Intake Specialist

COMPANY: Humane Society of Pinellas
JOB TITLE: Intake Specialist
REPORTS TO: Intake Supervisor
LOCATION: Clearwater, FL 33759
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time
STATUS: Hourly; Non-Exempt
HOURS: 40 hours per week At least one weekend day
COMPENSATION: $15-16.50/hr based on experience
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.
SUMMARY: The Intake Specialist is responsible for the process of accepting animals through transfer, owner surrender or any other pathway. The Intake Specialist assists the medical team in behavioral evaluation of all animals potentially admitted to the shelter, as well as screening and testing at the time of intake. The Intake Specialist must demonstrate exceptional customer service skills and treat all human and animal clients with respect and professionalism. The Intake Specialist is also responsible for providing aid to customers in need in the hope of keeping animals in their homes and receiving proper medical and emotional care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Assists with the HSP Transfer and Rescue program.
• Leads the HSP Owner Surrender, Home to Home and Hold for Home programs.
• Ensure all animals in the department are being handled using the least restraint possible and maintain a low-stress interaction between staff and animals.
• Maintain current and accurate animal records into Shelterluv, the shelter software system.
• Handle customer complaints appropriately and in a timely manner when necessary.
• Set appointments for intake of owner surrendered animals. Politely refer patrons to other resources when necessary.
• Input animals and customers into Shelterluv database following established procedure.
• Ensure adequate husbandry and medical care for animals admitted to the Society.
• Respond to phone calls and emails to help determine best course of action regarding transfers, surrenders, strays, and wildlife.
• Respond in a timely manner to voicemail and email inquiries regarding admissions.
• Coordinate free services to individuals that qualify (pet food pantry, senior pet connection, etc.).
• Give resources to the public of other groups/resources in an effort to prevent surrender.
• Follow established animal handling, cleaning, feeding and safety procedures.
• Report concerns about animal behavior and health to supervisor.
• Perform required animal handling and assessment for surrendered and transferred animals.
• Handle monetary transactions accurately and securely.
• Maintain admissions office and transfer area in a neat and aesthetically pleasing manner. This includes sanitizing floors, washing windows, and emptying garbage receptacles.
• Provide excellent customer service to the public, volunteers, and other staff members at all times.
• Attend staff and department meetings and training opportunities.
• Be prepared to assist in any disaster affecting HSP.
• Honor confidentiality of shelter business.
• Stay up to date with all procedure and policy changes.
• Follow and promote to the public all HSP policies and philosophies.
• Handle animals humanely and safely at all times.
• Demonstrate a high quality of work standards and work ethics.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the veterinarian and Director of Operations.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED :

• High school diploma or General Equivalency degree (GED), required.
• Experience in a customer service-related field, preferred.
• Familiarity with Shelterluv Animal Management Software a plus.
• Experience with medical and behavioral needs of companion animals a plus.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Comfort handling all companion animals, including but not limited to dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, rodents, and birds.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, effectively with staff, volunteers, and HSP clients.
• Ability to make sound behavioral decisions that support HSP's mission and are in the best interest of every animal.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Excel and Word.
• Multitasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

BEHAVIORS REQUIRED:

• Customer-service orientation.
• Highly motivated and energetic, ability to show initiative and work independently.
• Ability to take direction and comply with behavior modification protocols developed by the Behavior Department and/or Director of Operations.
• Confidence handling both dogs and cats, including aggressive animals.
• Ability to willingly attend and participate in training sessions.
• Ability to be discreet and handle highly sensitive/confidential information in a responsible manner.
• Ability to handle diverse, simultaneous tasks, meet deadlines, and attend to follow through.
• A positive outlook and vision.
• Must stand by the service we deliver.
• Lifelong learner who enjoys improving knowledge.
• Strong professionalism both in appearance and presentation.
• Can work independently.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Moderate to heavy physical activity performing activities to include:

• Working in a well-lighted, heated, and/or air-conditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation.
• Working outdoors in all forms of weather, including heat, cold, humidity, sun, or rain.
• Using manual dexterity sufficient to handle/reach items and works with fingers.
• Using close/distance/peripheral and depth perception.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry a minimum weight of approximately 40 lbs.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to sit for extended periods.

No job description or policy of the Humane Society of Pinellas may be interpreted to allow any employee, volunteer, or representative to violate local, state, or federal law.