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Job Title


Canine Behaviour and Rehabilitation - Foster and Intake Full Time Permanent


Company : RSPCA NSW


Location : Rutherford, New South Wales


Created : 2025-11-06


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Canine Behaviour and Rehabilitation (Foster and Intake) - Hunter Full Time Permanent RSPCA NSW Rutherford, New South Wales, Australia 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 statewide 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 inhome case management for foster care and large intake seizures. They will: Work in collaboration with Senior Canine and Feline Behaviour Advisors, Shelter Managers, Post Adoption and Inhome Care Manager to effectively manage the behaviour of RSPCA NSW animals in foster homes or during large intake seizures. Implement strategies and individualized 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, providing 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 highquality remote (and inperson) evaluations of emotional health online or, occasionally, a facetoface inhome platform. Provide a detailed and thorough evaluation of the support needs of both the animal caregiver and the animal using a riskbased approach, including 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 animals 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. Qualifications Bachelors 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 drivers 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) and inperson interactions. Demonstrated ability to read canine and feline body language including facial expressions, vocalisations, and their relationship to emotional states. Demonstrated experience in carrying out complex canine and feline behaviour modification and rehabilitation programmes 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. Understanding of 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 problemsolving 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 occasional setbacks. 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). Employment type Fulltime Job function Other Industries Nonprofit Organisations #J-18808-Ljbffr