Pet Support Services Coordinator

The Pet Support Services Coordinator assists in the success of Pet Support Services programs for Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP). The Pet Support Services Program provides a variety of support strategies for all pet owners in the community, with the goal of keeping pets in their homes and reducing shelter intake.  

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Assist with the operation of Ellie’s Pet Pantry, HARP’s growing pet food distribution program, through: 

• Screening and approving new Ellie’s applications in a timely manner 

• Pulling and logging voice & email inquiries, triaging calls for response, and returning calls in a timely manner 

• Staffing Ellie’s distributions, Humane Health Coalition clinics, and community events 

• Responding to public requests for assistance, including scheduling pickups, and providing food and supplies as needed  

• Coordinating volunteer drivers for food delivery   

• Coordinating and making food donation pickups, including dispatching volunteer drivers  

• Ensuring each location has sufficient supplies to meet pantry operational needs 

• Maintaining and organizing pet supplies for distribution 

• Offer appropriate and approved resources addressing both behavioral and medical issues to prevent relinquishment of animals to the shelter. 

• Maintain data and documentation of all pet support services programs. 

• Support HARP’s emergency boarding program which provides temporary housing for pet owners facing crises.  

• Sort and organize shelter supply donations. 

• Assist with the development and fostering of community relationships with a commitment to justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

• Provide excellent, compassionate, and professional customer service to pet owners ensuring a positive experience.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee could be exposed to hazards associated with aggressive animals; hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches and animal wastes; and possible exposure to contagious diseases.  The employee will primarily be working in the shelter environment.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

Individual will have extended periods of sitting, talking and listening. Includes working in an indoor desk environment and outdoor community outreach events as needed, as well as handling and moving large volumes of pet food on a regular basis. The position will require the ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to fifty (50) pounds. This role occasionally requires handling of animals in varying degrees of behavior and requires keen observational skills, as well as dexterity with a leash and other training equipment used with both cats and dogs. This description represents the requirements that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Travel: 

This position will require working out of HARP’s North Shore and/or East End locations. Travel to community outreach events may be required.  

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Ability to communicate with all customers with empathy, a lack of judgement, and sensitivity.  

• Ability, experience, and willingness to respectfully work with diverse populations, including the ability to engage with and build trust among people living in under-resourced communities.  

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.  

• Ability to work independently with little direct supervision. 

• Ability to maintain accurate documentation of in-person and phone interactions with clients as appropriate. Experience with Microsoft Suite, particularly competence in Excel, preferred. 

• Background Check required. 

• Excellent organizational skills.  

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• High school degree or equivalent required. 

• At least two years of programmatic experience in animal welfare, community support organizations, or other social services. 

• Work or volunteer experience with animals strongly preferred; understanding of basic animal behavior, training, and care required.