter and in the community.
Assist in directing marketing initiatives necessary for animals who are traditionally “challenging” and might otherwise have a longer length of stay than others.
Be a model of great customer service, assisting the public and potential adopters, and answer questions courteously, accurately and professionally.
Maintain high level of communication and work cooperatively with coworkers and volunteers to ensure a smooth flow of shelter operations and adoptions, and to meet the highest standards of animal care.
Bring problems and concerns to the attention of the Behavior Manager.
Attend agency staff meetings.
Read email on a daily basis, and respond as appropriate.
Keep informed of and abide by agency policies and procedures.
Other duties as assigned.