Behavior Program Associate

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Behavior Program Associate I is responsible for all duties designed to improve the quality of life and mental well-being of dogs in Seattle Humane’s care and build successful lifelong relationships between people and pets. This position supports the behavioral progression of dogs both in the shelter environment and in the development of skills to help them with success in their adoptive home. The Behavior Program Associate I supports the mission, goals, and philosophy of Seattle Humane, including adherence to LIMA (Least Invasive Minimally Aversive) guidelines.

KEY or ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assists BPA II, III and BPM in reviewing behavior history and observations and creating and implementing behavior management and modification plans for dogs and cats.
• Processes “Behavior Review” and other behavior holds and makes necessary additions and adjustments to behavior plans as assigned.
• Collaborates with other behavior team members to create robust and thorough behavior plans for dogs on the behavior team’s caseload
• Conducts behavior check-ins and completes corresponding updates and documentation
• Assists in providing behavior advising and consultation for potential adopters, foster parents, and the public on mild to moderate behavior challenges

• Implements shelter animal behavior programs to decrease stress, improve animals’ well-being and increase successful adoptions and foster placements.
• Communicates with and supports other operations departments regarding behavior/special needs/handling of specific dogs.
• Works closely with volunteers working in the Behavior Program and related programs.  Provides support as needed.
• Assists with shelter dog playgroups, including dog-to-dog introductions and assessments.
• Assists with handling during behavior euthanasia as necessary
• Maintains appropriate files and records. Adheres to the files and records retention policy and procedures.

• Attends meetings as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned by Behavior Program Manager or Animal Care Director

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

None

COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACT:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain calm, respectful, and demonstrate professional demeanor in emotionally charged situations, including discussions regarding euthanasia.

• Ability to effectively work within a team to implement Behavior Program duties.
• Represent Seattle Humane in a professional and courteous manner at all times.
• Provide quality service to clients, volunteers, and staff; recognizing their individual contribution to the success of our organization.
• Commit to valuing diversity and contributes to an inclusive working environment that is sensitive to other opinions, culture, and perspectives.

COMPLEXITY: 

High degree of formal policy and procedure to guide work. A high degree of independent judgment is required.    Must be able to coordinate multiple tasks within a day and be able to maintain concentration on a task or series of tasks while dealing with frequent interruptions.  Attention to detail in all areas of this position is extremely important. Must be able to remain flexible and agile, as unexpected questions, comments, or requests from volunteers and other staff may arise throughout the day.   Must be able to work well without direct supervision. A high level of customer service skill is needed. Must be able to coordinate specific details and remain focused on Seattle Humane’s long range goals.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION OR TRAINING:

• Intermediate knowledge of dog body language and behavior.
• Intermediate knowledge of learning theory and principles of behavior a plus.
• Experience advising potential adopters of dogs preferred.
• Experience handling animals in a shelter or boarding kennel environment as a staff member or volunteer.
• Experience supervising and/or assisting dog playgroups in shelter or dog daycare preferred.
• Ability to recognize potential symptoms of diseases common to dogs and cats.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

Licenses/Certifications

1. Certification from animal behavior training course or school preferred.

Physical/Mental Requirements: Must be able to speak clearly, hear well, and write legibly; to see clearly with at least one eye. Must have good dexterity with both hands; to stand or sit for four to six hours at a time. Must possess good hand-eye coordination, agility, and stamina. Must be able to crouch, bend from the waist, kneel, and move quickly.  Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds without assistance, over 50 pounds with assistance (from floor to table and vice-versa, and/or carry for six to 10 feet).  Must be able to concentrate and produce accurate work despite interruptions.  Must have good attention to detail, reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Must be able to solve problems and communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.  Requires the ability to make decisions under time constraints with (sometimes) limited information. Needs to be sensitive to other opinions, perspectives, or cultures.  Must feel comfortable in dealing with angry, confused, and/or emotional people. Must exhibit initiative, good time management, and motivation in performing all duties. Frequent exposure to emotionally charged situations, including discussions regarding euthanasia.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Working conditions in an office/clinic setting, in kennels, and outdoors.  Exposures to potential hazards include cleaning chemicals and disinfectants, needles, animal bites and scratches, zoonotic

diseases (diseases that can be transmitted from vertebrate animals to people), animal hair, dander and wastes, pharmaceutical and biological agents, wet floors, potential electrical hazards.  Constant noise and interruptions, back strain. 

Equipment Used: Personal computer and printer, multi-lined phone, hand-held radio, specimen collection equipment, microchip scanner, leashes, collars, harnesses, head-halters, muzzles, animal handling gloves, basic office equipment.

Chemical Interaction: A wide variety of cleaners, disinfectants, detergents and medical products are used on a daily basis.  Each position at Seattle Humane will likely encounter these chemicals during the routine performance of their duties.  Specific instructions will be provided by a Seattle Humane staff member 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: 40 hours per week scheduled, five days per week- with shifts to be determined by Behavior Program Manager.  Schedule may vary depending on coverage needs but will include at least one weekend day.

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.