Animal Care and Adoption Associate - Belle Chase

Overview of the Job:
This role is responsible for providing excellent humane care and advocating for each and every animal throughout its stay in the shelter. This diverse role manages the intake of all stray and owner surrender animals, and oversees the lost and found process. Once an animal is in our care, the role is responsible for quality care of that animal. This role will promote and match available animals through our adoption and placement programs. The position is an ambassador for the LA/SPCA's programs and mission, and will promote and educate the community about responsible pet ownership.
Success Criteria & Essential Skills:

• Recognizing the importance of team work, this role works closely with other staff and volunteers on a daily basis to ensure that all animal’s needs are met. This includes cleaning to the required high standards, feeding, caring and monitoring the animal’s behavior. Responsible for the general cleaning and upkeep of all customer and animal areas, this role involves significant physical activity and endurance;
• A calming and nurturing nature is essential to humanely handle injured, sick and abused/neglected animals. This may involve working with animals that are aggressive, fearful or excitable. There are occasions where the role will also work with wildlife and livestock;
• A flexible mindset is essential as priorities will change throughout the day based on customer and business needs; Exceptional customer service skills are essential, as this role will interact in a variety of customer interactions including counseling about fees/services and adoptions;
• Patient and compassionate, this position assists and guides owners into reaching the most appropriate decision regarding their animal, whether that be redemption, relinquishment or a request for euthanasia;
• Knowledgeable about the LA/SPCA mission and services, this role actively promotes services to customers, and provides continuing education to the community regarding responsible pet ownership.
• Able to multitask in a fast paced environment, this role requires excellent computer skills (PetPoint) and attention to detail in order to ensure that all medical/behavioral information is successfully captured in an animal’s profile and that adoptions are completed accurately;
• Professionalism is required at all times, as the job incumbent will assist with euthanasia and will perform euthanasia once certified. This includes handling deceased animals and preparing for their cremation;
• This role is regarded as "Essential" in extreme weather and emergency conditions. This means that the position will report for duty in such circumstances and work extra hours as required;
• Respectful of privacy, the incumbent will ensure confidentiality of animal and owner records at all times.

Education and/or Experience:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D required.
• Bachelor’s degree or some college preferred.
• One year’s experience in a customer service role preferable.
• Previous cash handling experience preferred.

Minimum Qualifications, Skills & Knowledge:

• Must be able to pass a criminal background check and pre-employment substance screening.
• Team-focused and willing to work in a variety of areas within the organization.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Flexible - and able to work weekends and holidays.
• Louisiana State driver’s license preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to work with industrial strength cleaners and disinfectants.
• Should not be allergic to animals or nut products; must be able to work around all animals.
• 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.

Working Conditions:

• Potentially subject to animal bites and scratches.
• Works in an area with a high noise levels.
• Works both indoors and outdoors.

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-$17.50

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