Behaviour & Rehabilitation Supervisor

The role of **Behaviour and Rehabilitation Supervisor** is responsible for coordinating a team to manage the day-to-day evaluation and management of canine rehabilitation operations at our Illawarra Shelter, located in Unanderra.

In this role, you will oversee the delivery of tailored animal rehabilitation solutions to canine and feline behaviour cases housed at RSPCA NSW sites.

**About the RSPCA NSW**
RSPCA NSW is Australia's best known and most respected animal welfare organisation, working tirelessly to prevent animal cruelty, caring for over 15,000 animals in New South Wales, Australia every year.

We are animal protectors, carers, and advocates, and bring solace to the abandoned, surrendered and injured. We offer shelter, education, veterinary care and compassion, while helping animals in need find loving 'furever' homes.

**Benefits and Perks**
- Health & Lifestyle benefits - Access to WHEREFIT Discount Program (activewear, gyms, health supplements, meals and apparel)
- 40% Royal Canin Discount for your beloved pets
- Access to Converge Employee, Volunteer Assistance Program (EVAP)
- 12 weeks Paid Parental and Adoption Leave
- Paid Community Service leave with SES or Rural Fire Service
- Animal Compassionate Leave
- Generous training and education opportunities

**About the Role**
- Manage a team of behaviour and rehabilitation trainers, including recruitment, performance management and rosters
- Collaborate with the Shelter team to assess the behaviour of canines and felines before their intake and during their stay to determine the animals best options as per organisational policy
- Consult with RSPCA NSW Veterinary Behaviourists, Animal Behaviour Consultants/Behaviour Managers to provide tailored rehabilitation solutions
- Assess the behaviour and welfare of RSPCA NSW animals held at shelters or in foster care, prioritizing those with the greatest welfare/behaviour needs
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to review animals and determine their suitability for rehoming
- Lead and guide the behaviour team and shelter staff on animal behaviour and rehabilitation
- Provide training and assessment of animal rehabilitation and animal attendant competencies to team members so they are appropriately skilled
- Implement project management and change management initiatives in respect to behaviour and welfare optimization
- Assist with the review and update of policy and procedures as required
- Attend training courses and meetings and keep up to date with the latest research on canine behaviour and training

**About You**
- Bachelors degree or higher in Animal Science or equivalent industry experience
- Certificate IV Animal Behaviour and Training or Companion Animal Studies
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE) or willingness to obtain
- Diploma in Leadership and Management or equivalent experience or willingness to obtain
- Demonstrated experience in a Supervisor role
- Minimum 2 years' experience in a kennel, shelter or welfare organisation or facility
- Experience in reading canine and feline body language, facial expressions and vocalisations and their relationship to emotional states
- Safe handling experience with cats and a wide range of dog breeds with varying behavioural characteristics
- Demonstrated experience in carrying out canine and feline behaviour modification and rehabilitation programs using force free methods and positive reinforcement training
- An understanding of the key indicators for compromised welfare in companion animals and how to recognise these in a shelter/kennel environment
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Proven organisational and leadership skills
- Resilience in dealing with emotional challenges
- Previous experience undertaking quality audit and continuous quality improvement
- Unrestricted NSW Driver's Licence
- Ability to lift 20kgs

**APPLY NOW**

If this sounds like the role for you, we would love to hear from you
- Simply click **'APPLY'** to send in your resume.