11-145 - Aes Pet Care Specialist - Sc/Oc Anaheim Emergency Shelter

Mission Statement:

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary:

The Anaheim Emergency ShelterPet Care Specialist (PCS) provides basic needs and services for shelter residents and their pets to ensure their health and safety in a congregate setting. The PCS works with outside agencies and onsite with residents and their pets to provide resources, support training and assist with connecting them to services.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct weekly/bi-weekly wellness check ins with pet owners to ensure residents and their pets are following all shelter guidelines and Pet Care responsibilities.
• Work with Intake to meet with new shelter resident pet owners (and their animal(s) to answer questions and/or provide additional context regarding community safety and health guidelines. 
• Educate residents regarding general shelter pet guidelines; monitor pet runs and dorms throughout shift to ensure animals are not left unattended.
• Partner with residents to ensure vaccinations, spay/neutering mandates are completed in the required timeframe.  Help make appointments/arrangements as needed.
• Partner with residents to assist with obtaining needed licensing and/or registration for animal (e.g., Support Animal, Service Animal, County Pet Registration/license).
• Introduce new residents/pet(s) to dorm mates and ensure any questions/concerns are addressed.
• Assist in the resolution of any pet related owner/resident grievances and document as instructed; address pet behavioral issues as needed.
• Partner with staff to answer questions/address any pet related concerns and/or supply needs in a timely manner.
• Conduct outreach to find training/grooming/other pet related services; review proposals with supervisor for approval prior to implementation.
• Source opportunities with shelters, Pet Care retailers, clinics to establish potential partnerships (e.g., donated supplies, low-cost vet services).
• Perform duties including but not limited to) cleaning pet runs, refilling waste removal bag stations, completing pet supply inventories, monitoring pets for residents off site due to medical emergencies, ensuring kennels are in good condition, setting up training/fun activities for pets and their owners, etc.
• Notify Facilities Supervisor if any pet related hazards exist on the AES campus.

• Use conflict management, de-escalation, and crisis intervention techniques to diffuse emergency situations involving residents and/or their pets
• Promote compassion and positivity toward shelter residents and their pets in all situations.
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Working Conditions:

Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax, and telephone. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. and control leashed animals. Ability to drive residents and their pets to appointments. Work is often performed outdoors; must be able to walk and/or stand for prolonged periods of time.

Minimum Qualifications:

• By virtue of its direct contact with, and representation to people who engage in Salvation Army programs, people who demonstrate an understanding of The Salvation Army’s Christian mission are required for this position.
• High School Diploma or GED (required)
• Minimum 1-year professional experience working with animals (pet day care, rescue/animal shelter, veterinary hospital, pet obedience trainer, etc.).
• Excellent pet handling skills and intuition.
• Must be comfortable working with dogs of varying sizes, breeds, and temperament
• Must be in good physical health and mental health, capable of meeting the demands of the position.
• Must be comfortable working outdoors and walking/standing for long periods of time.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Driving Test and clean MVR check (Driving required).
• Bilingual/Bi-literate English/Spanish preferred.
• Outstanding communication and customer service skills.
• Detail oriented to complete documentation requirements and ensure grant/program compliance.
• Must have ability to communicate effectively and remain positively engaged with co-workers, community members, residents, and their pets.
• Must have flexible availability to include nights and weekends.
• Computer literate; effectively use computerized database for resident file management, with basic skills in Microsoft Office: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook email.