Job Title: / Training & Behaviour Adviser
Reporting to: / Rehoming Centre Manager
Location: / Rehoming Centre (location)
Revised: / August 2016
Summary
Reporting to the centre manager, the centre TBA will have a thorough understanding of canine behaviour, including understanding the principles of learning and welfare assessment. He or she will be expected to maintain an up to date knowledge of developments in dog behaviour, and be confident at developing training and behaviour rehabilitation programmes for dogs with a range of different behaviour problems. The TBA is responsible for the assessment of dogs admitted to the centre, and for training Canine Carers in the implementation of rehabilitation, enrichment and training programmes. He or she also needs to have good communication skills and be able to confidently discuss treatment strategies with other Dogs Trust staff, such as veterinary and management teams.
Duties
The duties of the centre TBA are to:
· Assess dogs arriving at the Centre, to identify their individual requirements for training, rehabilitation and enrichment
· Assess dogs waiting to be surrendered to Dogs Trust care for potential for rehoming and suitability for a kennel environment
· Develop training and rehabilitation programmes, consistent with Dogs Trust policies, for dogs in the centre. Direct and mentor Canine Carers in the implementation of these training programmes.
· Monitor the progress of individual training and rehabilitation programmes for each dog in the centre and maintain detailed records of the progress of each dog. Notify the centre manager and regional senior TBA regarding dogs that are not progressing as expected, and provide information regarding the behaviour of centre dogs as required to the management or senior behaviour team.
· Take responsibility for the training of canine carers in basic training methods for dogs in the centre, and in the implementation of specific programmes of rehabilitation and enrichment
· Work with, train and supervise selected Dogs Trust volunteers, who are willing and have the capability, to assist with socialising and training specific dogs that require concentrated attention
· Train Canine Carers and other Dogs Trust staff and volunteers in defensive handling techniques as per Dogs Trust policies
· Give pre-adoption talks and individual training to members of the public adopting Dogs Trust dogs, including discussing the ongoing implementation of specific programmes of behaviour modification
· Work alongside the Dog School team to ensure the optimal support for Dogs Trust dogs post adoption. Assist with the promotion and integration of Dog School in the centre.
· Provide post-adoption support for members of the public on how to deal with behavioural problems that they may have encountered with their dog
· Mentor the assistant TBA, and help develop their knowledge and skills in all aspects of the TBA role.
· Take responsibility for managing day to day activities, allocating time between mentoring other staff, supporting members of the public, and conducting rehabilitation programmes with centre dogs.
· Keep up to date with the latest thinking on canine behaviour and training, and attend internal training courses and meetings as requested
· Be thoroughly familiar with Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs), Administrative Guidelines and Instructions (AGIs) and the policies of Dogs Trust and adhere to them.
· Ensure that all Health and Safety procedures, as deemed necessary after assessment of risk are implemented and followed.
· Carry out any other reasonable duties as required by the RC Manager
· The normal hours in this role are 40 per week. There will be times when longer hours are required in order to fulfill the responsibilities of the role. Expected working pattern is to be five shifts per week, which will include some late shifts (11am – 8pm). Weekend working will be agreed with the Rehoming Centre Manager and is likely to be at least two weekends per month.
Person Specification
The centre TBA will:
· Have a thorough, in depth knowledge of dog behaviour, training and welfare. An animal behaviour or welfare qualification, or evidence of working at an equivalent level is essential.
· Be passionate about enhancing the welfare of dogs in rehoming centres through the use of appropriate management, behaviour modification and rehabilitation programmes.
· Have experience of working within a kennel environment and re-homing dogs.
· Have practical experience in devising and carrying out behaviour modification and rehabilitation programmes.
· Be able to recognize, and respond appropriately to, behavioural signs in dogs that are indicative of different emotional states
· Be able to recognize signs of compromised welfare and evaluate the impact of management changes of these signs
· Be experienced at handling dogs which are challenging, and be able to respond appropriately in cases of aggression to safeguard both people and other dogs
· Have excellent written skills, with the ability to write, interpret and analyse comprehensive behavioural reports and record basic (descriptive) statistics where required.
· Be a good listener, empathic and able to assist with mentoring and developing CCs within centres.
· Have good verbal communication skills, and be able to discuss the management of dogs confidently, including centre managers and veterinary staff.
· Be able to deal with members of the public in a sensitive, polite and professional manner.
· Be able to work independently, organised and able to develop and prioritise his or her own workload.
· Be aware of the limitations of their expertise, and ensure cases that require additional specialist advice are highlighted to the regional senior TBA or Training and Behaviour Manager.
· Be computer literate with knowledge of MSWord, Excel and able to use Internet.
· Must possess a full clean manual UK driving licence
Page 2 of 3
Job Description/Senior TBA Dogs Trust/LB/27_11/2015