Location: 307 West Broadway, New York City, NY 11206
Hiring Range: This position’s hiring range is anticipated to be $24.00 to $26.00 per hour, depending on experience, plus great benefits!
Summary: Lifesaving Outcomes Specialists are responsible for the daily functions and growth of lifesaving outcome programs including adoptions, transports/transfers and foster care of animals in our program locations. These Specialists act with urgency to accomplish important tasks and play a direct role in achieving Best Friends Animal Society’s no-kill mission and organizational success. While this role includes responsibilities in all outcome-focused programs, these specialists receive intensive assignments in a program related to behavior, training, and enrichment for both dogs and cats.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Demonstrate kindness and the Golden Rule in our everyday actions by practicing inclusion and respect for every person for the value they bring to the table. Be a role model for the spirit of authenticity, kindness and positive influence with each other, our visitors, and volunteers as well as to the animals every day. This includes listening, being present, being supportive of others and demonstrating compassion and curiosity in conflict.
- Build enrichment, training and animal management capabilities for the animal care teams, fosters and volunteers through one-on-one coaching and group class work; assisting with specific situations as identified by animal care leadership, with the goal of reducing length of stay and increasing positive outcomes.
- Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and fosters to identify individual animals in our program who need additional enrichment or behavioral support and proactively strategize solutions. Develop and implement appropriate training and enrichment plans with the goal of supporting successful adoption and retention. Empower staff, volunteers, and fosters to enhance their ability to provide behavioral support for animals in our program, both at the lifesaving center and in foster care, as well as provide appropriate post-adoption behavioral support. Ensure all necessary behavioral documentation, including behavior plans, recommendations, and disclosures, is accurate, current, and accessible to staff, volunteers, and the general public.
- Work collaboratively with and assist Best Friends’ team members in all areas of community outreach and engagement and operations to develop, evolve, and implement efficient processes to achieve lifesaving goals; follow policies, procedures, and task lists, including accurate and timely communications, work completion, data entry, and record keeping.
- Work directly with and support volunteers on all aspects and protocols of lifesaving care and outcome programs, including program protocols, cleaning protocols, specific animal behavior and care, animal handling, transportation requirements and procedures, data entry, and communications with the goal of maximizing meaningful volunteer contributions.
- Lead and empower volunteers and volunteer teams in support of community outreach programs with the goal of utilizing volunteers to the greatest extent possible to expand Best Friends lifesaving capacity; particularly with behavioral support and onsite enrichment for animals at the center.
- Develop a general knowledge of the animals in the Best Friends’ care; deliver superior customer service, assist adopters, fosters and transfer partners by gathering information to match them with appropriate animals, arranging introductions, pet to pet meets; acquiring/providing medical records, health certificates (when necessary), follow-ups as needed or required.
- Maintain a safe workplace, value, and model safe work practices, adhering to organizational safety practices and rules, and addressing or communicating to leadership about unsafe practices and conditions.
Skills and Experience:
- High School Diploma or GED and a minimum of 2 years’ experience working in an animal shelter with dogs of varying sizes, personalities, and behavioral challenges.
- Dog training and behavior knowledge and experience to include theory, training techniques, and an interest to pursue continued learning in the field; experience helping dogs manage/reduce stress and in utilizing management techniques to keep yourself safe while doing so within a shelter environment.
- Previous work experience in animal handling and facilitating adoptions required. Ability to work with, leash, kennel, walk, and handle all cats and dogs, including those with health and/or behavior conditions/concerns; basic ability to identify and speak to medical and behavioral characteristics of dogs and cats.
- Customer-centric, non-judgmental approach to engaging with adopters, partners, visitors, volunteers, and colleagues; familiarity and comfort with an open adoption process.
- Bilingual or multi-lingual skills preferred.
- General companion animal knowledge, including those with health and/or behavior conditions/concerns; ability to identify and speak to medical and behavioral characteristics of dogs including medicating, socializing, and basic behavior modification/management techniques.
- Ability to speak on, and professionally advocate for, Best Friends’ position on issues, including public speaking, presentations, and consulting.
- Customer-centric, non-judgmental approach to engaging with the public, adopters, partners, visitors, volunteers, and colleagues; familiarity and comfort with an open adoption process.
- Resourceful, get-it-done attitude; initiative to assist in any area or process; problem solving, seeking answers independently and enthusiastically; flexibility to persist until lifesaving outcome goals are achieved.
- Strong interpersonal skills, a team player, personable, professional, and able to get along with people from different backgrounds, as well as the ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with well-developed organization skills to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office products; familiarity with shelter software (Best Friends uses Shelterluv), or desire to learn.
Physical Requirements:
- Routinely lift 40 pounds and perform daily strenuous activity including, but not limited to lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, cleaning, and bending.
- Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time including typing, sitting, walking, arm, and hand motion.
- Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.
- Exposure to dogs, cats and other animals of all sizes, temperaments, and medical status.
- Valid driver’s license, meeting Best Friends Animal Society’s driver qualification standards; ability to travel, including overnight stays, when needed.
- Daily hours and days of the week may vary according to the needs of the department schedule; position includes weekends, nights, and holiday work.
Thank you for your interest in pursuing a career at Best Friends Animal Society. Best Friends Animal Society is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or domestic partner status.
Applicants for employment in the U.S. must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S. by Best Friends Animal Society.
