Job Title: Shelter Dog Enrichment Specialist Location: Rhode IslandStart Date: ImmediatelyHours: 3 – 6 per weekTime: N/ADuration: Minimum 1 year commitment

Handsome Dan’s Rescue is a RI-based non-profit organization. We help with the placement, care and the overall wellbeing of dogs in local shelters and rescues throughout Rhode Island. We advocate for the rescue and placement of pit bull type dogs from local shelters who may be considered unadoptable, education, training, and a network of volunteer foster homes. Many dogs have been rescued from severe abuse and/or neglect, often including victims of dog fighting. Because the dogs in our program often require extra care, including medical, training and rehabilitation, our rescue is small by design. While some volunteer positions involve hands-on dog care, most are on the back end, providing the infrastructure for all that we do to achieve our mission.

Job DescriptionShelter Dog Enrichment Specialists are truly their shelter dogs’ saviors. The HDR Shelter Dog Enrichment program pairs an HDR Shelter Dog Enrichment Specialist with a dog in one of our local partner shelters. Dogs are evaluated and selected by HDR’s Head Trainer and Lead Enrichment Specialist, and are considered for this program only if they are in alignment with HDR’s mission. Often, chosen dogs have behavioral issues that cause them to show poorly inside the shelter. A selected dog will be specifically paired with one of the HDR Shelter Dog Enrichment Specialists. The Enrichment Specialist’s job is to work through these challenges with training and/or a behavior modification plan, with the goal of making their dog a better candidate for adoption. In addition to spending time with their dog at the shelter each week providing socialization, enrichment and training, an Enrichment Specialist will attend group class (Pits & Pals C.L.A.S.S.) with their dog every Saturday morning.

Beyond training and behavior modification, it is the Shelter Dog Enrichment Specialist’s job to advocate for their dog. They should report any medical or worsening behavioral issues to the Lead Shelter Dog Enrichment Specialist. The Enrichment Specialist should also promote their dog via social media in addition to providing pictures/videos/information to the Lead Enrichment Specialist for use on HDR’s social media outlets. An Enrichment Specialist should treat their assigned dog as their own dog for their stay at the shelter. A Shelter Dog Enrichment Specialist is often times the dog’s only hope for finding a happy ending.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:Shelter Dog Enrichment Specialists will:

• Work with Lead Shelter Dog Enrichment Specialist to complete on boarding; volunteer paperwork and hands on training

• Treat their assigned dog as if it were their own dog- giving the dog love as much love, affection and training as possible.

• Advocate for their assigned dog until adoption• Carry out their assigned dogs’ action plan; including training, behavior modification and

medical treatment• Have proper paperwork completed for their assigned dog for each session (waivers

signed)• Affix program signs to their assigned dogs’ kennel, indicating that the dog is in

‘Handsome Dan’s Rescue Shelter Dog Enrichment Program’• Obtain all necessary equipment and ID tags for their assigned dog from HDR; report any

additional needs to the Lead Enrichment Specialist• Complete weekly training program (depending on dog’s needs) by; 1.) attending Pits and

Pals C.L.A.S.S. on Saturday mornings with assigned dog, driving the dog from the shelter to class at Rhode Island College and back OR 2.)working the material with assigned dog at designated shelter if the dog is unable to leave the property

• Promote their assigned shelter dog via social media • Provide pictures/video/information of their assigned dog to the Lead Shelter Dog

Enrichment Specialist for promotion • Work with Lead Shelter Dog Enrichment Specialist to further their individual knowledge

and expertise of dog body language and training

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:This position does not have supervisory responsibility.This person reports to the Lead Enrichment Specialist.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:This position requires an intermediate level of knowledge and experience in dog training or handling. This position requires experience with getting medium/large dogs safely in and out of a shelter kennel run. Preference will be given to candidate who served as ‘Border Patrol’ for a minimum of one session of Pits and Pals C.L.A.S.S.Preference will be given to candidate who has completed one session of Pits and Pals C.L.A.S.S. with an owned dog. Preference will be given to candidates with prior shelter work experience.

QUALIFICATIONS:• Must be at least 18 years of age or older• Strong interpersonal skills• Strong time management skills• Access to reliable private transportation is necessary; current driver’s license and clean

driving record• Availability for shelter pick up and drop off as well as attendance at Pits & Pals C.L.A.S.S.

session, Saturdays 9:30 to 12:00• Proficiency with and regular access to a computer• Must also maintain his/her own Facebook account