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Form of workPosition: Animal Services Dispatch Specialist
Department: Animal Services
Reports to: Manager of Animal Services Dispatch
Hours: 40 hours per week; full-time
Salary: $16-$17/hour; non-exempt
Schedule: Four 10 hour shifts per week (Includes one weekend day)
Job Purpose:
Department: Animal Services
Reports to: Manager of Animal Services Dispatch
Hours: 40 hours per week; full-time
Salary: $16-$17/hour; non-exempt
Schedule: Four 10 hour shifts per week (Includes one weekend day)
Job Purpose:
The Dispatch Specialist will take all incoming calls in a polite, professional and timely manner and assist citizens with animal-related matters for Kansas City, MO. When needed, the Dispatch Specialist will dispatch any calls requiring an officer response to the Animal Services officers or direct to the appropriate agency. The Dispatch Specialist will engage in active problem solving to ensure the best outcome for the citizens and animals of the community.
Daily Duties and Responsibilities:
Daily Duties and Responsibilities:
- Represent Animal Services and the contracted jurisdictions in a professional and courteous manner at all times.
- Answer all incoming calls and monitor other systems of contact in an expedient manner.
- Communicates clearly and concisely and remains calm in emotionally heightened situations.
- Obtains all crucial information necessary, determines if probable cause to investigate and carefully documents all essential information.
- Determines appropriate call classification and priority level.
- Assist citizens with interpretation and understanding of animal ordinances, department procedures, and responsible pet ownership.
- Assist citizens that have found a stray or lost animal through an attempt to locate the animal’s owner.
- Counsel citizens with nuisance complaints on appropriate solutions and resources available to assist them.
- Dispatch Animal Services officers (when appropriate) utilizing radios and other communication devices in an expedient manner, and in accordance with call priority levels.
- Utilizes and complies with proper security and radio procedures.
- Provides detailed call information to responding officers; maintains status and awareness of all officer locations; monitors message traffic, and relays information to assure that officers' safety is top priority.
- Assist officers with obtaining all relevant/historical data about specific individuals and addresses (i.e. prior checks, calls for service, owner information, etc.).
- Contacts external agencies such as paramedic, fire, ambulance, social and police services to handle appropriate emergency incident.
- Will complete cross-training with shelter staff and maintain collaboration and communication across departments.
- Promotes and advocates for shelter programs, services, and events.
- Complies with all policies and procedures and training guidelines.
- Maintain a solid understanding of the geography, roads, and landmarks of the jurisdiction.
Performance Factors and Necessary Skills:
- Tact and courtesy in explaining proper animal care and animal control regulations to animal owners and the general public.
- Ability to remain pleasant and calm in a high stress environment.
- Working knowledge of, or ability to learn, relevant laws and ordinances related to animal control.
- Independent judgment and initiative in application of the law.
- Ability to record and maintain accurate records concerning daily activities, calls and investigations.
- Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
- Works with minimal supervision and direction
- This position requires the ability to work any shift, including weekends and holiday (including limited notice response for emergencies and disaster response).
- Performs related duties as required.
Working Conditions:
Must have reliable transportation and ability drive in hazardous conditions. Ability to handle domestic, exotic, wildlife, and animals with dangerous or unknown temperament. Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, high noise levels, extreme temperatures, hazardous chemicals, and sharp objects. Physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a motor vehicle, two-way radios, hand tools, animal traps, etc. The ability to lift 50lbs and to work in all weather conditions.
Qualifications/Education Background:
- High School diploma or Associates Degree or Equivalent Preferred.
- Basic typing and computer skills.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Data entry experience.
- Affection for animals, concern for their welfare and a willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace.
- Minimum of 1 (one) year working in a call center or in a customer service environment preferred.
- Able to work as a team and represent the organization in a positive manner.
- Possessions of a valid driver’s license and safe driving record acceptable to KC Pet Project’s insurance carrier.
- Completion of course(s) related to basic animal control functions.
- Have a basic understanding of Microsoft Suite, Shelter Database, Database Analytics & Collection within the first 90 days of employment.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
11/2023
11/2023
