Animal Rehabilitation Specialist (Weaverville)

Summary :

The ASPCAs Behavioral Rehabilitation Center (BRC) in Weaverville, NC, is the first and only facility dedicated to the rehabilitation and study of extremely fearful, undersocialized dogs, such as those confiscated from puppy mills and hoarding situations. The goal of the entire BRC team is to work together to improve these dogs quality of life and prepare them for life in adoptive homes an impossible outcome without intensive, structured behavioral interventions and integrative holistic care.

This key role at the BRC includes providing daily care, cleaning and enrichment for the animals in treatment at our facility in Asheville, NC. The goal of the Rehab Center is to provide behavioral interventions for dogs who are so behaviorally compromised that they suffer from a poor quality of life and cannot be placed in a home without rehabilitation. Critical to their success at the BRC is their ability to stay healthy while in the facility.

The Care and Enrichment Technicians (CETs), who comprise a team of 8 in total, work together to provide daily care and enrichment, perform low stress handling and husbandry, closely monitor and report signs of medical and behavioral change and keep all animal care areas stocked with supplies. The CETs also prepare and provide daily enrichment items to keep dogs engaged and reduce stress, facilitate playgroups, and assist the behavior staff as requested with specific parts of the interventions. One of the most critical functions of the CETs is to serve as part of a harmonious, united team of shelter operations, shelter medicine and animal behavior experts, all dedicated to collaborating with each other to provide balanced, holistic care.

This position is based in Weaverville, near Asheville, NC, and will report to the BRCs Senior Manager, Care and Enrichment. There will be no direct reports.

Responsibilities :

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to :

Direct Animal Care & Monitoring (75%) :

Provide daily care and support for the dogs in treatment, adhering to the BRC standard operating procedures and low stress handling and approach.

Ensure the comfort and cleanliness of shelter animal population on a daily basis.

Monitor and help maintain the medical and behavioral health of shelter animals; documenting all medical and behavioral concerns and observations on a daily basis.

Ensure adherence to nutrition, sanitation and infectious disease- prevention protocols established by the ASPCAs Shelter Medicine Services team and BRC Operations Management.

Comply with specific feeding programs established by the Senior Director of Medical.

Support the behavioral growth of the dogs in treatment, in coordination with the Behavior Branch and treatment paradigms of the program.

Assist as requested in behavior treatments and interventions.

Take inventory, restock supplies and put away deliveries as needed.

Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, by using low-stress handling techniques.

Enrichment & Program Support (25%) :

Follow guidelines to ensure that animal holding areas include appropriate music and / or auditory stimulation for shelter animals.

Manage play groups and graduate activities as directed by Senior Manager of Care and Enrichment.

Prepare and distribute enrichment as directed; being open to specific needs based on treatment status or special needs.

Assist in onboarding and integrating volunteers into daily care, setting clear expectations, providing guidance as needed and always communicating respect and gratitude for volunteer support.

Drive an ASPCA vehicle to transport animals when needed and maintain the cleanliness of the animal transport vehicles when used.

Assist in Learning Lab collaborative modules to provide understanding to shelter partners around BRC Operations protocols as needed.

Under the direction of the Senior Manager of Care & Enrichment and the Senior Director of Operations, provide hands-on coaching of Operational procedures & protocols for ASPCA visitors.

Exemplifies the ASPCAs Core Values :

Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals

Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes

Believes in Team that we are stronger together

Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible

Focuses on Impact , specifically making change for animals

Qualifications :

Always treats people and animals with care and respect; must be a compassionate caregiver for animals and have a genuine interest in working with others m aintains a consistently positive attitude; must enjoy working directly with people; respects team members at all levels

Cultivates a climate in which individual differences and perspectives are valued, respected, encouraged and supported

Forms authentic, trusting relationships which enhance individual and team performance

Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

Ability to troubleshoot and problem- solve

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Meticulous organizational skills; pays close attention to detail

Must enjoy keeping animals and kennels clean

Ability to skillfully restrain, lift, and handle animals in stressful conditions

Ability to work closely with behaviorally compromised animals and feel comfortable working in an environment where euthanasia is performed on a regular basis

Interest in working with undersocialized dogs with extreme fear issues

Must be willing to work in an environment with potentially extreme temperature changes and weather conditions as well as exposure to chemical and biological hazards, such as feces and blood.

Displays care and concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals and others, especially during stressful times

Must be able to lift up to 100 lbs with assistance, carry up to 50 lbs , and have the physical capacity to bend, crawl, reach overhead, kneel and repetitively use hands to meet the physical demands of this position

Flexible and willing to attend mandatory staff meetings and t