Enrichment Coordinator

Brandywine Valley SPCA; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Brandywine Valley SPCA is seeking an Enrichment Coordinator to oversee enrichment and behavioral care for cats and dogs from intake to adoption. You will design training plans, evaluate behavior, train staff and volunteers, and coordinate post-adoption support to ensure successful pet placements.

The role requires at least 1 year of shelter animal experience and involves working with multiple programs to improve animal wellbeing and matching adopters with suitable pets.

Qualifications

• 1 year of experience assessing and training animals in a shelter environment is preferred

Responsibilities

• Designing individualized training plans for dogs and cats residing in the shelter; measure progress and re-assess training plans and recommendations as necessary; provide clear written and verbal communication to volunteers and staff.
• Monitor and evaluate the behavior of dogs and cats in-shelter, and work with available programs to improve behavior and mental health (programs include Kennel Enrichment, Playgroups, pack walks/outings, Foster Care, Rehabilitation, Veterinary Clinic)
• Perform behavior evaluations of shelter animals
• Oversee general training of animal care staff regarding animal behavior and handling
• Present training for all animal care volunteers in safe handling and animal behavior in shelter
• Work with the Operations Managers and Behavior Manager to identify animals that will need additional training post-adoption, and create specialized Behavior Plans for adopters
• Provide post-adoption follow-up for adopters of dogs and cats who have special behavioral issues, including referrals and advice, and coordinate in-shelter assessments and in-home consultations
• Provide written summary reports on animal behavior, assessments and training, and make recommendations on disposition, placement and euthanasia
• Assist with other shelter related tasks as needed

Skills

Animal handling

Animal training

Team collaboration

Communication

Job description

The Enrichment Coordinator is responsible for the behavioral care and well-being of cats and dogs from their arrival at the shelter through adoption and transition to a new home. This includes formal and informal behavior assessments, creating training plans and providing opportunities for enrichment, and contributing to finding successful matches with adopters by providing information to help them with the transition of their new pet to their home. The Enrichment Coordinator will also be responsible for ensuring that all volunteers and staff who interact with our animals are properly trained and informed regarding general animal care and specific animal’s safe handling and training, and for working with other program managers and staff.

Customer Service

• All BVSPCA employees are responsible for providing excellent customer service to customers, animals, fellow staff, donors and all persons the staff member comes into contact with while working.
• Must promote the BVSPCA in a positive manner.
• Communicates with others with respect.
• Creates a positive work environment by limiting negativity.
• Be efficient, a team player, positive and proactive in problem solving.
• Diversity and Inclusiveness
• Work effectively with individuals and colleagues from diverse communities and cultures

Specific Tasks

• Designing individualized training plans for dogs and cats residing in the shelter; measure progress and re-assess training plans and recommendations as necessary; provide clear written and verbal communication to volunteers and staff.
• Monitor and evaluate the behavior of dogs and cats in-shelter, and work with available programs to improve behavior and mental health (programs include Kennel Enrichment, Playgroups, pack walks/outings, Foster Care, Rehabilitation, Veterinary Clinic)
• Perform behavior evaluations of shelter animals
• Oversee general training of animal care staff regarding animal behavior and handling
• Present training for all animal care volunteers in safe handling and animal behavior in shelter
• Work with the Operations Managers and Behavior Manager to identify animals that will need additional training post-adoption, and create specialized Behavior Plans for adopters
• Provide post-adoption follow-up for adopters of dogs and cats who have special behavioral issues, including referrals and advice, and coordinate in-shelter assessments and in-home consultations
• Provide written summary reports on animal behavior, assessments and training, and make recommendations on disposition, placement and euthanasia
• Assist with other shelter related tasks as needed

Safety

• Ensure a safe work environment; following all safety guidelines and modeling safe work practice.
• Take immediate action to address any safety concerns that could put a staff member, volunteer, client, animal, or the organization at risk.
• Maintain a clean, healthy, and sanitary work area; follow all pest and rodent control protocols.

Qualifications

1 year of experience assessing and training animals in a shelter environment is preferred

Experience

• Animal handling: 1 year (Preferred)
• Animal care: 1 year (Preferred)

Working Conditions

• Ability to bend, kneel and stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift 50lbs.
• Ability to multitask under high-pressure situations.
• Work in loud environments on hard surfaces.

BVSPCA is now elevating animal services for the nation's capital

Visitors understand and accept the inherent risk of interacting with shelter animals, whose behavior may be unpredictable. This includes, but is not limited to, scratches, bites or falls. Visitors to our properties and events agree to hold Brandywine Valley SPCA, Humane Society of Harrisburg Area and Animal Adoption Center harmless from any liability or expenses that may arise should something occur.