Shelter Behavior Assistant

Description

About Us

At the San Francisco SPCA, we believe every pet deserves compassionate shelter, high quality veterinary care, and a loving home.  From the moment an animal arrives through intake to the day it finds a forever family, our amazing staff members focus their efforts on helping the animal to settle in, thrive, and and build the connections and opportunities that lead to successful adoptions.

The work we do goes beyond simply sheltering animals; we bring community together and strengthen the human-animal bond, making a lasting difference for all who walk through our doors, regardless of which side of that leash or wand toy they're on.

Role Description

We are seeking a Shelter Behavior Assistant to join our Shelter Behavior department.   The Shelter Behavior Assistant plays a critical role in providing administrative and operational support to the Shelter Behavior team to ensure accurate documentation, organization, and coordination of behavior cases for animals in the shelter and foster. This role is responsible for maintaining behavior records, updating visit plans, coordinating behavior services, documenting, and supporting the daily operational needs of the Shelter Behavior team.  This position requires strong attention to detail, organizational skills, excellent communication, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced shelter environment.  

Core Responsibilities

Behavior Documentation and Records Management

• Create and maintain accurate, up-to-date behavior records for shelter and foster animals, including assessments, summaries, behavior plans, videos, and supporting documentation.
• Update animal stages and case information based on trainer recommendations and case progression.
• Ensure consistent documentation to support behavior case tracking and program evaluation.

Foster Behavior Support

• Review and triage behavior concerns submitted by foster parents using established Shelter Behavior protocols.
• Provide first-line support and guidance to foster parents for common behavior questions and management strategies within the scope of the role.
• Coordinate and schedule behavior support between foster parent and Shelter Behavior trainers.
• Document foster communications, recommendations, and follow-up plans in the appropriate behavior record. 
• Escalate complex or urgent behavior concerns to Shelter Behavior Trainers as appropriate. 

Behavior Program Coordination

• Assist with coordinating logistics of daily Shelter Behavior activities and manage behavior foster requests.
• Prepare and maintain organized, well-stocked training spaces and materials.
• Support efficient behavior assessments and training sessions.

Requirements

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

•  Work is performed in a busy animal shelter environment.
• Regular sitting at a computer workstation for data entry and record management (up to 6-8 hours per day)
• Frequent movement throughout the shelter to support training and assessment activities.
• Exposure to disinfectants, cleaning solutions, and animal-related environments. 
• Regular exposure to dogs and other animals, including those displaying stress or behavior challenges.
• Exposure to animal allergens under conditions with limited alternatives available. 
• Potential onset of compassion fatigue, moral stress, and burnout related to high caseloads, euthanasia, and the high-stress decision making and emotionally charged conversations that occur as a result. 
• Subject to animal bites and scratches while handling animals 

Qualifications:

• Fear Free Shelter certification (or able to obtain within the first 30 days) 
• CA Driver’s License and insurable driving record.
•  High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least one year customer service experience 
• At least one year of shelter-based experience or dog training with experience handling all types of dogs and cats (breeds, temperament, and sizes, etc.). 
• Basic knowledge and practical experience in dog training, knowledge of dog breeds, behavior, and positive reinforcement-based training methods.
• Experience with administrative tasks, documentation, or database management.
• Basic computer skills and software programs, such as the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, PetPoint, Box, SalesForce, etc.
• The SF SPCA requires pre-employment drug testing and criminal background investigations.
• Available to work weekends, holiday shifts, and overtime as needed.

Salary Description: The starting salary for this position depends on the depth and breadth of experience. Salary is expected to range between $26.00 - $28.00 per hour.

Regular, full-time positions are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer contribution matching
• Student debt relief program
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Discounts on retail and pet supplies
• Discounts on veterinary care at SF SPCA Mission Campus Veterinary Hospital and Spay/Neuter Clinic

The SF SPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job ad reflects the assignment of essential functions and does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The San Francisco SPCA is an at-will employer and may conduct pre-employment background checks and drug screening depending on the role.