Canine Behaviour and Rehabilitation

About RSPCA NSW

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals New South Wales (RSPCA NSW) is a not-for-profit animal welfare organisation. We provide a strong voice for animals experiencing cruelty and neglect. RSPCA NSW is committed to the care and welfare of animals, providing extensive professional facilities, including fully equipped veterinary hospitals and our state‑wide shelter network, with approximately 500 staff across NSW to care for animals.

Why Work For Us?

- A broad range of leave entitlements, including 12 weeks of paid parental leave

- Access to a range of mental health and wellbeing supportive initiatives, including confidential counselling services and education programmes

- Generous discount on products and services, including pet food, retail and vet clinic products and services

- Access to a range of learning and development opportunities that will benefit and support you in your role

- Staff parking and a newly renovated work environment

About the role:

The Canine Behaviour and Rehabilitation Trainer (foster and intake) position has been developed to provide triage and in‑home case management for foster care and large inspectorate seizures. They will:

- Work in collaboration with Senior Canine and Feline Behaviour Advisors, Shelter Managers, Post Adoption and In‑Home Care Manager and to effectively manage the behaviour of RSPCA NSW animals in foster homes or during large inspectorate seizures.

- Implement strategies and individualised care plans and liaise with the Canine Behaviour Advisor for animals under supervision.

- Foster a collaborative and respectful relationship with each adopter, foster carer or member of the public. Provide empathetic support during home transitions and clear guidance tailored to each individual situation.

- Maintain detailed records of calls, cases and outcomes in the digital shelter or veterinary clinic management system.

- Conduct high quality remote (and in‑person) evaluations of emotional health on‑line (or occasionally) a face‑to‑face in‑home platform.

- Provide a detailed and thorough evaluation of the support needs of both the animal caregiver and the animal using a risk‑based approach, including the facilitation of veterinary or shelter interventions as required in line with our duty of care.

- Report and analyse information taken from multiple sources and over multiple timepoints to monitor changes relevant to an animal’s welfare and identify potential problems.

- Work alongside veterinary and behaviour veterinary staff to ensure continuity of care during all stages of animal tracking.

- Facilitate appropriate handover with Canine Behaviour Advisor, Behaviour Veterinary Staff and Behaviour consultants when case escalation is required.

- Support the foster care team and undertake administrative and office duties as and when required.

- Facilitate and support relationships with foster carers and record keeping of their availabilities.

- Date Last Reviewed: Date of next review:

- Attend internal training courses and meetings as requested by management and keep up to date with the latest research on canine/animal behaviour and training.

- Comply with all RSPCA NSW policies and procedures, as implemented, varied or replaced from time to time.

- Demonstrate personal leadership in the implementation of RSPCA NSW’s Work Health & Safety (WHS) management system, facilitate its effectiveness by ensuring adequate resources are available, and that all employees are aware of their WHS obligations, and that one’s personal behaviour model’s the organisation’s commitment to WHS.

The duties outlined above are indicative only and in no way limit RSPCA NSW in directing other duties (specific tasks, projects or related activities) to the employee, provided such duties are within the employee’s level of competence or training.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in animal science or a related discipline that includes companion animal behaviour, animal welfare and/or Certificate IV Behaviour and Training or Companion Animal Studies or Companion Animal Behaviour (or working toward qualification through active course enrolment).

- Current Class C driver’s license.

Experience:

- Minimum two years of relevant experience in an animal welfare facility.

- Demonstrated ability to communicate helpfully and respectfully and to teach and guide in the areas of animal behaviour and welfare as per RSPCA NSW organisational policy.

- Demonstrated experience providing advice, support and case management (for companion animals) through various channels, including phone, online (chat or email), in‑person interactions, online and face‑to‑face animal behaviour advice.

- Demonstrated ability to read canine and feline body language including facial expressions, vocalizations, and their relationship to emotional states.

- Demonstrated experience in carrying out complex canine and feline behaviour modification and rehabilitation programs using humane training methods that respect the cognitive, psychological and physical health of the animal and align with RSPCA NSW organisational policies.

Skills:

- An understanding of the key indicators for compromised welfare in cats and dogs and how to recognise these in a home or shelter/kennel environment.

- Understand hoarding as a mental health disease and associated environmental conditions for animal cases prior to intake, that impact normal physical, cognitive and behavioural development.

- Strong interpersonal, communication and problem‑solving skills.

- Ability to work collaboratively in a dispersed team.

- Able to work under pressure whilst remaining calm and on task.

- Resilience – the ability to bounce back from the occasional setback.

- Sound level of applied knowledge of behaviour modification and consultation within the shelter and home environment.

- Emotional intelligence and ability to identify personal care requirements (EAP).

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