Behavior Admissions Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY: The Behavior Admissions Coordinator is responsible for collaborating with Admissions Coordinators for the intake and pathway planning of pets with known behavior concerns. Additionally, this role works closely with community members to provide resources for pets who may be able to be successful with their existing guardian with additional behavior support. The Behavior Admission Coordinator reviews pre-intake information, conducts behavior reviews, and implements handling plans upon intake. They also work closely with all other operations teams to facilitate efficient communication, intake processing, and support effective population management.  The Behavior Admissions Coordinator provides leadership and supports the mission, goals and philosophy of Seattle Humane.

KEY OR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Review pre-intake information on pets whose guardians are seeking surrender.
• Participate in intake interviews for selected animals to ensure complete and adequate information is obtained.
• Document all pertinent behavior information as outlined by Seattle Humane policy and procedures.
• Provide post-adoption support for adopted animals who many have higher behavior needs in their home
• Work with the Behavior department and Admissions department to create collaborative opportunities to ensure clients and pets needs are met.
• Conduct behavior reviews for surrendered pets with known behavior challenges.
• Work with the Admission department to determine pets who may be able to be successful in their current home with additional behavior support and make recommendations to clients.
• Create handling plans, adoption recommendations, and pathway plans upon intake for pets with known behavior histories.
• Manage data tracking around behavior intakes, returns, and intake deferment interventions
• Work with Behavior Manager to manage and communicate Seattle Humane’s capacity to support the intake of new behavior animals.
• Discuss behavior euthanasia with public clients as is appropriate and in adherence with Seattle Humane Policy.

• Works alongside Admission Manager to training, coordination, and support for Admissions volunteers
• Provides ideas and suggestions designed to improve operational programs and working conditions
• Other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

• No direct staff supervision

COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACT:

• Daily communication Behavior Manager regarding plans, concerns, ideas, and progress
• Daily close collaboration and communication with the other Animal Care staff and Pet Resource Center department
• Daily communication with department and other operational staff
• Daily communication with program volunteers through direct contact, telephone, Digital Cheetah, and email 
• Regular communication with administrative staff regarding pet requests and events 
• Regular oral and written contact with transfer or transport partners, as well as other animal welfare agencies
• May act as representative of Seattle Humane for donor and media events

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.  Must be open to learning, receiving feedback, and deepening an analysis of the complex systems present in animal welfare.  Requires great customer service skills.  Must work well within a team setting.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION OR TRAINING:

• Must have excellent oral communication skills  
• Must be able to write clearly and listen effectively 
• Must possess the organizational and planning skills to determine work priorities 
• Customer Service experience required 
• At least one year employment at an animal shelter or related professional experience handling animals is preferred
• Must have basic knowledge of animal health, behavior and nutrition 
• At least one-year employment at an animal shelter or related professional experience handling animals is preferred 
• Proficiency with Microsoft suite and experience with databases/ data entry is preferred. 
• the organizational and planning skills to determine work priorities and schedules

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Certification from animal behavior training course or school preferred.  

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Must be comfortable administering medications and injections
• Re­quires the ability to solve problems and make clear decisions quickly
• Must have good attention to detail and be able to concentrate and produce accurate  and timely work
• Must be able to organize and manage multiple and complex tasks
• Must be able to offer excellent customer service (internal and external) 

• Must exhibit initiative and motivation in performing all duties 
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time and 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 and for medical restraint
• Must be able and willing and able to safely drive long distances in challenging weather conditions such as snow, rain, ice, fog, and extreme heat; must be able to drive safely in heavy traffic in large transport vehicle.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• General office and animal shelter environment. Frequent driving in extreme weather and heavy traffic required.  When handling ani­mals, there is a potential of 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. Specific instructions will be provided by a SH 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:  Full-time, non-exempt position. 40 hours per week scheduled, five days a week, with potential for varied schedule to accommodate transfers. Must be available evening and/or weekend hours.  Schedule may vary depending on department staff coverage needs, holidays, or emergencies. 

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.