Behavior Program Supervisor

BENEFITS:

• Health, dental, vision and more
• 3 weeks paid time off \+ 10 paid holidays
• 403b with employer match
• Check out our full list of benefits and perks
HERE

Position Summary:

The Behavior Program Supervisor oversees day\-to\-day operations within the Behavior department and supports behavior department leadership in building and implementing programmatic change. The Behavior Program Supervisor supervises Behavior Program Associates, Playgroup Coordinators, and the Behavior\- Admissions Coordinator, working under the direction of the Senior Operation Manager. This role works closely with other operations, collaborating heavily with Shelter Care, Adoptions, Foster, and Veterinary teams. The Behavior Program Supervisor provides leadership, and supports the mission, goals, and philosophy of Seattle Humane.

KEY OR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervises Behavior Program staff and volunteers in day\-to\-day operations.
• Works with Shelter Care to identify and address dog behavior needs within the campus population.
• Works with Foster Care to identify and address dog behavior needs within the foster population.
• Escalates significant behavior concerns to Senior Operations Manager immediately.
• Works with the Behavior Admissions Coordinator to manage intakes of dogs with behavior concerns and intake diversion resources for families and pets who need additional support.
• Works with the Behavior Admissions Coordinator to provide support for adopters of pets with behavior concerns pre\- and post\-adoption.
• Acts as Volunteer Captain for Behavior Program volunteers
• Monitors requests from other departments for behavioral support for dogs and delegates as appropriate. Attends rounds or other meetings related to pets’ progress and needs while in our care, as needed.
• In collaboration with Senior Operations Manager and Behavior Program Associates creates behavior support, intervention, management and/or training plans for pets in our care. Oversees their implementation, monitors progress and adjusts as necessary.
• Teaches animal behavior, handling, and related classes for staff and volunteers, as needed.
• Provides behavior advising and consultation for potential adopters and foster parents for aggression, reactivity, fear, and other challenging behaviors.
• Manages phone, in\-person, virtual, and email behavior support and consultations for foster parents, adopters, and the public.
• Participates in euthanasia decision\-making and communication.
• Assists with handling during behavior euthanasia as necessary
• Writes or edits communication such as, but not limited to, memos, behavior plans, and handouts.
• Recommends program changes to the Senior Operations Manager for review.
• Monitors assigned inventory of behavior program supplies. Orders regularly to ensure adequate supply.
• Capable of completing all key Behavior coordinator and associate tasks and functions.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• Supervises Behavior Program staff.
• Supervises Behavior Program volunteers.
• Serves as a key resource for staff and volunteers in all animal\-handling positions.

COMMUNICATION/INTERPERSONAL CONTACT:

• Daily close collaboration and communication with staff from Shelter Care, Foster Care, Veterinary Services, Admissions, Adoptions, and Marketing.
• Daily communication with all other staff teams regarding canine behavior needs
• Daily communication with behavior department staff.
• Regular written and verbal communication with leadership and management team members.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain calm, respectful, and professional demeanor in emotionally charged situations, including discussions regarding euthanasia.
• Communication (verbal and written) with operations staff, program volunteers, foster parents, adopters, and the public by direct contact, telephone, email, and remote video services.
• Works in a team setting to implement Behavior Program duties.
• Represents SH in a professional and courteous manner at all times.
• Provides quality service to clients, volunteers, and staff; recognizing their individual contribution to the success of our organization.
• Commits to valuing diversity and contributes to an inclusive working environment that is sensitive to other opinions, culture, and perspectives.

COMPLEXITY:

High degree of formal policy and procedure to guide work. A high degree of independent judgment is required. Diverse duties on a weekly basis as routine varies day to day. Must be able to coordinate multiple tasks within a day and be able to maintain concentration on a task or series of tasks while dealing with frequent interruptions. Flexibility and attention to detail in all areas of this position are extremely important. Must be able to respond to unexpected questions, comments, or requests from volunteers and other staff. Must be able to work well without direct supervision. A high level of customer service skill is needed. Must be able to coordinate specific details and remain focused on Seattle Humane’s long range goals.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION OR TRAINING:

• At least 2 years of employment working in a behavior department or providing behavior support and management in a shelter setting
• Demonstrated management or supervisory experience preferred
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of dog body language and behavior.
• Intermediate to advanced clicker training knowledge and experience.
• Proven knowledge and experience in advanced dog training and behavior modification.
• Experience supervising dog playgroups in shelter or dog daycare preferred.
• Experience working with and supporting volunteers.
• Knowledge of contemporary shelter maintenance techniques and accepted sanitary practices.
• Ability to recognize potential symptoms of diseases common to dogs and cats.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate with the public, volunteers and co\-workers in a pleasant, courteous and tactful manner at all times.
• Excellent public speaking skills.
• Must be able to write clearly and listen effectively
• Must possess the organizational and planning skills to determine work priorities and schedules
• Basic knowledge of Word and Excel; must be familiar with Outlook environment, internet use and email; experience with databases and data entry helpful

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Behavior consulting certification from IAABC or CCPDT. Equivalent experience and education considered.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to speak clearly, hear well, and write legibly; to see clearly with at least one eye; and to distinguish between various odors by sense of smell. Must have good dexterity and sense of touch with both hands; to stand or sit for four to six hours at a time. Must possess good hand\-eye coordination, agility, and stamina. Must be able to crouch, bend from the waist, kneel, and move quickly. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds without assistance, over 50 pounds with assistance (from floor to table and vice\-versa, and/or carry for six to 10 feet, if not more). Must be able to analyze problems and determine the best solutions. Must be able to concentrate and produce accurate work despite interruptions. Must have good attention to detail, reasoning and problem\-solving abilities, to perform mathematical calculations with or without a calculator. Must be able to solve problems and communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Requires the ability to make decisions under time constraints with (sometimes) limited information. Needs to be sensitive to other opinions, perspectives, or cultures. Must feel comfortable in dealing with angry, confused, and/or emotional people. Must exhibit initiative and motivation in performing all duties. Frequent exposure to emotionally\-charged situations, including discussions regarding euthanasia.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Working conditions in an office/clinic setting, in kennels, and outdoors. Exposures to potential hazards include cleaning chemicals and disinfectants, needles, animal bites and scratches, zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transmitted from vertebrate animals to people), animal hair, dander and wastes, pharmaceutical and biological agents, wet floors, potential electrical hazards. Constant noise and interruptions, back strain.

Equipment Use: Personal computer and printer, multi\-lined phone, hand\-held radio, specimen collection equipment, microchip scanner, leashes, collars, harnesses, head\-halters, muzzles, animal handling gloves, basic office equipment.

Chemical Interaction: A wide variety of cleaners, disinfectants, detergents and medical products are used on a daily basis. Each position at the SH will likely encounter these chemicals during the routine performance of their duties. Specific instructions will be provided by a SH staff member for the safe and proper use of these chemicals. If there are any questions regarding this information, copies of our chemical MSDS sheets are available for review. If asked to use a product that is unfamiliar, contact your supervisor for proper instructions.

Work Hours:

Full\-time, 40 hours a week. Must be willing to work some evening and/or weekend hours. Attendance required at all\-staff meetings and assigned training workshops or meetings. Some travel may be required for trainings and/or conferences.

LOCATION:

The position works in an onsite capacity, in the Bellevue, WA office.

SEATTLE HUMANE CORE VALUES:

Candidate should be committed to Seattle Humane’s Core Values:

Compassion

Accessibility

Innovation

Responsibility

Teamwork

WHO WE ARE:

Seattle Humane is more than a shelter; we’re a community resource center. We're meeting the increasing need for pet owner support services so that families don't have to choose between an overdue bill and a beloved family member. We're training the next generation of veterinarians in our state\-of\-the\-art medical center. We're building a community of animal advocates through our volunteer and youth education programs. The impact of Seattle Humane is life\-changing, for the animals in our care and the people who love them. Our top priority is to connect animals in need of rescue with the people who will love them. Through our outreach, advocacy and services, we strive to ensure that animal companionship is accessible to all.

Equal Opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, Seattle Humane is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.