Wellness Specialist

Cincinnati Animal CARE

Job Description

We are looking for a Wellness Specialist to join our team and play an important role in supporting CAC’s mission.

In this position, you will:

- Maintain the mental and physical wellness of the dogs in our care by executing the wellness and enrichment plan.
- This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys meaningful work, takes pride in helping others, and wants to contribute to a growing organization making a real impact in the community.

Your day-to-day may include:

- Conduct walkthroughs to identify and address deterioration-related issues and provide solutions and intervention in real-time.
- Maintain and oversee the execution of care and enrichment plans for all dogs in care, including individualized plans for those experiencing severely low quality of life.
- Prepare and distribute daily enrichment items.
- Run or assist with playgroups for our dog-social populations, ensuring that every eligible dog gets out daily.
- Create individualized enrichment plans for dogs who are not eligible for playgroups.
- Handle dogs in our Reactive, Anxious and Drivey (RAD) training program, ensuring they receive basic training to best prepare them for home and placement.
- Attend Weekly Intervention Meetings to identify dogs with quality of life or adoption barriers, and implement any placement plans.
- Lead training sessions for new staff and volunteers on dog handling and safety procedures, ensuring everyone is equipped with the knowledge to manage dogs safely and effectively.
- Work collaboratively to ensure the safety of staff, volunteers, and animals by providing guidance on proper handling techniques.
- Assist in maintaining dog records, including adding wellness and behavior notes daily to appropriate shelter software systems as well as updating department spreadsheets.
- Maintain organization and cleanliness of the Enrichment Room and preparation spaces, as well as communicating concerns about cleanliness or animal safety (related to cleanliness) to other departments as it impacts animal wellness.
- Assist in the maintenance of equipment, building, grounds and supplies as they relate to enrichment activities and spaces.
- Assist with other department duties and responsibilities as needed to ensure the standard level of care is met for every animal in care.
- May assist with transport rescue or partner clinics as needed.
- Perform any other animal care and shelter duties as directed.
- Supporting additional organizational needs as they arise