Playgroup Coordinator

Seattle Humane

Job Description

Description
POSITION SUMMARY: The Playgroup Coordinator position is focused on advancing dog enrichment and training programming through playgroups and other enrichment activities for dogs in Seattle Humane’s care. The Playgroup Coordinator works hand in hand with the Behavior Program Senior Manager and Behavior Program Associates to create and implement training plans to improve dogs’ social skills and reduce on leash reactivity. This role also works closely with Adoption Advisors to counsel potential adopters related to dogs who may need more support through the adoption process. They also work closely with all other operations teams and volunteers to facilitate efficient communications, operationalize enrichment activities, and support effective population management. Playgroup Coordinator provides leadership, and supports the mission, goals and philosophy of Seattle Humane.

KEY OR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Ensures rotation of all qualified dogs through daily playgroup.

Responsible for ensuring sufficient daily exercise and time outside of their enclosure for all sheltered dogs while helping to coordinate assistance from staff and volunteers.

Communicates promptly and effectively with other shelter staff in order to ensure consistency of dog handling based on changing needs and to provide updates on individual behavior concerns.

Creates and implements training plans for dogs displaying on leash reactivity or defensive behavior around dogs.

Assists in maintaining adequate signage and documentation (on kennels, around the building, and within electronic records) for the entire canine population.

Works with shelter staff and volunteers to implement enrichment and training protocols for individual dogs (on-site and off-site).

Assists, as requested, in training volunteers and other staff to handle dogs consistently and safely.

Assists Behavior Program Senior Manager and Behavior Program Associates with reducing shelter stress by relocating dogs when behaviorally advantageous and designating daily in-kennel enrichment.

Communicates with Adoption and Foster staff about dog behavior updates and adoption or foster promotion opportunities unique to individual dogs related to their dog-dog recommendations.

Provides counseling to potential adopters and foster parents for dogs specified as needing special adoption recommendations and/or support regarding interactions with other dogs.

Conducts dog-to-dog introductions with potential adopters and foster parents, when requested.

Ensures canine enrichment areas (playgroup yards) are properly cleaned and maintained.

Supports organization in the development and implementation of any new protocols or programs designed to enhance the quality of life for the entire canine population.

Engage with staff, volunteers, clients, and external animal welfare organizations, fostering positive relationships and open lines of communication.

Secondary Responsibilities:

Promote a positive and cooperative work environment, fostering mutual respect and open communication.

Continuously contribute to the improvement of shelter services, programs, and workplace conditions by participating in meetings and offering ideas.

Ensure timely reporting of health, safety, or behavior concerns to maintain a secure and well-functioning department.

Supervisory Responsibility:

No direct supervision of staff but works closely with and leads playgroup volunteers. Foster an environment of support, growth, and accountability.

COMPLEXITY:

A high degree of independent judgment is required. The nature of the job will vary. Must be able to coordinate staff and volunteers and remain focused on the agency goals and objectives. A strong attention to detail and the ability to respond to unexpected questions, comments or requests from other divisions or the public is required. The ability to motivate, negotiate and mediate is important when handling a variety of personalities and emotions. Must be able to communicate effectively and display cultural competency with many people with varying backgrounds. Requires excellent customer service skills. Must work well within a team setting.

Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION OR TRAINING:

At least one year's experience working with dogs in a shelter environment.

A minimum of six months working with dogs in a group setting, preferably in a shelter environment.

Willingness to learn and use a variety of training protocols related to integrating dogs off leash and working through on leash reactivity.

Previous experience supervising and/or training staff and volunteers required.

Must have excellent oral communication skills.

Must be able to write clearly and listen effectively.

Must be able to analyze problems, create or negotiate appropriate solutions, and understand statistical information.

Basic knowledge of Word and Excel; must be familiar with Windows environment, internet use and e-mail; experience with databases and data entry helpful.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

High school graduate or GED

Capable of being certified in (human) CPR/first aid

Valid Washington State driver’s license with good driving record

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be comfortable managing dogs of various sizes and behaviors in a group setting.

Must be able to have difficult conversations with staff, volunteers, clients, and other shelters regarding placement options and euthanasia in a sensitive manner.

Must be able to stand for long periods of time and must be able to walk quickly.

Must be able to restrain dogs for medical intervention and perform general animal handling.

Ability to safely handle dogs of varying sizes and behaviors.

Must be able to lift and carry at least 50 pounds with or without accommodation; crouch and bend at the waist and kneel; must be able to control dogs up to 200 pounds when on a leash

Bilingual a plus

WORKING CONDITIONS:

General office and animal shelter environment. When handling animals, there is a potential for animal bites, exposure to zoonotic diseases, animal dander and noise. Potential for working with angry or irate customers. Involves entering and leaving work areas alone and at night.

Equipment Used: Personal computer and printer, office supplies, multi-lined telephone, copier, calculator, fax machine, safety boots, hearing protection, eye protection, syringes, animal restraint equipment, muzzles, respirators, gloves, animal leashes, clothes washer and dryer, broom, mop, hoses and nozzles, sprayers, scrapers, squeegees, and animal dryers. Frequent use of shelter vehicles and occasional use of dog fight equipment.

Chemical Interaction: A wide variety of cleaners, disinfectants, detergents, and medical products are used on a daily basis. Each position at the SH will likely encounter these chemicals during the routine performance of their duties. An SH staff member will provide specific instructions for the safe and proper use of these chemicals. If there are any questions regarding this information, copies of our chemical MSDS sheets are available for review. If asked to use a product that is unfamiliar, contact your supervisor for proper instructions.

Work Hours: Full-time, non-exempt position. 40 hours per week scheduled. Schedule may vary depending on department staff coverage needs, holidays, or emergencies. Must be available evening and/or weekend hours, as well as for emergency calls.

SEATTLE HUMANE CORE VALUES:

Candidate should be committed to Seattle Humane’s Core Values:

Compassion

Accessibility

Innovation

Responsibility

Teamwork

The Benefits:

At Seattle Humane, we believe in investing in our people, you'll receive competitive benefits and perks, including full health & wellness coverage, generous paid time off starting at three weeks, 10 paid holidays, an employer matching retirement plan, personal pet allowance, employee sabbaticals, discounts, and you get to work around cute animals!

Check out our LIST of benefits and perks HERE

Sound like something you want to be a part of? Then apply today!

Who we are:

Seattle Humane is more than a shelter, we are a community resource center. We're meeting the increasing need for pet owner support services, so that families don't have to choose between an overdue bill and a beloved family member. We're training the next generation of veterinarians in our state-of-the-art medical center. We're building a community of animal advocates through our volunteer and youth education programs. The impact of Seattle Humane is life-changing, for the animals in our care and the people who love them. Our top priority is to connect animals in need of rescue with the people who will love them. Through our outreach, advocacy, and services, we strive to ensure that animal companionship is accessible to all.

Take a look at our Vision for the Future, which will guide our work and priorities in the years to come.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

As an equal opportunity employer, Seattle Humane is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.