Shelter Canine Behavior Coordinator Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County Inc (HAWS

The Shelter Canine Behavior Coordinator reports to the Shelter Canine Behavior Manager and is responsible for collaborating on in-shelter behavior programs, cultivating and maintaining relationships with internal departments and adopters in the community.

HAWS is an open-admission shelter that maintains a live-release rate above 90%. We are committed to providing humane, enriching, respectful care for all animals in our facility, and we follow a least-intrusive, minimally aversive (LIMA) approach to handling and behavior support. Even though we follow LIMA, HAWS does not use e-collar/remote training collars. Our philosophy is deeply rooted in providing enrichment, connection and play for pets in residence.

We believe in the power of reducing environmental stress, eliminating barriers to adoption and maximizing opportunities for pets in residence. First and foremost, we respect pets and listen to them and lead with their best interest and humanity in mind.

HAWS does not euthanize animals for reasons of space or time. We believe in transparent communication and collaboration and embrace the power of teamwork across our staff and volunteers to provide outstanding care for pets. Together, we are stronger for pets.

• Maintain regular communication with the Shelter Canine Behavior Manager and Program Director, regarding animal welfare issues, bite incidents, protocol implementation.
• Understand the liability of program consistency and the need for safe animals to be placed in the community.
• Provides behavioral assessments and recommendations; does not independently determine placement or euthanasia outcomes.
• Provide support to the Front Office by reviewing surrender profiles; communicating with Shelter Canine Behavior Manager when an outcome is not clear.
• Provide direct handling and assessment of dogs with behavioral needs while in-shelter.
• Collaborate across the organization to ensure behavior-informed decisions including but not limited to providing support to adoption, kennel, transport and education processes. Includes but is not limited to facilitating introductions with prospective adopters to prepare the adopter for the animals’ needs, and ensure familiarity with the animals’ behavior plan.
• Work directly with Mod Squad volunteers to implement, track and evaluate animal’s progress.
• Support the Dogs Play for Life Model, independently run playgroups for shelter dogs with volunteers providing running support.
• Update and maintain animal records in Shelter Software with relevant behavior information.
• Provide recommendations for use of medical intervention for dogs in-shelter displaying behavior concerns.
• Teach canine training classes for the public.
• Exemplify the HAWS Culture of Kindness and serve as a model for teams when supporting pets and meeting their owners where they are at with compassion and without judgment. Promote a positive, solution-oriented, growth mindset culture among volunteers and staff.
• Provide assistance as needed with animal rescue response, disaster preparedness, and emergency efforts.
• Participate in the continuous improvement of the position and department.
• Participate in major events, fundraisers and shelter activities as requested.
• Works with all staff in all departments for optimum collaboration.
• Other duties as assigned.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Two years related experience working with animals/staff in a shelter, veterinary clinic, or similar setting preferred.
• Ability to work with diverse groups of people.
• High degree of confidentiality, courtesy, professionalism and reliability when interacting with the public.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team.
• Ability to navigate emotional aspects of animal welfare work.
• Requires the ability to work under pressure and noisy conditions.
• Proficient use of computer, email, internet, and shelter specific software…