ANIMAL CARE SPECIALIST- BEHAVIOR SUPPORT

Anti-Cruelty; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago, IL is seeking an Animal Care Specialist, Behavior Support to join our Operations team. You will conduct behavior assessments, develop modification plans, lead enrichment activities, and support daily animal care with a focus on humane handling and training.

Requirements include a high school diploma or GED and experience with animal care, customer service, and proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in animal care and customer service preferred.
• Ability to work in a shelter environment and handle animals.

Responsibilities

• Uphold shelter policies and maintain a respectful, compassionate environment for animals and visitors.
• Perform and document behavior assessments on intake animals and develop modification plans.
• Lead enrichment activities such as dog class, cat class, or other programs.
• Provide daily animal care including feeding, cleaning, and husbandry tasks.
• Train staff and volunteers on behavior techniques and safety protocols.
• Assist with safe handling and transport as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Empathy

Team player

Calm under pressure

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

ANIMAL CARE SPECIALIST- BEHAVIOR SUPPORT

Chicago, IL, US

Salary Range: $19.00 To $23.00 Hourly

ANTI-CRUELTY JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Animal Care Specialist, Behavior Support

DEPARTMENT: Operations

REPORTS TO: Dog Care or Cat Care Managers, Shelter Care

STATUS: Non-Exempt

GENERAL SUMMARY

All Specialists:

• Serve as subject matter resource in a specialization
• Support training and mentorship
• Operate with increased independence
• Demonstrate advanced decision-making

Creating an inclusive and welcoming culture for volunteers, staff, and our community is an essential part of our work to support the human-animal bond, which is at the heart of what we do. As stated in our PETS Work Culture Agreement, we uphold Praise, Engagement, Trust and Support. We strive for excellence in all aspects of our mission from feeding hungry mouths to cultivating donors. We respect the variety of talents required to support our mission and we work together to accomplish this. We support and protect self-care managed by each individual in recognition that our work is endless, but impactful.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Uphold the PETS work culture agreement through Praise, Engagement, Trust, and Support.
• Engage in continued education in animal care
• Guide and train Associates when needed.
• Be well versed in Animal Care Associate position.
• Provide daily cleaning, feeding, and husbandry tasks as required
• Conduct behavior assessments on intake animals
• Develop and implement behavior modification plans
• Complete behavior checks and follow behavior plans
• Lead playgroups, dog class, cat class, or other out of kennel enrichment activities
• Support safe handling protocols across teams
• Provide training to staff on behavior techniques

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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must have customer service experience and a passion for working with people.
• Must be experienced in Microsoft Office.
• Communicates proactively, empathetically, and professionally
• Dependable, punctual, and follows through on commitments
• Embraces the organization's commitment to be an open door to all
• Embraces the organization’s commitment to keep owners and pets together.
• Exceptional interpersonal and written communication skills
• Able to remain calm, composed, and empathetic in high stress situations
• Works well in a team environment while motivating and supporting peers
• Present a neat and professional appearance to the public as well as a polite and friendly demeanor.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma or GED required.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Please see Shelter Care Advancement Criteria.

Note: A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills and ability required may qualify individuals

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to be comfortable working with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish and wildlife.
• Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop and reach.
• Due to nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Available to work an extended schedule, including weekends, early mornings, evenings and holidays according to demands of the role. Respect for animals and belief in the mission of The Anti-Cruelty Society.

The job description is a guide to the essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands, and work environment conditions. Job descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet the changing needs of the organization at the sole discretion of management.

Anti-Cruelty is an equal opportunity employer.