Behavior Specialist
1 month ago
Knoxville
Job Description Position Overview: The Behavior Specialist’s objective is to approach challenges with enthusiasm and optimism and has a passion for the animal welfare industry. An individual who helps to find every pet a home, by collaborating with potential adopters and supporting them to be the best pet parent they can be. Introduction: Young-Williams is looking for someone who is outgoing, friendly, and who likes a challenge to join our Behavior Department If the following describes you, we want you to apply! • You have experience with dog/cat handling and restraint and are well versed in reading dog/cat body language, • You have the skills necessary to be a “case manager” for individual dogs/cats and the fosters and volunteers who want to help them, • You thrive in a collaborative environment where teams work together to help animals succeed but are also comfortable working independently, • You can create behavior plans and coach staff members, fosters or volunteers to carry those plans out, and follow up to provide any support needed, • You are comfortable handling potentially aggressive dogs/cats including dogs that have been deemed Dangerous by the courts, • You are proficient with computer programs such as Word, Excel, etc., and are a quick learner of new software, like our shelter database, PetPoint, • You have amazing people skills, • You are a multi-tasker extraordinaire who can do a variety of things at the same time, and make good decisions while managing competing priorities, • You are open to new ideas, comfortable with change and endlessly optimistic, • You excel at finding creative and responsible solutions for outcomes for dogs/cats, • You are a super communicator who can consistently identify and relay important information that needs to be shared, • Complete dog/cat evaluations, dog-to-dog tests and other behavior assessments, • Develop action plans for dogs/cat with special enrichment/training needs, • Create and execute behavior modification plans and handling plans for dogs/cat, • Maintain accurate and timely records, • Provide written reports and/or feedback during team discussions, make recommendations on disposition, pathways, placement, and euthanasia, • Support the Foster/Placement team to identify dogs in need of and appropriate for the canine foster program and rescue placement, • Report the need of veterinary intervention of sick or injured dogs/cat, • Provide basic medical care such as vaccinations, microchipping and heartworm tests for dogs as needed, • Work with the vet clinic to create Fear Free visits for dogs with behavioral challenges, • Administrate medications for dogs/cats who need behavior intervention through medication, • Participate in daily rounds to identify behavior needs and pathway plan for each animal quickly and efficiently, • Investigate pet backgrounds by calling Animal Control Officers and/or previous owners to gain more insight into individual dog/cat histories, • Participate in and help build the dog volunteer program (Advanced Canine Caretakers), • Participate in dog playgroups as needed, • Communicate professionally with staff, volunteers, and members of the public about animal-specific behaviors in verbal and written form, • Clean rooms/cages and keep all animals comfortable, ensuring they have proper food, water and enrichment, while monitoring them for physical and/or behavioral concerns and reporting any issues as they arise., • Assist with follow up calls (provide support), answering the phones and emails., • Facilitate customer interactions with animals while providing positive, objective and useful information in a conversation-based approach that encourages dialogue, • Ensure that paperwork for all adoptable animals is accurate and properly maintained in hard copy as well as in the database, • High school diploma or equivalent, • Minimum 2 years of animal handling experience, • Experience with veterinary or grooming restraint preferred, • 2 years of Customer service experience, • Computer skills such as using Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook, • Certification as an expert in animal training through a reputable university or nationally recognized organization (CPDT, CCPDT, CAAB, ABS, AABS), • Fear Free Shelter certificate or willingness to complete within 90 days, • Euthanasia Certification (preferred) Equipment use: Computer or laptop, printer, copy machine, fax machine, telephone, cell phone and cleaning equipment and supplies Safety kit tools: safety belt, break stick, pet corrector, air horn, spray shield, etc. WORKING CONDITIONS: • Indoors in a high noise air-conditioned/heated building, • Outdoors at shelter or on-location for various activities, • Work hours: Work hours may vary. Shelter is open to the public 7 days/week from 10:00a – 6:00pm evenings and weekends and holiday hours will be required, • Regular exposure to animals and their bodily fluids, cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, bites, and scratches, • Need for development of self-care skills to combat compassion fatigue, • Heavy lifting and/or moving up to 100 pounds with assistance, • Regular upright movement, such as standing or walking, • Regular leash handling with one or both hands