KEPPT Specialist/Community Pet Support

The Animal Foundation•Las Vegas, NV

About The Position

“KEPPT” stands for Keeping Every Person and Pet Together. The specialist, as directed by the KEPPT coordinator, organizes and executes continuing program efforts to decrease the number of animals surrendered to The Animal Foundation (TAF) by assisting the public and providing specific options enabling them to keep their pet(s).

Requirements

High School or equivalent required.
Two (2) years of professional experience working with clients or customers covering a wide spectrum of socio-economic diversity.
Two (2) years of experience in an animal welfare or animal shelter setting. Equivalent combination of formal education and appropriate related experience may be considered.
Principles and practices of program management.
Basic interviewing techniques.
Animal breeds and characteristics.
Animal health, nutrition, and humane care.
Standard office practices and procedures, including record keeping systems and the operation of office equipment, computers, and associated software.
Techniques for dealing effectively with co-workers and the public, in person and over the telephone.
Understanding, speaking, and writing correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation. Also speaks and understands conversational Spanish.
Ensuring the practice of animal health/welfare according to policies and procedures of The Animal Foundation.
Working with community groups to achieve desired objectives.
Dealing tactfully and effectively with staff, volunteers and the general public.
Use of business software and associated computer hardware.
Communicating effectively in oral and written forms.
Working without close supervision in standard work situations.
Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.
Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, instructions and other written materials.
Communicating, relating and interacting with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.
Physical ability and mobility to work in a typical office environment. Strength to lift and/or move materials weighing up to 10 pounds frequently, 40 pounds occasionally. Vision to read printed materials. Stamina to sit and work with a computer for an extended period of time. Hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. Accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

Responsibilities

Answers the KEPPT telephone line promptly to answer questions and/or schedule appointments for people wishing to relinquish ownership of their pets.
Counsels guests and provides effective potential remedies to their concerns about their pet(s).
Communicates principles that convey and imparts an understanding of the reason that pet(s) should stay with their owner instead of being surrendered to the shelter.
Consistently researches, verifies and provides solutions for guest’s specific pet issues; constructs handouts and informational materials with current and accurate information for distribution to the public.
Keeps precise, timely records pertaining to the KEPPT program.
Provides guest counseling follow-up through phone, written and/or email contact.
Works cooperatively with other organizations, trainers, businesses etc.
Assists with public relations and community education in order to improve community relations and decrease pet surrender.
Treats all animals humanely, with compassion and concern.
Assist guests by educating them about potential solutions, and providing computer support to those not able to do their own research (e.g.: print out pet-friendly apartment information).
Maintains a professional appearance at all times.
Provides information and assistance to internal and external customers as required.
Works with and monitors performance of assigned volunteers and/or consultants.
Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit's service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a work team.
Conducts outreach, develops and maintains partnerships as directed by the KEPPT Coordinator.
Other duties as assigned, or as necessary to meet program and organizational goals.
Collects data to determine and improve program effectiveness.