Behavior Modification Specialist

Title: Behavior Modification Specialist

Departments: Behavior

This position reports to: Director of Animal Behavior

Hours: Part-time; 25 hours/week Wednesday-Sunday 7:30am-12:30pm

Purpose of Position: Behavior Modification Specialists primarily implement behavior modification programs designed for fearful and unruly dogs currently enrolled in the Molly Project, and also work with difficult to handle dogs in the shelter as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees are required to follow any other job related duties assigned by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, and does not alter the “at‐will” relationship.

• Implement behavior modification plans with fearful and unruly dogs currently enrolled in the behavior modification program.
• Track progress of dogs in the behavior modification program by collecting and sharing behavioral data.
• Respond to public inquiries regarding dogs in the behavior modification program.
• Counsel potential adopters interested in dogs from the behavior modification program and provide post-adoption support.
• Utilize shelter software program (Chameleon) to record behavioral observations, generate reports, and change dogs’ availability statuses.
• Assist staff members in other departments with handling and restraining fearful, aggressive, and unruly dogs.
• Assist with administering ‘BARC’ (Behavior Assessments for Rehoming Canines) protocols on dogs prior to adoption to determine whether they are adoption candidates and what type of home will be best suited for them.
• Conduct owner surrender intake interviews to gather more information about dogs’ behavioral history and needs.
• Provide support to dogs throughout the shelter by developing and implementing behavior solutions that will enrich their environment, prevent and manage problem behaviors, and improve their adoptability.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with co-workers, volunteers, management, and the public at all times.
• Assist in making euthanasia decisions.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Director of Animal Behavior.

Position Qualifications: Education, Experience, Certification, and Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 1 year working in an animal shelter or other animal behavior/training/care capacity.
• Demonstrated knowledge of canine body language and ability to quickly and accurately identify and communicate canine behavioral signals.
• General understanding of behavior and learning principles and ability to communicate these concepts to others.
• Experience safely and comfortably handling dogs of all breeds that may be fearful, aggressive, or unruly.
• Affection and compassion for animals, concern for their welfare, and willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace.
• Team-oriented mentality and ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with others.
• Self-motivated and able to work efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Independent judgement and ability to make difficult decisions about dogs’ outcomes.
• Ability to handle the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment, including the use of euthanasia.

Desired

• Associates or Bachelors degree in related field or certification in dog training or behavior consulting.
• Ability to multitask and think clearly during intense situations.
• Ability to generate new and inventive ways of assessing, training, or providing enrichment for dogs that need extra behavioral support.
• Adaptable to different work circumstances or challenges.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel; capable of learning shelter system database.

Work Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions within the work environment.

• The noise level in the office environment is usually quiet, though barking or whining of animals may be escalated at certain times in certain areas of the building.
• High exposure to animals whose reactions to the shelter environment cannot be predicted.
• Temperatures in the shelter environment are varied, though usually moderate, and dependent on the season.
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases and hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to work around animals without severe allergic reactions.