Community Medicine Specialist

The Humane Society for Southwest Washington is currently seeking a Community Medicine Specialist to join our team. This is a full-time, FLSA nonexempt opportunity.

Since 1897, the Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW) has been caring for the animals of Southwest Washington. Today, we are the largest animal welfare agency in Southwest Washington with campuses in Vancouver and Longview, where we help thousands of adoptable pets find shelter, TLC, and loving homes. And through programs like free pet food, emergency shelter, financial assistance, and medical care, we provide critical support that helps pets in need stay home with the families they love. Thanks to our hardworking staff and volunteers, we serve more than 10,000 pets each year. At our Community Veterinary Clinic (CVC), we provide high-quality, subsidized care to the pets of income-qualified families in our community. The CVC expands access to preventative care and spay/neuter, provides care for treatable conditions, and offers essential support to keep pets happy and healthy. And at ReTails Thrift Store, our team of staff and volunteers help hundreds of thousands of items find a second life, providing vital funding for our work with animals.

Thanks to our hardworking staff and volunteers, we served more than 10,000 pets in our community - helping them find new homes or providing the support they need to stay with the family who loves them.

Our mission is to rescue, return, restore, rehome, and reconnect one animal at a time. That work is possible thanks to the dedicated teams of staff and volunteers who are here for the animals every day. We are committed to a diverse, healthy, and engaged team of employees and volunteers who strive for excellence, treat one another with kindness, and provide quality and compassionate care for the pets and people we serve 

Community Medicine Specialist

At the Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW), we believe in keeping people and pets together by increasing access to affordable veterinary care. The Community Medicine Specialist plays a vital role in advancing this mission by ensuring every client and patient receives compassionate, professional, and efficient support.

This position serves as the primary front-facing support for both the Community Veterinary Clinic (CVC) and Mobile Veterinary Clinic (MVC). The Specialist ensures a welcoming and organized client experience by handling reception, administrative, and communication functions. Responsibilities include check-in, check-out, invoicing, payment processing, phones, texts, scheduling, and client communications. While primarily administrative, the role may also involve occasional animal handling and veterinary assistant support. Flexibility is required to work at both the CVC and mobile clinic sites across Clark and Cowlitz Counties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Client Services & Administration

• Serve as the first point of contact for clients in person, by phone, and via text/email.
• Manage client check-in and check-out, ensuring accurate invoicing and payment handling.
• Provide appointment scheduling, reminders, and client record management.
• Support efficient clinic flow through clear communication with clients and veterinary staff.
• Maintain accurate financial transactions and reconcile daily payments.

Clinic & Mobile Operations

• Provide front-line support at both the CVC and mobile clinic locations.
• Travel to clinic sites in Clark and Cowlitz Counties as assigned.
• Assist with setup, client flow, and communication at mobile events.
• Provide feedback to improve client communication and operational efficiency.

Veterinary Support (Occasional)

• Assist with basic animal handling and restraint under veterinary direction.
• Support staff with patient preparation as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of reception and shared client areas.
• Assist with stocking and inventory of front-desk supplies.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a veterinary, medical, or customer service/reception role preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Comfort with technology, including veterinary/medical record systems, scheduling software, and payment processing platforms.
• Ability to remain professional and compassionate with clients experiencing financial or emotional stress.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation; willingness to travel throughout Clark and Cowlitz Counties.
• Animal handling or veterinary assistant experience preferred but not required.

Compensation

The hourly pay range for this position is $18.90 - $20.24 per hour per hour with starting pay dependent upon experience.

Full Time Employee Benefits

In addition to serving in an organization with a compassionate and strategic purpose, full-time employees currently enjoy the following benefits and employee perks.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance benefits that become effective the first of the month after hire. 
• Matching percentage 401 (k) retirement plan that begins the first month after hire, has a 3-year graded vestment schedule and a ROTH contribution option. 
• Employee Assistance Program for all household member access. 
• Section 125 FSA Cafeteria Plan for out-of-pocket health and/or dependent day care expenses.
• Numerous employee discounts and discounts with partner organizations.
• Access to affordable life, disability, and accidental supplemental insurance. 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer: To learn more about this Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, go to https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation.

Paid Time Off (PTO) 

This position accrues PTO at a rate of 1.84 hours for every 40 hours worked. 

Additional Paid time includes:

• Floating Holidays.
• Bereavement leave.
• Pet bereavement leave.
• Jury duty pay. 

Culture

Vision: A community where everyone loves and cares for animals.

Mission: Rescue. Return. Restore. Rehome. Reconnect. One animal at a time

Values: Compassion. Collaboration. Excellence. Service. Integrity.

The ultimate team player:

• Displays interest, enthusiasm, and an affinity for working with people.
• Demonstrates an attitude in being of-service, using good judgment, maintaining a positive outlook, and ideally, a sense of humor.
• Works well in teams and demonstrates an attitude and commitment to collaboration with a sincere interest in helping others succeed.
• Is committed to achieving excellence individually and as a part of the team.
• Exhibits adaptability, curiosity, flexibility to change, open to new ideas, and encourages others to recognize changes in work tasks, situations, and environment as an opportunity for transformation.
• Is committed to personal and professional development through life-long learning.

How to Apply

Does HSSW sound like the right place for you? 

Does this job sound like a great fit & do you meet the qualifications for this position?

If so, then click the Apply button to begin your journey to join our team today. HSSW participates in E-Verify and due to the nature and responsibilities of the position, requires a Motor Vehicle Records release.

For more information visit https://HSSW.org/careers/. 

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Working Conditions

• Position requires regular travel within Clark and Cowlitz Counties.
• Work is performed in an office or mobile clinic environment, with exposure to animals, noise, odors, and cleaning agents.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, bend, squat, and stand for extended periods during clinic operations.

Core Competencies

• Customer Service Orientation – Ensures positive, supportive client interactions.
• Adaptability – Adjusts to changing clinic locations, schedules, and priorities.
• Teamwork – Collaborates effectively with veterinary staff, volunteers, and colleagues.
• Accuracy & Attention to Detail – Maintains precise records, invoicing, and communications.
• Compassion & Professionalism – Represents HSSW’s mission with empathy and respect.