Enrichment Coordinator

Brandywine Valley SPCA, in collaboration with DC Health, is transitioning to provide animal sheltering and control services in Washington, DC. This expansion brings our expertise to a new region, with DC Health as a valued partner in establishing a strong foundation and local impact. Join our dedicated team and help us make a positive impact in the lives of DC’s animals and residents.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Enrichment Coordinator is responsible for the behavioral care and well-being of cats and dogs from their arrival at the shelter through adoption and transition to a new home. This includes formal and informal behavior assessments, creating training plans and providing opportunities for enrichment, and contributing to finding successful matches with adopters by providing information to help them with the transition of their new pet to their home. The Enrichment Coordinator will also be responsible for ensuring that all volunteers and staff who interact with our animals are properly trained and informed regarding general animal care and specific animal’s safe handling and training, and for working with other program managers and staff.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Customer Service

• All Brandywine Valley SPCA employees are responsible for providing excellent customer service to customers, animals, fellow staff, donor and all persons a Brandywine Valley SPCA staff member comes into contact with when working.
• Promote the Brandywine Valley SPCA in a positive manner.
• Communicate with others with respect.
• Create a positive work environment by limiting negativity.
• Be efficient, a team player, positive and proactive in problem solving.

Diversity and Inclusiveness

• Work effectively with individuals and colleagues from diverse communities and cultures

Specific Tasks

• Designing individualized training plans for dogs and cats residing in the shelter; measure progress and re-assess training plans and recommendations as necessary; provide clear written and verbal communication to volunteers and staff.
• Monitor and evaluate the behavior of dogs and cats in-shelter, and work with available programs to improve behavior and mental health (programs include Kennel Enrichment, Playgroups, pack walks/outings, Foster Care, Rehabilitation, Veterinary Clinic)
• Perform behavior evaluations of shelter animals
• Oversee general training of animal care staff regarding animal behavior and handling
• Present training for all animal care volunteers in safe handling and animal behavior in shelter
• Work with the Operations Managers and Behavior Manager to identify animals that will need additional training post-adoption, and create specialized Behavior Plans for adopters
• Provide post-adoption follow-up for adopters of dogs and cats who have special behavioral issues, including referrals and advice, and coordinate in-shelter assessments and in-home consultations
• Provide written summary reports on animal behavior, assessments and training, and make recommendations on disposition, placement and euthanasia
• Assist with other shelter related tasks as needed

Safety

• Ensure a safe work environment; following all safety guidelines and modeling safe work practice.
• Take immediate action to address any safety concerns that could put a staff member, volunteer, client, animal, or the organization at risk.
• Maintain a clean, healthy, and sanitary work area; follow all pest and rodent control protocols.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A high school education or equivalent.
• 1 year of experience assessing and training animals in a shelter environment is preferred
• Ability to bend, kneel and stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift 50lbs.
• Ability to multitask under high-pressure situations.
• Work in loud environments on hard surfaces.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in a shelter setting.
• Consistent bending, reaching, kneeling, and standing for long periods of time.
• Subject to animal bites and scratches while handling animals.
• Repeated lifting and carrying of animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Consistent exposure to animals and animal allergens under conditions with limited alternatives available.

PAY RATE

• $21
• $160 monthly incentive for good attendance

The Brandywine Valley SPCA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued and respected. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply and look forward to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Animal handling: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Washington, DC 20032 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Washington, DC 20032: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21