Shelter Behavior Specialist

Animal Humane Society•Golden Valley, MN

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Shelter Behavior Specialist is responsible for providing behavioral support and implementing behavior modification programs. This position’s key responsibilities include completing behavior exams, placing animals as appropriate in behavior modification programs, and recommending placements and outcomes. The role also involves assisting in program evaluation, research initiatives, and training for volunteers and staff. Additionally, the specialist may serve as a member of the Critical Response Team and deploy on Humane Investigations cases state-wide. Communication, maintaining accurate records in PetPoint, and timely responses to inquiries are also key aspects of this role.

Requirements

2+ years of experience in behavior modification required.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills
Ability to accurately assess and document animal behavior across different species.
Proficient with computers, specifically a working knowledge of Microsoft products.
Must be able to lift, carry, and handle animals and other items up to 50 lbs. unassisted. For animals and other items over 50 lbs., assistance from another team member is required.
Prolonged periods of sitting, standing and walking.
Must be comfortable with the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment, including the use of humane euthanasia.
Must be able to work effectively in situations where animals are gravely ill or injured, neglected, abused, aggressive, or in distress.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with low-stress and advanced animal handling techniques, including LIMA, Fear-Free, capture and restraint preferred.

Responsibilities

Complete behavior examinations for animals that need behavior support to identify behaviors for intervention.
Place animals as appropriate in behavior modification programs and provide recommended placements and outcomes.
Implement behavior modification programs for the selected behavioral concerns to enrich the animal’s environment, prevent problem behaviors, and improve their adoptability.
Respond to questions and concerns about shelter animal behavior, placement and outcomes.
Escalate complex cases and questions to higher level support.
Maintain detailed records of animal behavior and progress.
Work closely with veterinarians to address behavioral issues that may have a medical basis, ensuring a comprehensive approach to animal welfare.
Ensure the safety and welfare of animals, adhering to ethical standards and promoting humane treatment at all times.
Assist in program evaluation, including data collection, entry, and analysis as needed.
Assist with research initiatives to improve the understanding of animal behavior.
Assist with on-going training for volunteers as well as other shelter staff.
Serve as a member of the Critical Response Team; deploy on Humane Investigations cases as needed state-wide.
Communicate in a positive and professional manner with customers, other employees, and volunteers.
Promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion to make AHS a welcoming environment for all.
Accurately update animal records in PetPoint.
Monitor department inbox and respond to inquiries in a timely manner.
Clock in and out of shifts using ADP.
Monitor AHS email and other messaging software.
Other duties as assigned.
Regular, predictable attendance, punctuality, and availability to work during operational hours.
Attend and participate in regular team meetings, all staff meetings, and one-on-one meetings with direct leader.
Must be able to travel to a different work site based on department needs.
Must be able to travel to Humane Investigation sites state-wide as needed.
May be required to attend occasional off-site meetings and events.

Benefits

Unique animal adoption benefits and discounts on veterinary care and pet supplies.
Health insurance coverage for full time staff includes the following: medical, dental, vision, health savings account, flexible spending account for health care expenses and dependent care, voluntary accident insurance; critical illness insurance; hospital indemnity insurance; employee-paid supplemental life; employee-paid accidental death & dismemberment; and long-term disability insurance.
Employer-paid benefits for full time staff includes the following: basic life insurance, basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
Support for student loans: we are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.
Mental Health and Counseling Support: all employees have access to our Employee Assistance Program with 3 free counseling sessions per year.
401k with company match for both part-time and full-time staff.
Nine paid holidays for full-time staff.
Paid floating holidays for part-time and full-time staff (up to 4 days per year based on start date).
Paid Time Off for part time and full-time staff (amount is based on hours worked and FTE status).
Paid parental leave for full-time staff