Animal Behavior Counselor

Department: 

Adoption Center

Division: 

Community Outreach

Location: 

New York, NY

Job Summary:
This position supports the Behavior function by providing behavior assessments and rehabilitation treatments to shelter animals (primarily dogs) in addition to interacting with clients and volunteers regarding behavioral issues.
Job Responsibilities:

• Evaluate animals for adoptability and rehabilitation: HLE, ASPCA intake, and intake at other shelters (CACC)
• Help to implement and develop behavioral enrichment and rehabilitation programs for animals in the shelter
• Provide behavioral support for dog adopters through email and phone consults
• Train staff, volunteers, and the public about animal behavior (dog walking, cat handling, socialization, body language, treadmill training, etc.)
• Assist in developing written materials for the Behavior Department (protocols, information sheets, data sheets, PowerPoint presentations, etc.)
• Offer pre and post-adoption consultations with regard to behavior and training
• Assist with feline evaluations and rehabilitation work
• Lead weekly obedience classes for adopters
• Assist Intake Department with finding appropriate foster and fospice homes or medically or behaviorally challenged dogs
• Assist the Behavior Team in identifying and working with breed specific rescue groups
• Organize and develop rules for maintaining Behavior training and evaluation rooms
• Participate in euthanasia decisions for behaviorally compromised dogs

Education:

• BS or BA required or comparable work experience

Experience:

• Experience handling cats preferred
• 2 -3 years dog obedience training preferred

Skills Requirements:

• Ability to train dogs
• Ability to instruct people
• Communication skills with people, enjoy working with people
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Good customer service and interpersonal skills
• Good team player

Training Requirements:

• CCPDT certified

We encourage a candidate who demonstrates outstanding inter-personal communication and the ability to work in a team environment or independently, with a high degree of integrity and accountability. This position welcomes a candidate with a sense of humor that can balance flexibility and enthusiasm and thrives on detail!!
Our generous benefit package includes the following for full-time employees and (if qualified, we offer domestic partner coverage!) Medical, Dental, STD, 401(k), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Transit checks, Tuition Assistance Program, Training Seminars, EAP, 50% hospital discount, Paid Time Off.

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