Animal Services Volunteer Coordinator

Job Summary

The Volunteer, Rescue and Adoption Coordinator (VRAC) manages the RCAS Volunteer Program, Rescue and adoption efforts under the supervision of the RCAS Kennel Supervisor. The VRAC manages the volunteer program in a manner that enriches the lives of people and animals while maximizing their potential, by recruiting, training, supervising and retaining dependable volunteers. This individual works cooperatively with other staff members to connect RCAS needs with volunteers by coordinating volunteer roles for the shelter, TNR program, Cat Adoption Partnership Program, events, and projects throughout the year. The VRAC works to increase life-saving efforts, enrichment of animals at the shelter, and increase positive interactions with the animal services division and the community. Work is assigned by the Animal Services Kennel Supervisor in terms of department goals and objectives. Employees in this class can be required to work rotating schedules, weekends, or holidays.

Essential Functions

Essential Functions: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Develop policy and procedure materials

Conduct orientations, recruitment, and training sessions for volunteers and RCAS staff.

Provide ongoing supervision of volunteers including additional training as needed, coaching, and motivating

Develop retention and recognition programs for volunteers

Work with the Kennel Supervisor, Field Supervisor, Officer Supervisor, and Deputy Director to provide volunteer coverage for events, programs, and other needs as they arise

Maintain a database of volunteers' information to include any limitations, availability, positive and negative interactions, etc.

Track hours for each volunteer, total number of volunteers, total volunteer hours and submit a monthly report detailing these statistics

Creates volunteer newsletter email to provide updates, spotlight, feedback, training information, upcoming needs, and other information to keep the volunteers engaged.

Educate public about RCAS programs

Works with veterinarians, animal shelters, and other humane organizations.

Office procedures such as answering phones, taking complaints, filing, data entry, etc

Shelter cleaning of kennel, offices, visitor entrance area, and other areas viewed/used by the public.

Scanning for microchips of animals brought into the shelter, taking pictures of animals at the shelter, updating websites, etc

Handles adoptions, reclaims and animal intake process including paperwork.

Develops enrichment activities for the animals at the shelter

Works to create positive and educational interactions between the community and animal services division

Cross Train as needed for Kennel Assistant duties, Animal Service Dispatcher Duties, and Animal Services Officer. These duties include but are not limited to: cleaning kennels, answer phones, dispatching calls for service, and responding to calls for field service.

Additional Duties:

Employees in this classification may be expected to perform any related duties as required by proper authority.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of county, state and local animal care and regulations, laws and ordinances.

Knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of animal care/safety.

Knowledge of legal, administrative, and procedural regulations applicable to the particular section assigned.

Knowledge of the geography of the county.

Knowledge of policies, procedures, organization and work flow of assigned department/office.

Skill in operating current, standard office equipment.

Skill in organizing and maintaining filing systems.

Some knowledge of non-county agencies and their services.

Knowledge of the English language, spelling, and mathematics.

Ability to handle multiple interruptions and adjustments to priorities throughout the day.

Skill in maintaining regulatory records and proper preparation and submission of reports.

Skill and ability to remain calm and composed, while using conflict management skill in relation to potentially hostile and/or emergency situations. Skill in operation of modern office equipment.

Ability to write reports and business correspondence utilizing proper grammar and punctuation.

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, customers, complainants, and the general public.

Ability to use tact and diplomacy in dealing with the general public in person, by phone, or email, as well as employees of various county offices.

Ability to hear and speak.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, direct reports, elected officials, general public, other animal services, veterinary offices, and rescue groups.

Ability to handle confidential matters appropriately.

Ability to work independently and in a team.

Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects

Working Conditions

Work is typically performed in an office or kennel setting. However, employees may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, animal transmitted diseases, fractious/frightened/dangerous animals, mental and emotional stress from euthanasia, and continual contact with irate/emotional pet owners and victims. Employees are occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment can be loud at times.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

1. One (1) year of experience in animal shelter work

1. One (1) year of office work experience

1. OR have a combination of education, training and work experience that is equivalent to #1 and #2, above that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this job.

1. Valid State of Georgia driver's license.

1. Bilingual (English/Spanish).
2. Animal Control/Services experience
3. Project manager experience
4. Animal Hospital or other animal working experience