Pet Resource Center Specialist

Do you love animals? Do you have a compassionate, empathic spirit toward people, even if they aren't just like you? Are you able to uphold the Core Values of Empathy, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, Dedication, and Collaboration? If the answer is yes, keep reading!

VISION: More than 40% of pet owners who consider surrendering a pet don't want to. They just need temporary assistance. The goal of our Pet Resource Center is to keep animals with their people and reduce shelter intake by delivering non-judgmental, proactive services that give owners the tools they need to provide a pet with the best quality of life. By establishing innovative community partnerships and building a network of services to address a multitude of needs, we are able to enhance the human-animal bond.

Young-Williams Animal Center is looking for an outgoing, positive, multi-tasking superstar to join our Pet Resource Center team. If the following describes you, we want you to apply!

• You're the consummate team player and your coworkers can't stand the thought of working on a day you aren't there
• You're helpful, kind, and always advocating for your customers, coworkers, volunteers and, of course, the animals
• You're open to new ideas and comfortable with change
• You can follow directions but aren't afraid to ask for help when out of your comfort zone
• You excel at finding creative solutions that make everyone happy, even in challenging or delicate situations
• You are highly organized and aren't afraid of spreadsheets

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

Customer Service:

• Greet and assist all visitors in a professional, warm and positive manner
• Answer phones and e-mail in a timely manner with helpful and clear information
• Assist customers inquiring about pet surrender with empathy and compassion, not judgement, and partner with them to find the best solution for their situation
• Work closely with animal control officers and partner agencies

Animal Care:

• Ensure all animal intake areas are maintained in a clean, sanitary and comfortable manner per standard operating procedures and protocols
• Feed and water temporary housing areas on a daily basis, while monitoring the physical condition and behavior of each animal
• Report the need for veterinary intervention of sick or injured animals
• Following the protocols of YWAC, vaccinate and deworm all animals on intake
• Safe and humane handling and movement of incoming animals

Administrative:

• Develop a working knowledge of YWAC's procedures, guidelines, and protocols
• Ensure that paperwork and records are entered thoroughly and accurately into the shelter software database
• Identify pet-retention related needs in the community and research resources available
• Be knowledgeable of animal regulations for city, county, and state
• Maintain awareness of available cage space and work within set guidelines to ensure intake does not exceed humane capacity for care

OTHER DUTIES/FUNCTIONS:

• Provide support to YWAC's team effort including, but not limited to:
  • Maintain good communication with supervisors and coworkers to ensure they are aware of any issues pertinent to your areas of responsibility
  • Participate in staff meetings by sharing ideas and suggestions for improving animal care and the quality of the organization as a whole
  • Participate in learning and development for professional and individual growth

This position reports directly to the Pet Resource Center Manager

REQUIREMENTS:

• Positive, optimistic outlook
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of two (2) years customer service
• Proven ability to handle multiple tasks in a busy, fast-paced workplace environment
• Experienced and comfortable working with databases and office software
• Preferred social services experience (professional or volunteer)

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Indoors in a high noise, air-conditioned/heated building and outdoors at shelter or on-location for periodic activities
• Equipment use includes use of PC, printer, copy machine, fax machine, telephone, and cleaning equipment, and supplies
• Work hours will vary but generally from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Weekend and holiday hours are required
• Regular exposure to animals and their bodily fluids, cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, bites, and scratches
• Heavy lifting and/or moving up to 100 pounds with assistance
• Regular upright movement, such as standing or walking
• Working independently, with minimal supervision
• Working in this field requires the development of self-care skills to combat compassion fatigue

AAP/EEO STATEMENT

Young Williams Animal Center provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, or genetic information.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. Moreover, management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, or working schedules based on their duty to accommodate individuals with disabilities. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.