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Animal Placement Specialist

Description

SteppingStones are delighted to be working alongside the Cayman Islands Humane Society, the Islands’ only animal shelter who work tirelessly to save, treat and rehome the many cats and dogs in their care. This is an exciting new role which would make a real difference to the lives of these animals and the ongoing success of the organisation. A full job description is below – please note that this role is open to both on island and overseas candidates, but previous shelter experience is essential. 

Job Description

This Animal Placement Specialist is responsible for communications and work coordinating the outcomes of placement of dogs and cats at the animal shelter by means of adoption, foster, return to owner, transfer, or rescue. They must have a love for animals and a good understanding of those who are sick or injured. The Animal Placement Specialist will be required to  perform other duties, such as answering phones, arranging appointments for veterinary procedures, updating records, walking dogs, cleaning and sanitizing the facility, manning the reception desk and helping with mobile adoption drives. Working hours will be between 7am – 5pm five days a week including Saturday plus every third Sunday. The position also requires cover of the emergency phone for out-of-hours assistance on a rotation basis, one week in three.

Essential Job Functions

  1. Must process intake dogs and cats that have been surrendered to the CIHS by owners or as strays.
  2. Conducts outreach to increase participation of placement partners and rescue groups off island to enhance the outcomes of shelter animals.
  3. Maintains positive and open communication with existing and future partners.
  4. Have a good knowledge of animal health and behavioral understanding of adoptable shelter animals.
  5. Notifies partners, fosters, and coordinates flow of animlas for adoptions, transfers, and rescues.
  6. Facilitates photography/video of animals for adoptions, transfers and rescues.
  7. Uploads, posts, edits, and updates information on the animal shelter Facebook page and other social media outlets.
  8. Develops creative descriptions of available animals for marking and networking purposes through print and social media.
  9. Coordinates adoption events at the facility and off site.
  10. Organizes outreach involvement and activities for volunteers.
  11. Assists with the organization and implementation of surrender prevention strategies.
  12. Maintains complete and accurate records, including cage and kennel cards
  13. Enters data and information into computerized database to maintain animal and adoption/transfer/rescue records.

Education and Experience

  1. Enthusiasm for the mission of the Humane Society is essential.
  2. Qualified applicants must have 3-4 years animal shelter experience and/or training to be fully successful in the role. Good candidates with 2 years of shelter experience will be accepted if they also have 1-2 years of customer service, public relations and/or clerical experience.
  3. Veterinary experience or training and animal placement experience would be an advantage.
  4. Possess a valid driver’s license and be at least 25 years old.

Other Characteristics

  1. Willingness to work overtime and non-standard hours as required.
  2. Be willing and available to attend training related to job.

Specific Skills

  1. Compassion and empathy for animal and human clients.
  2. Strong interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills.
  3. Maturity, good judgement and professionalism.
  4. Ability to work individually and on a team, multi-task and self-start.
  5. Ability to remain calm and empathic in stressful situations.

Physical Requirements

  1. Handle and restrain animals weighing up to 90 lbs.
  2. Lift 50 lbs. to waist height.
  3. Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, stooping, carrying and reaching.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  1. Good knowledge of internet and social media platforms and methods to connect with potential partners.
  2. Good knowledge of animal shelter operations, adoptions and rescues or the ability to readily acquire such knowledge.
  3. Good knowledge of customer service principles and practices.
  4. Good knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
  5. Some knowledge of safety practices and procedures in dealing with animals, or the ability to readily acquire such knowledge.
  6. Some knowledge of area animal advocacy groups, or the ability to readily acquire such knowledge.
  7. Ability to take suitable photographs of animals
  8. Ability to understand and explain general policies of animal shelter operations
  9. Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion when dealing with sensitive subjects, such as euthanasia of animals.
  10. Ability to maintain professionalism in all aspects of work.
  11. Ability to plan, organize and coordinate events.
  12. Ability to compile and present oral and written report
  13. Ability to work independently and efficiently on multiple projects.
  14. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  15. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, colleagues, volunteers and the general public.
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