Shelter Canine Behavior Specialist

Humane Animal Welfare Society

Job Description

The Shelter Canine Behavior Specialist reports to the Shelter Canine Behavior Manager and is responsible for collaborating on in-shelter behavior programs, cultivating and maintaining relationships with fosters, rescues, adopters and clients in the community, and providing leadership to behavior department volunteers.

HAWS Behavior Department Philosophy:

HAWS Behavior Department Philosophy: HAWS is an open-admission shelter that maintains a live-release rate above 90%. We are committed to providing humane, enriching, respectful care for all animals in our facility, and we follow a least-intrusive, minimally aversive (LIMA) approach to handling and behavior support. Even though we follow LIMA, HAWS does not use e-collar/remote training collars. Our philosophy is deeply rooted in providing enrichment, connection and play for pets in residence. We believe in the power of reducing environmental stress, eliminating barriers to adoption and maximizing opportunities for pets in residence. First and foremost, we respect pets and listen to them and lead with their best interest and humanity in mind.

HAWS does not euthanize animals for reasons of space or time. We believe in transparent communication and collaboration and embrace the power of teamwork across our staff and volunteers to provide outstanding care for pets. Together, we are stronger for pets.

Essential Position Functions:

Maintain regular communication with the Shelter Canine Behavior Manager, Program Director, Assistant Director, and Executive Director regarding animal welfare issues, bite incidents, protocol modification or implementation, and overall roster capacity to ensure all are aligned.
Understand the liability of program consistency and the need for safe animals to be placed in the community.
Effectively and empathetically have conversations with individuals seeking to surrender their dog to HAWS, while offering various surrender diversion options.
Provide direct handling and assessment of dogs with complex behavioral needs while in-shelter, in foster homes, and in adopter homes through consults and training.
Participate in discussions and provide recommendations regarding behavior-based euthanasia when necessary, balancing quality of life, public and organizational safety as well as animal welfare.
Collaborate across the organization to ensure behavior-informed decisions including but not limited to providing support to adoption, kennel, transport and education processes. Includes but is not limited to facilitating introductions with prospective adopters to prepare the adopter for the animals’ needs, and ensure familiarity with the animals’ behavior plan.
Work directly with Mod Squad volunteers to implement, track and evaluate animal’s progress; make responsive recommendations and changes to dog’s plan and ensure implementation.
Design and implement individual training programs for shelter canines to improve behavior, welfare, and chance of adoption.
Support the Dogs Play for Life Model, independently run playgroups for shelter dogs with volunteers providing running support.
Teach canine training classes for the public.
Exemplify the HAWS Culture of Kindness and serve as a model for teams when supporting pets and meeting their owners where they are at with compassion and without judgment. Promote a positive, solution-oriented, growth mindset culture among volunteers and staff.
Provide assistance as needed with animal rescue response, disaster preparedness, and emergency efforts.
Participate in the continuous improvement of the position and department.
Participate in major events, fundraisers and shelter activities as requested.
Works with all staff in all departments for optimum collaboration.
Other duties as assigned.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Position Requirements:

Advanced degree or four years related experience working with animals/staff in a shelter, veterinary clinic, or similar setting preferred.
Ability to work with diverse groups of people.
High degree of confidentiality, courtesy, professionalism and reliability when interacting with the public.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team.
Ability to navigate emotional aspects of animal welfare work.
Requires the ability to work under pressure and noisy conditions.
Proficient use of computer, email, internet, and shelter specific software required.
Ability to think strategically and is process oriented.
Must be able to make decisions for all animals while considering shelter and public safety.
Physical ability to lift and carry animals and supplies, bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods is required.
Excellent communication (written/verbal and nonverbal) and interpersonal skills are required.
Animal handling experience with cats, dogs and other domestics.
Ability to pass criminal background check.
Carries personal vehicle insurance.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
Exposure to animal dander, fur, and odors.
Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases.
May be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Exposure to potentially unpleasant conditions.
Noisy, fast paced environment.
Work with high-energy, untrained dogs who often come from challenging backgrounds.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.

Physical and Mental Demands:

Ability to lift, carry, push or pull up to 50 pounds.
Ability to stand for long periods of time, up to 10 hours a day.
Ability to look, move head, hear and have dexterity to work on a computer and other machinery.
Ability to bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods.
Ability to work in environments with loud noises and strong odors.
Ability to analyze situations, identify issues, and develop effective solutions.
Ability to make sound decisions based on available information and company policies.
Ability to solve complex problems efficiently and effectively.
Ability to pay close attention to detail and ensure accuracy in work.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work environments.
Ability to think creatively and develop innovative solutions.
Ability to manage and cope with stress in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders.
Ability to understand and manage one’s emotions and empathize with others.

The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Please submit your resume and salary expectations to Nichole Janny, our Business and Culture Director, at nichole@hawspets.org. We can’t wait to meet you! 