Animal Support and Enrichment Specialist #HIRING

Animal Support and Enrichment Specialist

Position Title: Animal Support and Enrichment Specialist

Department: Operations

Position Summary:

The Animal Support and Enrichment Specialist will support the Canine Companion Volunteers, oversee the enrichment program, and provide essential support to the Animal Support Specialist (SAS) team. This employee will ensure that SAS volunteers are engaged, effective, and aligned with NHS goals for canine behavior, enrichment, and adoptability. 

Essential Job Functions

• Assist the Volunteer Manager with recruiting, training, supporting, and serving as the point of contact for both new and experienced Canine Companion volunteers.
• Actively engage SAS volunteers, ensure they are well-supported and aligned with SAS and organized objectives.
• Coordinate onboarding processes and ensure volunteers are well-prepared to fulfill their roles effectively.
• Design and implement enrichment programs that improve dogs’ behavioral well-being an adaptability.
• Act as an active member of the SAS department by helping handle/restrain dogs, implement individual animal support plans, playgroups, and enrichment.
• Utilize shelter management software to record behavioral observations, generate reports, and maintain communication with SAS, other teams, and volunteers.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with co-workers, volunteers, management, and the public at all times.
• Work closely with the foster department to coordinate and conduct training sessions for foster homes, ensure they are prepared to support each animal’s unique needs.
• Develop and distribute timely communication to volunteers, keeping them informed of upcoming events, needs, and other relevant information.
• Handle dogs safely and competently, including those that may be fearful, reactive, or unruly.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Dog Lead/Dog Supervisor, supporting all facets of the behavior department’s mission.

Qualifications 

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in related field or certification in dog training or behavior consulting.
• High School Diploma or GED, required.
• Minimum of one year working in an animal behavior/training/care capacity.
• Experience in managing, recruiting, onboarding, or training of volunteers.
• General understanding of behavior and learning principles and ability to communicate these concepts to others.
• Demonstrated knowledge of canine body language and ability to quickly and accurately identify and communicate canine behavioral signals.
• Experience in Microsoft PowerPoint presentations and using other software packages.
• Experience safely and comfortably handling dogs of all breeds that may be fearful, reactive, aggressive, or unruly.
• Affection and compassion for animals, concern for their welfare, and willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace.
• Team-oriented mentality and ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with others.
• Self-motivated and the ability to work efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to handle the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment, including the use of euthanasia.
• Ability to multitask and think clearly during intense situations.
• Ability to generate new and inventive ways of assessing, training, or providing enrichment for dogs that need extra behavioral support.
• Adaptable to different work circumstances or challenges.

Work Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions within the work environment.

• The noise level in the office environment is usually quiet, though braking or whining of animals may be escalated at certain times in certain areas of the building.
• High exposure to animals whose reactions to the shelter environment cannot be predicted.
• Temperatures in the shelter environment are varied, though usually moderate, and dependent on the season.
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases and hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to work around animals without severe allergic reactions.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully preform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Nebraska Humane Society provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, such as a veteran, or any other protected category, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.