Behavior Assistant

Description

Since 1984, we’ve dedicated ourselves to ensuring every animal has the quality of life they deserve – a life worth living. Now, we go beyond our walls to help create a more humane community for pets and the people who love them.

Asheville Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We do, however, hold the County contract for animal sheltering. This means that we are the open-admission shelter for all Buncombe County animals.

Position Summary

The Behavior Assistant works under the direct supervision of the Director of Behavior and Training. This position is responsible for conducting behavior assessments, following and maintaining behavior modification plans, enrichment plans, and managing playgroups. The Behavior Assistant will also assist in the teaching and training of AHS staff and volunteers in behavior and training techniques utilized at AHS.

This position will report directly to the Director of Behavior and Training but will also work closely with the Operations Department and Medical Department staff to help ensure the highest quality of behavioral care for animals in the care of AHS. This position should maintain a high standard of service to the animals and a high standard of customer service to the public.

Schedule: The Behavior Assistant works on the Animal Care Campus. The typical work schedule is Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Compensation & Benefits: The compensation for the Behavior Assistant starts at $17.00/hour. AHS is pleased to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees that includes: medical, dental, and vision insurance, a Simple IRA plan with up to 3% company match, 18 days of PTO in the first year, paid holidays, pet prescription discounts, and more! Benefits are available after 60 days of employment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Director of Behavior and Training in developing the Behavior Program in ways that benefit the animals in our care and the community at large.
• Maintain and assist the Director of Behavior and Training in evolving the Enrichment Program and Low-Stress Handling Techniques for both cats and dogs on the Animal Care Campus.
• Work with the Director of Behavior and Training to establish training and enrichment policies and procedures, educate staff and volunteers on the procedures, and ensure that procedures are followed.
• Document and oversee behavior plans for all animals in need of behavior treatment.
• Must maintain a humane and caring attitude at all times toward animals, the public, volunteers, and staff.
• Perform behavior assessments and maintain accurate and up-to-date records concerning initial behavior assessment, treatment plan, and progress.
• Responsible for educating staff and volunteers on training, enrichment, and safety protocols established by the Director of Behavior and Training.
• Responsible for addressing behavior issues with the Director of Behavior and Training that are beyond the scope of the Assistant’s expertise and following through with any prescribed behavior modification plan.
• Serve as a resource for adopters seeking help for behavior issues with their new pet.
• Responsible for reporting observed animal health concerns to the appropriate department.
• Continue to grow an understanding of animal behavior and the most humane and minimally aversive methods offered by the applied behavior analysis and animal behaviorist professions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Intermediate computer knowledge.
• Previous experience working with animals in shelters, vet offices, boarding/daycare, or other training facility required.
• Ability to apply proper animal handling skills and knowledge of individual animal temperament.
• Knowledge of Learning Theory is highly preferred.
• CPDT-KA certification preferred but not required.