Behavior & Training Coordinator

Description

Kitsap Humane Society (KHS) is a progressive animal welfare shelter whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome homeless animals. We are committed to an open admissions policy, animal rehabilitation and a low euthanasia rate. KHS’s open adoption philosophy is an essential part of our progressive mission, enabling us to save and rehome thousands of animals each year.

As the Behavior and Training Coordinator, you will work in collaboration with a strong Behavior Team consisting of a Community Resource and Behavior Manager (CRBM), two Behavior and Training Coordinators, and two Behavior Assistants. This position works under the direct supervision of the CRBM to develop individualized plans to improve the quality of life of shelter animals.  The Behavior and Training Coordinators oversee both canine and cat behavior modification training, enrichment, and training for staff and volunteers. They work with shelter staff and volunteers to support cats and dogs in need of behavioral support, creating pathway plans and assessing for adoption placement opportunities, including identifying cats for the Barn Cat Program. This position oversees behavior-related post-adoption support, and is the point of contact for volunteers, staff and the public for behavior and training inquiries. 

  Primary responsibilities include:

• Providing leadership, inspiration and direction to the organization and its stakeholders around issues of shelter animal behavior
• Serving as a point of contact for all staff regarding canine and feline behavior and training related topics, including but not limited to:
• Working collaboratively with fellow coordinators and shelter leadership team
• Scheduling and leading behavior and training classes for new staff
• Effectively communicating the current status, progress, and needs of KHS shelter dogs and cats in a timely manner.
• Working independently as well as collaboratively with other shelter leadership to write protocols pertaining to the behavior department and associated programs
• Creating department-specific materials, including written materials and video materials

Assisting the Adoption department by:

• Answering customer service staff questions concerning behavior
• Performing adoption counsels for behavior program dogs, and other dogs as needed
• Assisting with dog-to-dog introductions
• Assisting with barn cat placements
• Providing detailed behavior write-ups and training plans for staff to reference on counsels.
• Adding adoption recommendations based upon intake information, assessments, and relevant behaviors reported by staff and volunteers.
• Providing post-adoption behavior support via phone and email
• Ensuring that adoption memos in Shelter Buddy are up to date.

Overseeing the Barn Cat Program

• Identify cats that will be candidates for Barn Cat Program
• Working with Admissions and Adoptions to create pathway plans for cats that are Barn Cat candidates.
• Identifying pairs/groups for barn cat placement

Working with the Foster department by:

• Identifying dogs in need of behavioral foster
• Filling out foster request forms for dogs in need of behavioral foster
• Providing detailed behavior write-ups and training plans for foster parents caring for behavioral fosters
• Responding to behavior related questions from foster parents
• Assisting with introductions between shelter dogs and resident foster animals
• Following up on submitted behavior requests.

Assisting with Intakes and Admissions by:

• Reviewing potential owner surrender dog and cat behavior information and collaborating with shelter leadership to approve the scheduling of intake appointments.
• Performing extended behavior intake assessments as needed
• Offering behavior support to owners as needed to help prevent dogs and cats from entering the shelter.
• Partnering with Admissions department staff to create and implement a plan for vaccinating extremely fearful, reactive, or stressed dogs.

Building relationships with volunteers and providing opportunities for learning through:

• Working collaboratively with the Volunteer Manager to draft weekly updates on behavior program dogs and cats.
• Evaluating and communicating the walking needs and handling recommendations required for specific dogs or cats
• Answering questions or addressing concerns
• Reviewing submitted behavior reports.
• Assisting with walking and handling of dogs as needed
• Developing and implementing plans for volunteer-based in-shelter enrichment opportunities for dogs and cats
• Maintaining and expanding existing behavior program volunteer opportunities through regular volunteer recruitment
• Working collaboratively with the Volunteer Manager and other shelter leadership to write volunteer protocols pertaining to the behavior department.
• Teaching monthly classes on various behavior topics (Canine Body Language, Loose Leash Walking, Behavior Science, Clicker Training, etc.)
• Complete Jackson Galaxy clicker training for cats online course
• Attend monthly cat and dog lead meetings

Overseeing the welfare of shelter animals, through training, behavior modification, and enrichment by:

• Overseeing and performing dog to dog meets and off-leash playgroups 
• Identifying dogs and cats in need of support, and implementing management solutions for potential stressors
• Walking and handling staff-only dogs, including dogs that need to be handled using safety equipment such as catchpoles
• Handling staff only cats, and assessing placement options and pathways plans
• Identifying dogs and cats in need of behavior intervention and communicating this to pertinent Coordinator team members
• Developing, implementing and overseeing enrichment and intervention strategies, and delegating related tasks to staff and volunteers
• Providing enrichment in the form of play dates, scent work, structured socialization time, food puzzles, etc
• Documenting observed and reported behaviors and training and enrichment opportunities
• Other duties as assigned by the Community Resource and Behavior Manager 

Requirements

Qualities of the Ideal Candidate

• Has 2 years working with animals, using positive-reinforcement/science-based training methods, such as clicker training 
• Familiarity with LIMA practices and willingness to become Fear Free certified
• Demonstrated program management and leadership experience.
• Has excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated customer service experience and skills, including positivity, friendliness, tact and sound judgment, and a love of working with people.
• Strong public speaking and teaching skills, with both large groups and in one-on-one situations.
• The ability to stay calm, collected, and professional in stressful or emotionally charged situations.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, and a high level of attention to detail.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and other software.