Behavior Specialist at Young Williams Animal Center of East Tennessee – Knoxville, Tennessee

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
• You believe in animal handling and training that encourage the human-animal bond, using positive reinforcement techniques

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB INCLUDE:

• 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
• Adoption advocate for behavior dog/cat

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• 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