Community & Animal Support Associate

Overview of Job:

This position is responsible for providing exceptional customer service and care for our community. Areas of responsibility include; speaking with the community on animal intake, return, and reuniting pets to owners. This role will also adopt animals into their forever homes and assist with finding temporary homes for shelter animals to get socialization and enrichment. This diverse role also includes educating the public regarding humane pet ownership, humane law and regulations, and the overall services and resources offered by the Louisiana SPCA.

Success Criteria & Essential Skills:

• Strong communication skills both verbally and written, with an analytical mind to prepare, analyze and evaluate outcomes and results.
• Educate clients regarding spay/neuter and general animal maintenance.
• Supports teamwork and possesses an optimistic attitude by being cooperative, flexible, and helpful with all departments.
• Remains alert and aware of animal behavior and physical condition for client and employee safety. Ensures animals are handled humanely and appropriately by clients, employees and volunteers.
• Customer orientation and the ability to adapt/respond to different types of situations.
• Organized, methodical, knowledgeable and aware of all basic humane law enforcement procedures including: the redemption process, responsible animal ownership, issuing of intact permits, animal rescue, public safety, the enforcement of animal ordinances, and adoption.
• Assist customers in receiving pet food via Pet Food Pantry.
• Work with Pets for Life Program to assist owners in keeping pets in the home.
• Treats all animals humanely, properly, and with compassion at all times, regardless of the situation or circumstance and promoting a humane and caring attitude toward all animals.
• Exceptional customer service skills to handle different interactions with clients including: counseling on services, programs, fees, and available resources.
• Have great communication and empathy when guiding owners on reaching the most fitting decision concerning their animals.
• Balance revenue at the end of each day and ensure that all deposits are placed in the appropriate area.
• Counsel potential adopters on choosing the appropriate animal for their household.
• Provide available resources to pet owners throughout the community.
• Ensure that all paperwork is organized, up to date, and located in the correct area.
• Accuracy and attention to detail when entering information into the computer system.
• Works with a sense of priority when handling situation in person, via phone, and email.
• Handles all animals humanely, properly, and with compassion at all times, regardless of the situation or circumstances.
• Maintains confidentiality at all times.
• Attends all training and animal handling classes available.
• Maintains the shelter food pantry.
• Responsible for the general appearance and upkeep of the interior and exterior lobby and public areas.
• Take inventory of supplies and restock as needed

Education and/or Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor’s degree or some college preferred

Minimum Qualifications, Skills and Knowledge:

• Must be able to pass a criminal background check and pre-employment substance screening
• Excellent organizational and collaborative skills.
• Highly competent in Microsoft Office
• Expected to work extended hours as needed as this position is part of the core team in Storm & Emergency Response situations. This requires the ability to work weekends and maintains a 24 hr. on call status.
• Proficient in mediating disputes, conflicts and grievances.
• Must have (or be able to obtain) a valid State of Louisiana driver’s license
• Ability to multi task and detail oriented
• Mental and physical flexibility is a must.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds; push and pull heavy objects; bend, twist, reach; perform strenuous physical activities including frequent walking and running, standing, bending and stooping.
• Should not be allergic to animals or nuts; must be able to work around all animals and nut products.
• Must be able to work with industrial strength cleaners and disinfectants.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time
• Works in an area with a high noise level.
• Potentially subject to animal bites and scratches.

Benefits include but not limited to:

• Health Insurance, Life Insurance, 401K match
• PTO and paid holidays
• Qualification and assistance for Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Pay: $15.00-$17.50hr based on experience

**We encourage you to visit our YouTube Page to see videos of our staff in action!