Position Overview:

Functions as an expert on the Lexington Humane Society’s and Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control’s Behavior Program and provides behavioral care to animals in need. Must be 21 years of age or older, have a high school diploma or equivalency, and submit to a background check. Requires a strong commitment to the mission and purpose of LHS and LFACC. This is a non-exempt position reporting to the Manager of Animal Welfare.

Key Accountabilities:

• Behavior Program
• • Prioritizes compassionate and humane treatment of animals
  • Provides support and assistance for behaviorally challenged animals in shelter and foster homes
  • Provides support and assistance to Behavior Coordinator 
  • Implements behavior modification plans for animals in the shelter and in foster care as directed by Behavior Coordinator
  • Uses positive reinforcement/force-free training methods to perform behavior modification and teach basic obedience
  • Assists Behavior Coordinator and Vet Tech team with canine behavior assessments to determine pathways for behavior modification, enrichment, or behavioral euthanasia
  • Provides training to staff, volunteers, and foster parents regarding proper handling and recommended training techniques
  • Engages with LHS/LFACC teams to increase use and understanding of the FAS (Fear-Anxiety-Stress) Scale
  • Performs post-adoption follow-up calls and provides adopters with tools to aid in pet retention
  • Assists in recruiting, nurturing, and educating volunteer behavior caregivers and serves as primary contact
  • Maintains and enhances volunteer communication and updates through email and telephone
  • Partners and collaborates effectively with other departments as necessary
  • Communicates escalated issues to Manager of Animal Welfare as necessary
  • Documents the daily progress of animals on behavior modification plans
  • Completes timely, accurate, appropriate data entry into Shelter Buddy 
  • Ensures behavioral records for animals in care are accessible, current, and accurate
  • Maintains appropriate volunteer records and database information
  • Stocks necessary supplies and organizes supplies for care and use
  • Ensures an inclusive, consistent, and respectful working environment
  • Upholds LHS/LFACC mission and values during interactions with the public and volunteers
  • Maintains company equipment with care and respect
  • Manages an efficient, effective, and prudent program within a narrow nonprofit budget 
  • Completes all activities consistent with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• • Knowledge 
  • • Relevant LHS and LFACC SOP
    • Word, Excel, Google Workspace, Shelter Buddy, and other applicable software 
    • Animal breeds, basic behavior, temperament, and care
    • Experience with positive reinforcement-based training methods
    • In possession of or working toward training certification–CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, VSPDT
  • Skills
  • • Excellent, inclusive internal and external customer service skills
    • Clear verbal and written communication skills
    • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
    • Internet research skills