Shelter Behavior Associate

Please make sure to attach your resume to complete your application.

Summary:

Are you interested in companion animal behavior and want to learn more about providing high-quality care while optimizing welfare for animals in need?  Do you thrive in a dynamic and complex environment, where colleagues from all skill levels work together to continually advance the animal behavior field? If so, the role of Behavior Associate at the ASPCA’s Cruelty Recovery Center (CRC) might be right for you!  

The CRC, located in Columbus, OH, is part of the Rehabilitation Services Group, which also includes the Behavioral Rehabilitation Center (BRC) in Weaverville, NC, and the Recovery and Rehabilitation Center (R&R) in Pawling, NY. All three facilities provide opportunities for animals to heal after rescue. As they engage in hands-on care, teams prioritize the elevation of our work through ongoing learning, advancing the animal welfare field through research, developing effective, efficient interventions, establishing new best practices and sharing innovations with other organizations nationwide through the ASPCA’s Learning Lab, ASPCApro, publications, and professional and academic conferences. At the CRC, a dedicated team of sheltering, veterinary and animal behavior staff work together to serve animals rescued in ASPCA national cruelty cases and disaster responses. 

The Shelter Behavior Associate role at the CRC offers a unique opportunity to jump-start or accelerate your career as a shelter behavior expert. The role starts off with an intensive, 10-week paid training program called the Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship. The only program of its kind, the Apprenticeship provides a deep dive into the science of animal behavior, coached hands-on learning, and critical knowledge about how to apply behavior expertise in a shelter environment. Following completion of the Apprenticeship, graduates join their team as Shelter Behavior Associates and continue to develop their skills, guided by their managers. Associates then transition into the Behavior Specialist role, typically within a year of employment. The Specialist role includes additional responsibilities, including coaching and teaching other team members, visiting learners from other organizations and volunteers, crafting behavior modification plans, and doing more advanced behavior rehabilitation work.

Ideal candidates for the Associate role will have a keen interest in the science of animal behavior, a passion for animal welfare, exceptional people skills, and, after Apprenticeship training, solid shelter behavior skills and knowledge. Success in this role will hinge on the ability to collaborate effectively with behavior, operations and veterinary teammates at the CRC, as well as ASPCA staff in other departments across the organization.

Target Start Date: January 29, 2024 

Responsibilities:

Shelter Behavior Associate Job Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Behavior Modification, Behavior Assessment, Animal Handling & Data Collection (85%)

• Conduct daily treatment sessions: perform behavior modification protocols and record data after each session using the CRC behavior database
• Collect data to track an animal’s behavioral progress
• Monitor the behavioral health of animals
• Communicate observations and concerns to the Behavior Manager(s) and make recommendations to support treatment progress and outcome decisions during weekly meetings
• Perform behavior evaluations and re-evaluations of CRC animals
• Assist, as needed, with the handling and movement of animals during cleaning, intake, exercise, grooming, exams and humane euthanasia
• Provide socialization with people and/or other animals
• Provide extra enrichment for designated animals
• Conduct dog play groups and record data after each session
• Assist with the collection and organization of footage for video library
• Adhere to all protocols set forth by the ASPCA, including behavior modification and training procedures, enrichment, animal handling, as well as general medical and sheltering protocols

Coaching, Consultation & Behavior Support (5%)

• Participate in continuing education to develop coaching and consultation skills to be able to:
  • Provide hands-on coaching for CRC Care and Enrichment Technicians, visitors, interns, associates, and professionals from other organizations
  • Provide follow-up support for placement partner organizations and adopters
  • Help facilitate animal introductions to foster parents and, when appropriate, potential adopters
  • Participate in Learning Lab collaborative teaching modules
• Monitor the activities of volunteers interacting with CRC dogs and provide basic guidance/coaching as assigned/appropriate
• As assigned, serve in a shadowing role during Learning Lab collaborative teaching modules to prepare for future participation as a subject matter expert
• Produce draft behavior-related paperwork for placement partners or other purposes as assigned

Deployment & Travel/Transport (10%)

• Deploy as needed to provide behavior support in temporary field shelters and to support Behavioral Sciences Team (BST) field work (handling for animal removal, performing forensic behavior evaluations)
• Transport animals to and from the field or the CRC as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

Behavior Specialist Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Behavior Modification, Behavior Assessment, Animal Handling & Data Collection (65%)

• Conduct daily treatment sessions: perform behavior modification protocols and record data after each session using the CRC behavior database
• Collect data to track an animal’s behavioral progress
• Monitor the behavioral health of animals
• Communicate observations and concerns to the Behavior Manager(s) and make recommendations to support treatment progress and outcome decisions during weekly meetings
• Perform behavior evaluations and re-evaluations of CRC animals
• Assist, as needed, with the handling and movement of animals during cleaning, intake, exercise, grooming, exams and humane euthanasia
• Assist, as needed, with animal housing and kennel design improvement planning
• Provide human and/or conspecific socialization for specified animals
• Provide extra enrichment for designated animals
• Conduct dog play groups and record data after each session
• Assist with the collection and organization of footage for video library
• Adhere to all protocols set forth by the ASPCA, including behavior modification and training procedures, enrichment, animal handling, as well as general medical and sheltering protocols

Coaching, Consultation & Behavior Support (25%)

• Monitor the activities of volunteers interacting with CRC animals and provide guidance/coaching
• Provide hands-on coaching, under the direction of the Behavior Manager and the Sr. Director, Animal Behavior, for CRC Care & Enrichment Technicians, volunteers, visitors, interns and learners from other organizations
• Lead internal group dog training classes
• Produce behavior-related paperwork for fosters, placement partners and adopters
• Provide follow-up support for fosters, placement partners and adopters
• Facilitate on-site introductions for receiving placement partners and foster parents
• Serve as a subject matter expert during Learning Lab modules for partner organizations as assigned
• Give media interviews via email, via phone and on camera as needed

Deployment & Travel/Transport (10%)

• Deploy to support Behavioral Sciences Team’s (BST) field work, handling animals during removal and intake and conducting forensic behavior evaluations
• Understand Incident Command System (ICS) and adhere to chain of command
• Provide behavior support at ASPCA temporary shelters, conducting playgroups, performing behavior evaluations as needed, and monitoring behavioral health of animals
• Transport animals to and from the field or the CRC as assigned

Exemplifies the ASPCA’s Core Values:

• Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals
• Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes
• Believes in Team – that we are stronger together
• Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible
• Focuses on Impact, specifically making change for animals

Qualifications:

• Demonstrates natural skill when handling animals (e.g., intuitively adjusts movement and position based on animals’ behavior, can safely walk dogs on-leash)
• Basic understanding of animal learning, training and behavior modification preferred
• Animal welfare knowledge preferred
• Good low-stress animal handing and restraint skills preferred
• Able to provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, and for our clients by using low-stress handling techniques
• Displays care and concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals and others, especially during stressful situations
• Must feel comfortable contributing behavior observations and consultative input to help a panel make humane euthanasia decisions; must feel comfortable handling animals for humane euthanasia procedures
• Must feel comfortable working with animals who are victims of cruelty, neglect and disasters
• Good team player; a “people person” who enjoys collaboration
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Superior problem-solving abilities; likes to troubleshoot and find solutions when facing challenges
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, potentially stressful environment
• Must be flexible and easily adapt to frequent changes to plans/protocols
• Good organizational skills
• Meticulous data collection and reporting skills
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Able to work standing for 8 or more hours and bend, crouch, kneel and move freely to perform responsibilities that include handling potentially dangerous animals in stressful conditions
• Able to occasionally work in physically challenging conditions and able to wear appropriate protective gear, including a protective mask; job responsibilities may entail exposure to chemical and biological hazards, such as feces and blood, exposure to sharp objects, working in noisy environments and working in areas with uneven, wet and slippery surfaces
• Fluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with SalesForce a plus

Additional Information:

• Must provide a valid driver’s license upon hire and pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating a safe driving history
• Available to regularly work 5 days per week, including one weekend day, and available to work a flexible schedule when needed including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Must feel comfortable seeing animals suffering from extreme fear and anxiety on a daily basis; must feel comfortable participating in humane euthanasia procedures for behaviorally unhealthy animals
• In Specialist role, must be able and willing to travel for up to 10 days at a time, sometimes on short notice (Please note, travel requirements may be modified temporarily due in part to COVID-19; this remains a requirement of the position, and we expect normal travel volume to resume as the organization resumes normal operations)

Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship Requirements:

• Actively participate in shelter behavior online, classroom and hands-on experiential learning activities throughout the Apprenticeship
• Practice application of acquired skills and knowledge in a busy animal shelter setting, with coaching and supervision by Apprenticeship staff
• Perform basic handling of dogs and cats under the supervision of Apprenticeship staff
• Demonstrate acquired knowledge and skills via periodic, practical learner assessments throughout the Apprenticeship to assist Instructors in providing personalized coaching
• Assist ASPCA facility staff as necessary, providing care for animals participating in Apprenticeship activities (e.g., cleaning, feeding, providing enrichment/exercise)
• Provide periodic, practical feedback on the experience, activities, content and flow of the Apprenticeship to help inform program improvement and iteration
• Travel for up to 3 weeks at a time for learning activities at ASPCA facilities (all associated costs covered by the ASPCA)
• Attend 2024 cohort during the following dates (subject to change):

  • February 12-16: remote learning 

  • February 20-March 6: Cruelty Recovery Center in Columbus, OH  

  • March 7 & 8: remote learning  

  • March 12-15: Columbus Humane in Columbus, OH  

  • March 20-28: Behavioral Rehabilitation Center in Weaverville, NC  

  • April 2-10: Cruelty Recovery Center in Columbus, OH  

  • April 12: remote learning 

Qualifications:

See above for qualifications details.

  

Language:

English (Required)

Education and Work Experience:

  

BS or BA preferred; BS in animal behavior field (animal behavior/cognition, experimental psychology, zoology, or animal science) strongly preferred, Disaster Sheltering and FEMA Incident Command System courses (100, 200, 700, 800) is required within 6 months of hire, Experience handling and working with cats in some capacity, as an employee or volunteer strongly preferred, High school diploma or GED equivalent required, Low Stress Handling® University Silver-Level certification is required within six months of hire, Minimum of 6 months’ doing hands-on work with dogs as an employee or volunteer required

Our EEO Policy:

The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws.  A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA’s standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA.  Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status,  or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).

Please don’t forget to attach your resume to complete your application.

About Us:
The ASPCA was founded in 1866 on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans and must be protected under the law. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States.

The ASPCA is headquartered in New York City, where we maintain a full-service animal hospital, spay/neuter clinic, mobile spay/neuter and primary pet care clinics, a rehabilitation center for canine victims of cruelty, kitten nursery, adoption center, and two community veterinary centers.

The ASPCA also operates programs and services that extend nationwide. We assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources.

At the ASPCA, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and compassionate culture and we welcome all voices to contribute to our lifesaving mission. Our staff represent a vast array of backgrounds and diversity dimensions, bringing with them valuable experiences and perspectives. They join the ASPCA to learn, grow, and continually do their best work on behalf of animals. We are inspired by our staff, partners, and the communities we support across the country who work to improve animal lives. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the ASPCA because it elevates our organizational culture, aligns with our Core Values, and enables us to move further and faster toward the ASPCA’s vision – that all animals live good lives; valued by society, protected by its laws, and free from cruelty, pain and suffering.