Temporary Behavior and Training Counselor

FOOTHILLS ANIMAL SHELTER • Golden, CO

6d • $24 - $25 • Onsite

About The Position

The behavior & training counselor conducts pre-adoption behavior support sessions with shelter dogs and cats. The position supports the behavior manager in the development of a post-adoption behavior resource program and conducts follow-up calls for all animals participating in behavior support services. The behavior & training counselor supports staff and volunteers in understanding complex animal behaviors in order to provide appropriate adoption counseling to clients; maintains organized and concise documentation pertaining to program sessions and counseling conversations; and supports the animal intake and assessment coordinators in the accomplishment of daily tasks including assessments, enrichment, and animal introductions.

Requirements

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to multi-task and maintain composure in a fast paced, environment while providing courteous service to potentially difficult, emotional, or frustrated clients.
• Actively contributes to a supportive team and environment by demonstrating resilience and optimism while undertaking challenging tasks to accomplish our mission.
• Ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality when dealing with proprietary information and sensitive situations.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office including word processing, spreadsheets, meeting software, and email; proficient with animal management software and shelter data bases.
• Working knowledge of animal sheltering practices; highly supportive of open admissions practices.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with volunteers within an animal care environment and communicate in a respectful, appreciative manner.
• Advanced understanding of animal learning theory with emphasis on positive reinforcement and force-free training.
• Professional and educational expertise in animal learning theory, animal behavior scientific behavior modification strategies, and positive-based, force-free animal training, including strong clicker skills.
• Experience observing, assessing, and/or modifying animal behavior in shelters preferred.
• Certification in animal training and behavior counseling or active enrollment in a program leading to certification. One or more of the following certifications is strongly preferred: CPDT-KA, CPDT-KSA, KPA, CTC, VSA-CDT, CBCC-KA, CSB-D, CSB-C, CDBC, CCBC, CABC.
• Fear Free Shelter certified or ability to become Fear Free Shelter certified within 60 days of employment.
• Euthanasia certified or capable of certifying within six months of start date.
• Valid driver license.
• Current rabies vaccination or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Creates and implements behavior modification and/or management strategies for shelter dogs, including fearful or anxious behavior, dog/dog interactions and/or reactivity, resource guarding, and impulse control.
• Alerts the department manager or director of concerns or changes in animal behavior that may preclude their continued participation in a behavior program. Actively participates in daily rounds and case studies, provides recommendations and timely updates.
• Administers medication to animals on behavioral pharmaceuticals. Acts as primary observer of impact of medication on animals behavior and performance and provides timely feedback to veterinary team and the director of animal behavior and sheltering to support appropriate dosage and maximized benefit.
• Strive to minimize length of stay of shelter animals and works creatively to match shelter animals with special needs to appropriate homes.
• Identifies and coordinates enrichment opportunities for long-term residents including court hold and protective custody animals, animals under bite quarantine, and those housed in administrative offices. Works closely with animal intake and assessment coordinators to accomplish daily goals.
• Facilitates adoption counseling for shelter animals with an emphasis on behavior support enrollees and animals with behavior waivers. Provides professional, thoughtful, and necessary conversation to ensure each animals needs are understood and strategized.
• Models and fosters a supportive, inclusive, and judgement-free environment within the shelters adoption and behavior programs.
• Conducts post-adoption follow up calls as needed; provides counseling support to adopters for known and emergent behavior concerns.
• Works closely with evaluations team to assess incoming dogs as needed and identify and mitigate behavior concerns immediately.
• Participates in and supports animal intake and assessment coordinators in conducting behavior assessments for the shelters dogs and cats and provides recommendations for placement. Acts as a mentor for the behavior team offering training and guidance to all team members.
• Supports special projects as requested including data collection, photography, adoption descriptions, and other efforts to promote FAS.
• Provides training and support to Shelter staff and volunteers in safe dog and cat handling, dog and cat behavior, and enrichment.
• Works closely with advanced volunteer dog and cat handlers by offering daily guidance and support.
• Supports the foster department by providing behavior training to foster families and troubleshooting behavior concerns as they arise in the foster home.
• Coordinates and supervises dog/dog interactions for assessment, enrichment, behavior change and/or adoption counseling.
• Using the Shelters animal management database, create animal profiles, document behavior progress and evaluations, and document pre- and post- adoption counseling support.
• Assists and supports the Shelters transfer program.
• Responds to both individual and shared behavior team email and voicemail in a timely manner.
• Triages urgent behavior concerns in the absence of department leadership to ensure the emotional wellbeing of the animal as well as staff and volunteer safety.
• Supports the shelter services team with animal intake and animal behavior as needed.
• Supports the animal care team with daily feeding and cleaning of the animals in our care as needed.
• Maintains good working relationships with and support other Shelter departments.
• Supports the Shelters animal control partners by maintaining good communication with officers and providing support with animal handling and training as needed.
• Adheres to, and supports compliance with, the Shelters procedures, policies and standard operating procedures.
• Serve as a positive role model to staff and volunteers.
• Performs the duties of an animal intake and assessment coordinator as needed.

Benefits

• Temporary employees earn sick time at a rate of 1 hour for every 20 hours worked.
• Foothills Animal Shelter is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees