Pet Support Services Specialist

SUMMARY

The Pet Support Services Specialist is responsible for supporting and implementing the Pet Support Services Program for Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh. The Pet Support Services Program provides a variety of support strategies for all pet owners in the community, with the goal of keeping pets in their homes and reducing shelter intake. 

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate Ellie’s Pet Pantry, HARP’s pet food distribution program, including food procurement, patron management, distribution events, and scheduled food pickups.
• Develop and foster community relationships and partnerships with a commitment to justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• Offer appropriate and available resources to clients, addressing behavioral, medical, and financial issues to prevent relinquishment of animals to the shelter.
• Assist clients in navigating financial assistance for spay/neuter and schedule appointments.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase community awareness and engagement with the pet support services program at Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh.
• Through community outreach and research, identify other areas of need and develop strategies to address these needs in order to keep pets in homes. 
• Supervise interns and volunteers with an eye towards both increasing current program capacity and developing the future of the field.
• Support the Community Solutions Manager in operating the emergency boarding program for families and pets in crisis.
• Provide statistical reporting on pet retention efforts for strategic decision-making and for grant reporting.
• Maintain organization of sorted donations, keeping pet food and supplies in order for efficient distribution.
• Coordinate pet support services with other departments including, but not limited to, Customer Care, Training and Enrichment, Animal Care, Humane Investigations, Medical, and Finance.
• Provide excellent, compassionate and professional customer service to pet owners ensuring a positive experience. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee could be exposed to hazards associated with aggressive animals; hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches and animal wastes; and possible exposure to contagious diseases. The employee will primarily be working in the shelter environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Individual will have extended periods of sitting, talking and listening. Includes working in an indoor desk environment and outdoor community outreach events as needed, as well as handling and moving large volumes of pet food. This role occasionally requires handling of animals in varying degrees of behavior and requires keen observational skills, as well as dexterity with a leash and other training equipment used with both cats and dogs. 

• High school degree or equivalent required.
• At least two years of programmatic experience in animal welfare, community support organizations, or other social services.
• Work or volunteer experience with animals strongly preferred; understanding of basic animal behavior, training, and care required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to communicate with all customers with empathy, a lack of judgement, and sensitivity. 
• Ability, experience, and willingness to respectfully work with diverse populations, including the ability to engage with and build trust among people living in under-resourced communities. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. 
• Ability to work independently with little direct supervision.
• Background Check required.
• Excellent organizational skills.