Description

The County of Riverside seeks candidates to fill positions throughout Riverside County. A list of eligible candidates will be established to fill current and future vacancies.

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has multiple opportunities for Animal Services Counselor. This position will support the Volunteer Services Program for multiple shelter locations located in Riverside County, including Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto, Coachella Valley.

We are seeking someone who can elevate our Volunteer Program by building strong partnerships with community, civic, academic, and social organizations to develop an active and engaged volunteer roster. This role will also utilize social and local media platforms to increase visibility for our volunteer teams and programs, fostering sustained community interest in volunteerism. Additionally, you will be responsible for creating promotional photos and videos that can be easily shared across social media channels.

We want an enthusiastic and creative Animal Services Counselor, that will roll-up their sleeves and work alongside volunteers, as they, conduct dog walking, adoptions, community outreach, homeless pet outreach, vaccination clinics, animal transport to and from facilities, etc. If you're someone with a strong customer service background, compassionate, empathetic and have a desire to work in public service, take a moment to apply.

Competitive candidates will possess more than six months of community or volunteer organization experience, excellent customer services skills, and experience leading or managing a small group of volunteers or staff. Some experience using Volgistics (volunteer management software), and/or performing data entry for a large organization is highly desired.

Competitive candidates will also possess:

• Experience with onboarding volunteers.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Power Point, Excel, Word).
• Some experience with animal handling.
• Strong communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.

Work schedule: Tuesday through Saturday. Availability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed to meet department needs is required.

The Animal Services Counselor is a first professional level classification and reports to a supervising or manager level position. This class is characterized by the responsibility for coordinating the animal intake and improving animal outcomes of shelter animals and participating in the Animal Services Community Outreach & Education Division activities.

Meet the Team!
The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has a vision for promoting an environment of responsible pet ownership through progressive animal welfare initiatives, community outreach, and humane education in a culture of compassion, creativity, and integrity. The Department of Animal Services believes the character of their organization is best reflected in the strong dedication of each one of their employees who strive to meet the highest standards of performance and compassion on behalf of the animals and people that they serve. The Department of Animal Services operates four shelters located in Blythe, Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto, and Thousand Palms.• Participate in Animal Services Community Outreach & Education Division activities; answer questions concerning age, breed, characteristics, and care and treatment of animals; responsible for knowing which animals are available for adoption, return-to-owner, etc., and knowing the temperaments and personalities of these animals.

• Assist and counsel owners and members of the public in the admittance and surrender of animals through proper interviewing techniques and completion of necessary paperwork; obtain accurate information regarding animal temperament, living habits and training, medical conditions, behavior, age, breed, and any relevant information from the relinquishing party; assist owners with alternative options to surrendering an animal.

• Prepare reports, maintain records, and fill out forms concerning activities; assist with the training of new staff and/or volunteers.

• May be assigned to any shift and required to be available as needed.

• May be specifically assigned as an Adoption Partner Coordinator and act as point of contact for rescue groups (adoption partners), coordinating the adoption of shelter animals to adoption partners and developing/maintaining relationships with adoption partners, and other related activities as assigned.

• Participate regularly in community events or animal adoption events that frequently occur on weekends; coordinate spay/neutering of animals in anticipation of outreach activities.

• Act as a fully participating member of the Community Outreach and Education Division and of the Adoption Team and work collaboratively and supportively with the Animal Care Technicians. OPTION I
Experience: Six months performing animal care duties in a public or non-profit animal control program, which includes experience working in customer service, community outreach or event planning, and leading volunteers or teams.

OPTION II
Experience: One year of paid or voluntary experience in a veterinary office, animal grooming, animal board and kennel facility, or similar setting which included the care of animals. Must include experience working in customer service, community outreach or event planning, and leading volunteers or teams.

OPTION III
Experience: Two years of experience within a customer service environment, which includes experience working in community outreach or event planning, and leading volunteers or teams.

Other Requirements: Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License at the time of application, the incumbent will be driving to and from different facility locations.

Physical Requirements: Independent body mobility to stand and move up to four to eight hours daily, perform lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling of various supplies and materials used within the facilities or for community/event set up and take down, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Physical exposure: This position will require working in an environment with exposure to animal smells, dander, excrement, fluids and wounds.

ALL OPTIONS

Experience: Six months experience working in customer service, community outreach or event planning, and leading volunteers or teams.

Knowledge of: Techniques and procedures for the safe, humane, and efficient handling of animals; laws and ordinances governing the licensing and treatment of animals; the symptoms of common animal diseases; common breeds of domestic animals and appropriate practices for their care and feeding.

Ability to: Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relations with the public, adoption partners and other employees; handle animals humanely and safely; manage difficult to place animals; read and comprehend laws and regulations pertaining to animal control; clearly explain animal services to the public; exercise tact and good judgment in dealings with the public; recognize symptoms of rabies and other animal diseases; keep statistical records; lift and handle cats, dogs (including large breeds) and other animals. What's Next?
This recruitment is open to all applicants.

Applicants who are currently County of Riverside employees and/or current employees of the Department of Animal Services may be considered before other applicants depending on the volume of the applications received.
General Information
If you have questions regarding this posting please contact Valeria Ramir ez at varamirez@rivco.org

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