Behavior and Training Counselor (Full-time or Part-time)

POSITION SUMMARY

The behavior & training counselor conducts pre-adoption behavior support sessions with shelter dogs and cats. The position supports the behavior manager in the development of a post-adoption behavior resource program and conducts follow-up calls for all animals participating in behavior support services. The behavior & training counselor supports staff and volunteers in understanding complex animal behaviors in order to provide appropriate adoption counseling to clients; maintains organized and concise documentation pertaining to program sessions and counseling conversations; and supports the animal intake and assessment coordinators in the accomplishment of daily tasks including assessments, enrichment, and animal introductions.

MISSION

Foothills Animal Shelters mission is: Providing support to our surrounding community through education, services that strengthen the human-pet bond, and humane care for the animals we serve.

VALUES

All employees and volunteers are expected to embody the Shelters Values which are to have honesty and integrity in all that we do, with the following values as our guide:

• Stewardship: Assume responsibility and ownership for our actions within our shelter and our community.

• Positive Culture: Create a safe, supportive environment for the health, wellbeing, and development of staff and volunteers.

• Openness: Nurture an innovative, inclusive, and creative environment that cultivates conversations and relationships that actively work towards the future.

• Team Oriented: Build relationships, embrace teamwork, and foster collaboration in pursuit of our Mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Creates and implements behavior modification and/or management strategies for shelter dogs, including fearful or anxious behavior, dog/dog interactions and/or reactivity, resource guarding, and impulse control.

• Alerts the department manager or director of concerns or changes in animal behavior that may preclude their continued participation in a behavior program. Actively participates in daily rounds and case studies, provides recommendations and timely updates.

• Administers medication to animals on behavioral pharmaceuticals. Acts as primary observer of impact of medication on animals behavior and performance and provides timely feedback to veterinary team and the director of animal behavior and sheltering to support appropriate dosage and maximized benefit.

• Strive to minimize length of stay of shelter animals and works creatively to match shelter animals with special needs to appropriate homes.

• Identifies and coordinates enrichment opportunities for long-term residents including court hold and protective custody animals, animals under bite quarantine, and those housed in administrative offices. Works closely with animal intake and assessment coordinators to accomplish daily goals. 

• Facilitates adoption counseling for shelter animals with an emphasis on behavior support enrollees and animals with behavior waivers. Provides professional, thoughtful, and necessary conversation to ensure each animals needs are understood and strategized.

• Models and fosters a supportive, inclusive, and judgement-free environment within the shelters adoption and behavior programs.

• Conducts post-adoption follow up calls as needed; provides counseling support to adopters for known and emergent behavior concerns.

• Works closely with evaluations team to assess incoming dogs as needed and identify and mitigate behavior concerns immediately.

• Participates in and supports animal intake and assessment coordinators in conducting behavior assessments for the shelters dogs and cats and provides recommendations for placement. Acts as a mentor for the behavior team offering training and guidance to all team members.

• Supports special projects as requested including data collection, photography, adoption descriptions, and other efforts to promote FAS.

• Provides training and support to Shelter staff and volunteers in safe dog and cat handling, dog and cat behavior, and enrichment.

• Works closely with advanced volunteer dog and cat handlers by offering daily guidance and support.

• Supports the foster department by providing behavior training to foster families and troubleshooting behavior concerns as they arise in the foster home.

• Coordinates and supervises dog/dog interactions for assessment, enrichment, behavior change and/or adoption counseling. 

• Using the Shelters animal management database, create animal profiles, document behavior progress and evaluations, and document pre- and post- adoption counseling support.

• Assists and supports the Shelters transfer program.

• Responds to both individual and shared behavior team email and voicemail in a timely manner.

• Triages urgent behavior concerns in the absence of department leadership to ensure the emotional wellbeing of the animal as well as staff and volunteer safety.

• Supports the shelter services team with animal intake and animal behavior as needed. 

• Supports the animal care team with daily feeding and cleaning of the animals in our care as needed.

• Maintains good working relationships with and support other Shelter departments.

• Supports the Shelters animal control partners by maintaining good communication with officers and providing support with animal handling and training as needed.

• Adheres to, and supports compliance with, the Shelters procedures, policies and standard operating procedures.

• Serve as a positive role model to staff and volunteers. 

• Performs the duties of an animal intake and assessment coordinator as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

• Ability to multi-task and maintain composure in a fast paced, environment while providing courteous service to potentially difficult, emotional, or frustrated clients.

• Actively contributes to a supportive team and environment by demonstrating resilience and optimism while undertaking challenging tasks to accomplish our mission.

• Ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality when dealing with proprietary information and sensitive situations.

• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office including word processing, spreadsheets, meeting software, and email; proficient with animal management software and shelter data bases.

• Working knowledge of animal sheltering practices; highly supportive of open admissions practices.

• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with volunteers within an animal care environment and communicate in a respectful, appreciative manner.

• Advanced understanding of animal learning theory with emphasis on positive reinforcement and force-free training.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Professional and educational expertise in animal learning theory, animal behavior scientific behavior modification strategies, and positive-based, force-free animal training, including strong clicker skills. 

• Experience observing, assessing, and/or modifying animal behavior in shelters preferred.

• Certification in animal training and behavior counseling or active enrollment in a program leading to certification.  One or more of the following certifications is strongly preferred: CPDT-KA, CPDT-KSA, KPA, CTC, VSA-CDT, CBCC-KA, CSB-D, CSB-C, CDBC, CCBC, CABC.   

• Fear Free Shelter certified or ability to become Fear Free Shelter certified within 60 days of employment.

• Euthanasia certified or capable of certifying within six months of start date.

• Valid driver license.

• Current rabies vaccination or ability to obtain one.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Ability to work 8 to 10-hour shifts spent standing, walking, bending, twisting, kneeling, squatting, and lifting.

• Noise, odors, chemical fumes, animal hair/dander are encountered due to equipment and animals.

• Subject to animal bites and scratches.

• Occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs.

• Frequent management of animals of all sizes on leash.

• Frequent standing on hard floors, bending, and stooping.

• Ability to be outdoors in all weather conditions year-round.

EQUIPMENT USED

• Animal handling equipment and assessment tools: slip leads, catch poles, etc.

• Animal and shelter management software. 

• Vehicle use (company provided and personal).

• Chemicals and cleaning tools to provide care for the animals.

SCHEDULE

One weekend day is required.

ADVANCEMENT

Employees in this position are eligible for a pay increase of $0.50 per hour upon certification and regular scheduling as a euthanasia technician.

About: Foothills Animal Shelter is an open admission shelter serving the Jefferson County community. We are a Fear Free Certified Shelter, adhering to force free and positive reinforcement philosophies, and are a Socially Conscious Animal Shelter, seeking the best possible outcomes for the animals at our shelter and our community. Each year, we shelter almost 9,000 dogs, cats, and small animals with the help of our skilled and experienced teams of staff and volunteers. In addition to adoptions, we offer a wide range of services including lost and found pet reunification, pet licensing for Jefferson County, and supportive programs like Better Together, which helps keep pets and families together during times of hardship. Foothills Animal Shelter operates under an intergovernmental agreement between Jefferson County and the cities of Arvada, Edgewater, Golden, Lakewood, Westminster, and Wheat Ridge.    

Benefits:   

Full-timeFull-time employees become eligible for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, and an array of supplemental benefits after 60 days of employment. Foothills offers coverage of the premiums for employee-only medical, dental, vision, and long-term disability plans. Full-time employees earn sick and vacation time each pay period, plus six recognized holidays. After six months of employment, employees who complete eligibility requirements may enroll in a 401K retirement plan that we will match up to 4%.  Foothills Animal Shelter is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer.     

Part-timePart-time employees earn sick time each pay period. Part-time employees who are regularly scheduled 20 hours per week also accrue vacation time each pay period. After six months of employment, employees who complete eligibility requirements may enroll in a 401K retirement plan that we will match up to 4%. Foothills Animal Shelter is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer.