Community Resource and Behavior Assistant

The Kitsap Humane Society (KHS) is a progressive animal welfare shelter whose mission is to rescue rehabilitate and rehome homeless animals. We are committed to an open admissions policy animal rehabilitation and a low euthanasia rate.

Job Summary

As part of the Community Resource and Behavior team you will ensure the wellbeing of animals while providing compassionate support to the community. Key responsibilities include conducting animal intakes behavior assessments and training administering vaccinations applying fearfree handling practices and coordinating with shelter departments.

You will collaborate with other shelter teams to evaluate animals needs provide enrichment supervise playgroups and assist with behavior modification to improve quality of life and reduce stress. This role also involves intake diversion stray animal reunification and offering excellent customer service to those seeking assistance for animals.

Strong communication organization and a passion for animal welfare are essential for success in this role.

Job Duties

Support scheduling community requests for animals being brought to the shelter and facilitate animal intakes including stray animals rehoming appointments transfers and medical surrenders.

Working hands on with a diverse range of animals including dogs and cats supporting a variety of behavioral needs conducting initial health and behavior assessments on incoming animals to determine their needs and suitability for shelter placement.

Demonstrating compassion and support to KHS staff and volunteers as well as to community members coming into KHS for community resources including pet food pantry animal reclaims stray animal drop offs or rehoming services.

Facilitate behavior training and modification sessions with additional CRB team members and KHS volunteers to help support animals through shelter pathways.

Accurately record detailed information about an animal during different shelter processes including intake exams behavior assessments and training sessions using objective language.

Following fearfree practices for animal handling including intake exams behavior treatment sessions and vaccine administration.

Collaborating with shelter departments and volunteers to support the behavioral healthcare of animals through the implementation of the KHS enrichment program.

Support CRB team members with dog tests playgroups and offsite outings for shelter dogs.

Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Additional experience or training in animal welfare or veterinary services is preferred but not required.

Demonstrated ability to handle animals safely and compassionately with an understanding of basic animal behavior and welfare principles.

Excellent communication skills both verbal and written with the ability to interact professionally and empathetically with diverse community members in stressful situations.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Proficiency in basic computer skills including data entry and use of Microsoft Office products and applications.

Commitment to the mission and values of Kitsap Humane Society

Able to work a flexible schedule including one weekend day a week.

Must have a valid WA drivers license.

Must complete a preemployment criminal record background check.

Physical Requirements

Ability to on occasion lift at least 50 pounds.

Bending at the waist sitting kneeling crouching walking etc. as job may require.

Working directly with a diverse range of animals and animal sizes including large dogs.

Needing to wear appropriate PPE when coordinating an intake of potentially sick animals.

Work environment may involve exposure to inclement weather odors and/or loud noises as well as the presence of restrained domestic animals.