Friends for Life Program Assistant

Humane Society of Huron Valley•Ann Arbor, MI

About The Position

The Friends for Life Program Assistant will work in conjunction with the Vice President of Volunteers and Humane Education and the Friends for Life Coordinator on execution of a service program focused on the Animal Welfare needs of our community. This program will require working with multiple teams within HSHV to deliver services. Successful development and execution of this program is expected to result in the increased wellbeing, retention, and quality of adult relationships with their companion animals.

Requirements

The ideal program assistant will have relevant experience in program implementation.
They must demonstrate cultural sensitivity and understanding to the social, economic, cultural, and other barriers that impact vulnerable populations from accessing animal welfare services and achieving successful outcomes.
This person must also be able to effectively manage his/her time in fast-paced, high-stress environment.
It requires strong customer service and presentation skills, attention to detail, and excellent problem solving skills.
The ideal candidate will have excellent and demonstrated verbal and written communication skills as well as demonstrated public speaking skills.
Reliable transportation is required for travel within the community and state.
An animal care facility can be an emotionally challenging, high-stress, rapidly changing, and high-demand environment.
As such, working at HSHV requires a high degree of emotional regulation and resilience; the ability to tolerate and manage stress; adaptability to change; empathy for both animals and people; and an overall positive outlook.

Nice To Haves

Preferred experience in trauma informed card and deescalation skills.
Multi-lingual a plus.
Experience working with animals is very helpful.

Responsibilities

Work directly with Vice President of Volunteers and Humane Education and Friends for Life Coordinator to implement the Friends for Life social program being offered by HSHV to help older adults, the unhoused community, those experiencing financial insecurity and their pets.
Implement programs such as Treasured Tails, Bingo, educational presentations and in-home pet support services for clients.
Deliver materials to community locations such as pet food, pet supplies and educational materials.
Assist with program communication, both externally and internally.
Perform hands on service, which may include animal handling, transportation, and cleanup.
Interact with community to help determine areas where services are needed.
Assist with Bountiful Bowls program implementation including client interactions, services and program enrollment.
Help provide ideas for improving all areas of program, including operational, financial, and marketing issues
Respond to questions, concerns, and information requests regarding the program.
Schedule, prepare for and deliver in community programs.
Work alongside volunteers and be able to give directives in a professional and respectful manner.
Be a model of great customer service, both externally and internally. Ensure the public’s questions (including but not limited to advocacy queries) are answered courteously, accurately and professionally. Handle customer problems and complaints, working to deescalate emotional situations, and make serious problems and incidences known to the organization’s leadership. Courteously support and assist staff and volunteers with their questions and concerns.
Other duties as assigned.
Be an effective liaison to the community, positively promoting HSHV’s mission, goals and philosophies.
Keep abreast of best practices in related areas and make recommendations regarding program improvements and new program elements.
Respond to needs with the proper sense of urgency. Meet deadlines as assigned.
Work effectively and sensitively with a diverse population of customers, volunteers and staff; and respond to the needs and concerns of a diverse socioeconomic community.
Read email on a daily basis and respond as appropriate.
Keep informed of and abide by agency policies and procedures, including confidentiality of clients.