Shelter Behavior Support Specialist

San Francisco SPCA; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Pre-tax commuter benefits

Employee discounts on supplies

Job summary

San Francisco SPCA is seeking a Shelter Behavior Assistant to join our Shelter Behavior department. The role supports documentation, case management, and coordination of behavior services for animals in the shelter and foster.

You will maintain behavior records, update plans, triage concerns, and help prepare training spaces. Qualifications include Fear Free Shelter certification, CA driver's license, and at least one year of customer service or shelter experience. Weekend availability required.

Qualifications

• Fear Free Shelter certification (or able to obtain within the first 30 days).
• CA Driver’s License and insurable driving record.
• At least one year customer service experience.
• At least one year of shelter-based experience or dog training with experience handling all types of dogs and cats (breeds, temperament, and sizes, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain accurate behavior records for shelter and foster animals, including assessments, summaries, behavior plans, videos, and supporting documentation.
• Update animal stages and case information based on trainer recommendations and case progression.
• Ensure consistent documentation to support behavior case tracking and program evaluation.
• Review and triage behavior concerns submitted by foster parents using established Shelter Behavior protocols.
• Provide first-line support and guidance to foster parents for common behavior questions and management strategies within the scope of the role.
• Coordinate and schedule behavior support between foster parent and Shelter Behavior trainers.
• Document foster communications, recommendations, and follow-up plans in the appropriate behavior record.
• Escalate complex or urgent behavior concerns to Shelter Behavior Trainers as appropriate.
• Assist with coordinating logistics of daily Shelter Behavior activities and manage behavior foster requests.
• Prepare and maintain organized, well-stocked training spaces and materials.
• Support efficient behavior assessments and training sessions.

Skills

Customer service

Documentation

Communication

Data entry

Dog handling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

PetPoint

SalesForce

Microsoft Word

Excel

Teams

Outlook

Job description

San Francisco SPCA is seeking a Shelter Behavior Assistant to join our Shelter Behavior department. The role supports documentation, case management, and coordination of behavior services for animals in the shelter and foster.

You will maintain behavior records, update plans, triage concerns, and help prepare training spaces. Qualifications include Fear Free Shelter certification, CA driver's license, and at least one year of customer service or shelter experience. Weekend availability required.