Department/Division: ARC and CARE, Shelter and Veterinary Services
Supervisor’s Title: Director of Behavior, ARC and CARE
Direct Reports (#): 0
Salary Grade: TBD
Job Summary:
The goal of ARC (Animal Recovery Center) and CARE (Canine Annex for Recovery and Enrichment) is to recover and rehabilitate animals admitted through the NYPD, the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement (HLE), and Community Engagement (CE) programs, and to prepare them for placement whenever possible.
The Behavior Specialist (the Specialist) works with the Behavior Training Manager and the Behavior teams in CARE and ARC to provide safe, high-quality behavioral support from intake to outcome or discharge, in accordance with organizational protocols.
The Specialist supports, communicates and collaborates with staff in ARC, CARE, Adoptions, the Animal Hospital (AAH) and Forensics, in order to optimize the health and welfare of animals and, whenever possible, to set them up for success in a new home. The Specialist also provides on-scene support for large scale animal cases and search warrant executions.
Job Responsibilities:
Include, but are not limited to:
Provide Safe Behavior Response, Assessment, and Support: (80%)
- Provide behavior support and expertise for all NYPD and CE intakes
- Ensure timely evaluation of animals to determine safety for handling, likelihood of rehabilitation and suitability for adoption
- Ensure timely and consistent delivery of specialized handling as required for intake, medical handling and/or procedures.
- Respond to and manage emergent behavior needs as they arise and communicate revised handling plans and safety measures to ensure staff safety
- Communicate verbally and in the database the results of each animal’s assessment, including a behavioral prognosis, safe handling and walking guidelines, plan for behavior modification and enrichment, and the animal’s suitability for foster, boarding or placement programs
- Implement behavioral rehabilitation programs for all animals
- Communicate results of behavior assessments to colleagues, other shelters and rescue groups who may be considering taking these animals; provide write-up’s and/or video
- Liaise with NYPD officers upon intake of animals to gather behavioral histories and information on the animals’ environment/ living conditions so that this information may be considered in developing safe animal handling guidelines and in determining each animal’s behavioral prognosis
- Provide behavioral information to inform appropriate disposition decisions (foster, rescue placement, euthanasia, etc.)
- Document results of standardized assessments, and videotape behavior treatments as needed
- Use active listening and respectful dialogue to answer questions and help staff understand behavioral signs that indicate potential aggression and/or poor quality of life
- Assist in transition, acclimation and continuity of care during various stages of rehabilitation process including transitions from the field, AAH, ARC to CARE and Adoptions
- Offer pre- and post-adoption consultations for animals from NYPD cases with regard to behavior and training as needed
- Collaborate with members of various departments including, but not limited to, CE, Adoption Center, and AAH as needed
Train and Coach: (20%)
- With the Behavior Training Manager, coach staff and qualified volunteers, when appropriate, in assisting with behavior modification and enrichment programs
- Create and present formal trainings to ASPCA departments in animal behavior, low stress handling, recognizing and responding to the signs of stress in animals, and other relevant topics as requested
- Participate in staff training and ongoing coaching about animal behavior (safe and low stress handling, dog walking, socialization, body language, etc.)
- Participate in, and support, the Red Rover response plans in partnership with leadership from Facilities, AAH/ARC/CARE and the Adoption Center. Be trained and prepared to respond at all times to panic alarms
Education:
- High School degree or GED required
- Certification from reputable dog behavior professional program (i.e. CCPDT, IAABC, KPA) or comparable work experience
Experience:
- Excellent canine handling skills required with an emphasis on low stress methods
- Experience in conducting behavior modification in a formal environment such as classes, private lessons, or shelter using adult learning principles required
- At least one year experience in animal shelter preferred
Skills Requirements:
- Outstanding defensive handling skills
- Outstanding ability to handle animals for examinations and medical procedures using the least restraint possible
- Ability to give and receive direction in a fast paced, dynamic environment
- Excellent communication skills with people, enjoy working with people
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Excellent ability to provide timely and professional communication and service to internal and external stakeholders
- Excellent and demonstrated ability to be a team player
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point
Training Requirements:
- Fear Free® certification required or within 30 days of employment
Additional Information:
- Weekends, some evenings, and some holidays are required
- Must have flexibility in schedule to accommodate program needs
- Deployment and travel with Behavioral Sciences team will be required multiple times a year
- Must demonstrate the ability to interact effectively with ASPCA employees, clients and the public.
All duties and responsibilities are subject to change due to specific requirements of ASPCA/NYPD Partnership program needs
- Promotes and ensures the continual and consistent practice of organizational core values:
- Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals
- Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes
- Believes in Team – that we are stronger together
- Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible
- Focuses on Impact, specifically making change for animals
Additional Information:
We encourage a candidate who demonstrates outstanding inter-personal communication and the ability to work in a team or independently, with a high degree of integrity and accountability. This position welcomes a candidate with a sense of humor that can balance flexibility and enthusiasm and thrives on detail in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. This is a full-time position. Weekends and some holidays are required. Position will require occasional flexibility.
