We’re looking for an Intake Counselor to join our open-admission, for-all animal shelter. Being a “for-all” shelter means that SPCA Tampa Bay will not limit admission or refuse to take in a pet. As part of the operations team, you’ll have have the opportunity to make a difference within the community!

What you’ll do:

Provide excellent customer service to those surrendering their animal to the shelter.

Collect detailed behavioral and medical background information from customers relinquishing their animals.

Offer advice and counseling to pet owners who are considering animal relinquishment and/or humane euthanasia services.

Work closely with medical and behavior departments.

What we’re looking for:

You embrace our core values: Customer Service, Teamwork, Compassion, and Community.

You are eager to learn and grow within the animal welfare industry.

Previous animal handling experience a plus but not required.

What you get:

120 hours of PTO + 8 paid holidays (two of those being your birthday and work anniversary)

85% of the employee base medical plan is covered by SPCA Tampa Bay. All health benefits start the 1st of the month following your hire date.

403b retirement plan you can start contributing to the 1st of the month following your hire date with a 25% match, up to $1500 per year after a year of employment

Discounted veterinary services and pet food

Job Purpose: Facilitate the transport and intake processes for strays, owner surrenders, transfers and owner requested euthanasia; coordinate lost and found processes.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Essential Functions:

• Facilitate the Intake process for all Strays, Owner Surrenders, Transfers and Owner Requested Euthanasia intakes.
• Drive company vehicle to retrieve sick or injured animals.
• Assist customers with lost and found reports, offering advice on finding a lost animal, referring as needed to county resources.
• Complete Return to Owner (RTO) paperwork when an injured stray has been brought to the shelter, per the SOP.
• Educate and assist the public in regards to the importance of proper pet identification.
• Assist in the transport of animals from approved Placement Partners.
• Maintain vehicle and equipment in good mechanical, sanitary and safe conditions.
• Collect detailed behavioral and background information from customers relinquishing animals, in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures and laws.
• Prepare reports and receipts per Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Work hand in hand with Medical and Behavior to determine appropriate outcomes for animals being brought into the shelter.
• Offer advice and counseling to pet owners who are considering animal relinquishment, and offer alternatives where appropriate.
• Dispatch humane investigations calls in accordance with established protocols.
• Answer phone calls promptly and courteously, following established customer service scripts.
• Provide friendly, responsive and personalized customer service.
• Keep accurate and updated records and enter data as required into appropriate shelter software.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
• Participate in required meetings and trainings.
• Professionally represent SPCA Tampa Bay at all times.

Nonessential Functions:

• All other duties as assigned.

Education:

• High school diploma or GED certificate.
• Proficient in spelling, arithmetic.

Experience:

• One to two years of part-time or full-time general work experience preferred.
• Work experience in a shelter or similar facility preferred.
• Six months animal handling experience preferred.

Demonstrated Competencies:

• Ability to provide excellent service and care for customers and animals.
• Ability to exercise critical thinking in making judgments.
• Ability to follow directions.
• Ability to handle sensitive/confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to operate computer, tablet, printer, copier, telephone, fax machine and smartphone.
• Ability to work collaboratively and serve as an effective liaison with other departments.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Integrity and ability to build trust relationships.
• Posses a genuine concern for all animals and their welfare.
• Possess knowledge of and experience with humane methods of care, restraint and handling of all animals.
• Possess mature judgment and flexibility in handling a variety of situations.
• Strong problem solving abilities.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Pet Point.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to work flexible hours.
• Activities require the handling and transporting of SPCA pets of all sizes.
• Carrying, pushing and/or pulling.
• Moderate physical effort – regularly lifting or moving up to 25 lbs. Occasionally up to 50 lbs.
• Occasional exposure to animal feces and potential for scratches and bites.
• Occasional exposure to high noise levels, such as in dog kennels.
• Stooping, kneeling, bending and crouching.
• Walking and prolonged standing.

Other:

• Reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass required background checks.