Manager, Behavior Programs

SPCA of Texas

Job Description

Job Summary: Responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the SPCA of Texas behavior programs (including the Behavior Rehabilitation Program), including implementing enrichment and behavioral modification programs for SPCA of Texas clinics and shelters in order to increase the adoptability of shelter animals and the number of community pets kept in their homes.

Summary of Essential Job Tasks:
• Implement strategies to align, maximize, and streamline operations related to animals moving through behavior programs safely, efficiently, and with a sense of urgency.
• Evaluate animals for shelter intake and animal cruelty investigations, including animals from transfer partners and owner surrender.
• Oversee timely input of behavior evaluations, assessments, and other data into applicable software and databases entries.
• Work with Director of Shelter Operations to hire, engage, and retain behavior staff to ensure a consistent level of productivity and reduction in employee turnover.
• Monitor implementation of behavior program policies, protocols, and procedures and notify Director of Shelter Operations programs when updates are needed.
• Work with Director of Shelter Operations to identify animals that will need additional training post-adoption and create specialized contracts, waivers and Behavior Plan for adopters.
• Work collaboratively with the volunteer department to ensure positive, productive, and meaningful engagement for SPCA of Texas volunteers.
• Work collaboratively with the Outreach Department for behavior-related pet retention challenges.
• Provide post-adoption follow up for adopters of dogs and cats who have special behavioral issues, including referrals and advice, and coordinate in-shelter assessments and in-home consulting.
• Work collaboratively with clinic, shelter, and pet placement management to develop, implement, and maintain policies, protocols, and procedures that create the safest animal handling for staff and volunteers and fear free environments for SPCA of Texas clinic and shelter animals.
• Engage in respectful and thoughtful discussion by evaluating available resources, quality of life, and public safety in determining shelter animal euthanasia decisions.
• Participate in inter-departmental meetings and discussions to support and develop the SPCA of Texas’ goals and objectives through behavior programs.
• Respond to customer service behavior-related concerns and questions in a timely and respectable fashion.
• Understand and maintain confidentiality rules regarding all animals as set forth by SPCA of Texas protocol.
• Continually research new advances in clinic and shelter behavior programs.
• Actively engage with volunteers in such a way that provides support for our volunteers and staff and proactively improves our volunteer program.
• Be an ambassador for the SPCA of Texas, sharing the work and mission with your friends and family and be knowledgeable of the various ways to support our work.

Abilities Requirements:
• Able to work successfully in a diverse team environment.
• Ability to train and continually motivate volunteers.
• Proven relationship building, persuasion and influence skills.
• Strong customer service orientation, with experience in effectively addressing and resolving issues with constituents.
• Ability to proactively monitor and adjust activities to respond to changing circumstances and priorities to meet goals, proactively address issues as they arise and mitigate risks associated to events.
• Outcome driven; strong project management ability.
• Remains composed under stress, handles responses to criticism tactfully and delivers on organizational commitments.
• Broad knowledge of the overall structure, programs, and services of the SPCA of Texas including policies and procedures.

Applicant Information:
• Results-oriented, creative, and collaborative work style.
• Excellent attention to detail, problem solving, and time management skills.
• Ability to professionally advocate for the SPCA of Texas’ mission and positions on issues.
• High level of interpersonal skills to handle multiple stakeholders both internally and externally.
• Preferred: Certifications: CPDT-KA, IAAB, Academy of Dog Trainers (ADT)

Physical Demands:
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
o Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• This position is regularly required to use hands to fingers, handle, and talk and hear. The incumbent is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel or crouch. The position holder must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required for this position include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to focus.
• While performing the duties of this job this position may be exposed to animal odors or airborne particles.
• The noise level in the work environment is occasionally high.

Working Conditions:
• Applicant may be required to work more than 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week in a fast paced, demanding work atmosphere. Shift times may vary and include weekend hours.
• Applicant will be exposed to animals, some of which may be fearful and/or fractious.

Sunday through Thursday from either 8am to 5pm or 9am to 6pm

This is a full time job