What are the responsibilities and job description for the Canine Enrichment Coordinator position at City Of Indianapolis and Marion County?
Position Summary
The Canine Enrichment Coordinator supports the health and well-being of all canines under the care of the Agency. This role is responsible for the overall cognitive health of the IACS canine shelter population with the goals of shortening length of stay, reducing shelter stress, and increasing pet retention and adoption. Position reports to the Shelter Placement Manager.
Agency Summary
The purpose and mission of Animal Care Services is advocating animal welfare, adoption, and rescue. The agency does this by protecting and promoting the health, safety, and welfare of pets and livestock in Marion County. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the residents of Indianapolis and Marion County.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.
Position Responsibilities
- Provide support to all dogs throughout the shelter by conducting daily playgroup sessions and providing daily enrichment.
- Develop strategic methods to shorten length of stay and increase adoption rates for canines entering the shelter.
- Create and implement an enrichment activity plan for shelter dogs.
- Work collaboratively with staff members to identify dogs in need of additional enrichment and identify solutions; develop training and enrichment plans for individual dogs, with a goal of assisting animals to be successfully placed.
- Objectively record all behavior observations and playgroup interactions utilizing the shelter software program (Chameleon).
- Develop training programs and provide training for staff and volunteers in dog handling, body language, communication, enrichment, behavior, use of safety tools and conducting playgroups.
- Provide support to foster parents to work through challenges that may arise with foster dogs in their home.
- Work with potential adopters and assist the adoptions team as needed with matchmaking.
- Provide pet retention counseling for owners trying to give up pets and adoption follow-up counseling for adopters having issues with adopted dogs.
- Participate in daily rounds and meetings to assist in making pathway, placement, and euthanasia decisions.
- Assist with identifying and selecting dogs to attend shelter events.
- Interacts with community rescue groups, city elected and appointed officials, and other government agencies, volunteers, and the general public.
- Participate in community education and outreach programs.
- Pursue continuing education on best canine lifesaving practices and collaborate with Leadership to develop and implement new programs or projects to further lifesaving.
- Represents the city, department, and division during outreach activities.
- Effectively and professionally communicate with staff, volunteers, and the public at all times.
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Must maintain confidentiality at all times.
This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.
Qualifications
High School Diploma or equivalent with a minimum of one (1) year of experience in an animal shelter, a minimum of one (1) year professional dog training or shelter behavior/enrichment team experience and one (1) year supervisory or training experience. Must have experience with dog playgroups (conducting, training, assessing). Must have experience creating and implementing training programs for individuals and teams. Position requires knowledge of animal care and behavior and local ordinances. Must have an interest and commitment to community and the care of animals. Must be knowledgeable of local community organizations and resources. Must have advanced skills and experience in dog handling, reading dog body language and dog communication. Demonstrated knowledge of canine body language and ability to identify and communicate canine behavioral signals quickly and accurately. Must be able to handle dogs of all breeds, sizes and temperaments humanely and safely. Must have great communications skills both orally and written and be able to adapt to different tones and messaging to meet the needs of different audiences in different settings. Must be able to work under extremely stressful conditions and the ability to handle the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment, including the use of euthanasia. Independent judgement and ability to make difficult decisions about dogs’ outcomes. Excellent interpersonal, communication, customer service, and time management skills are essential. Team-oriented mentality and ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with others. Self-motivated and able to work efficiently with minimal supervision. Must exhibit tact in collaborating with other professionals and team members. Must have knowledge and be comfortable with Microsoft Office products.
Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications
Associate degree in Social Services, Business Management, or a related field with one (1) year of work-related experience. Two (2) or more years of professional dog training or shelter behavior team experience. Previous experience with Chameleon animal sheltering software. Knowledge and experience in program management for a government entity, not-for-profit organization, or charitable cause is preferred. Knowledge of local ordinances, animal ordinances, and administration of routine vaccines.
