Community Support Coordinator

Every pet deserves a good life. We save the most vulnerable animals and enrich the lives of pets and people. Our mission is made possible with the hard work of our valued employees. Named "Best Nonprofit" and "Best Place to Volunteer" by our community, we offer a friendly, professional work environment with a culture that promotes innovation, compassion and excellence.

As of June 14th, 2021, the Arizona Humane Society will require proof of immunization against COVID-19 for all new employees. Exemptions will be allowed for medical or religious reasons.

Community Support Coordinator

Position Overview

The Arizona Humane Society realizes pet homelessness isn't an animal problem, it's a people problem. Often times, AHS' Pet Resource Call Center is the first to learn that an individual is on the brink of crisis as they attempt to rehome or secure resources for their pet. As the state's leading animal welfare organization and safety net for the Valley's most vulnerable pets, AHS recognizes the needs of pet parents often go deeper than the cost of a bag of food, revealing the need for sustainable, long-term people solutions in addition to the animal ones. To answer this need, AHS is seeking a Community Support Coordinator, a grant-funded pilot role charged with helping pet parents navigate their pet and people problems, connecting them to resources, partner organizations and benefit programs. By removing barriers and connecting pet owners in crisis to resources that will help them address the root issue that is triggering the need to surrender their pet, we will not only keep that pet from entering the shelter, but preventing future relinquishment of a pet.

This role will be held by a professional with at least 2 years' experience working in the human service field, preferably in social work, sociology, psychology, human development, or similar. They will work closely with the Pet Resource Center (PRC), Admissions, and AHS' Emergency Rescue team to provide support to pet owners in crisis and train team members on handling these challenging situations. We hope to utilize this opportunity to collect valuable data to share with others in the animal welfare community and establish as a permanent, full-time role with AHS.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

• Build a toolkit of resources, which can be shared with partners throughout the Valley to establish long-term solutions to prevent or decrease pet surrender (hospitals, shelters, nursing facilities, etc.).
• Work closely with our Foster Department to evaluate existing Home Away From Home Programs and assist by vetting clients for program eligibility and overseeing the program's case management. Also, identifying how to optimize programs using new relationships & partnerships.
• Assist in creating employee training and resource guides with an emphasis on surrender intervention from a holistic human centric perspective.
• Gather pertinent data on human-related issues leading to pet surrender to determine long-term sustainability tactics.
• Evaluate current Large Scale Intake (LSI) process from the customer experience, evolve process to include follow up to prevent future cases and treat customers root needs.
• Connect pet-owners in crisis to human and pet-centric resources annually through grant funded Real Time Solutions Fund and with the support of AHS staff.
• Develop and expand partnerships with community organizations that provide human services in conjunction with pet resources (i.e. homeless shelters, free/low-cost emergency temporary boarding facilities, etc.).
• Regular data tracking, analysis and monthly reporting.

Other Duties

Please note 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.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience working in the field of Human Service and/or case management experience.
• BSW, Human Services degree, or similar experience preferred.
• Spanish bilingual strongly preferred.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

Language – Able to speak, read and write English; Spanish language strongly preferred.

Mathematical – Ability to perform mathematical skills, create Excel formulas, and extensive data tracking.

Technical – Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook and Explorer; able to learn other software programs as necessary. Proficiency with or able to learn/use Chameleon software (for use with animals in a shelter environment).

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Valid AZ Driver's License and Insurance. Preferred training in Mental Health First Aid preferred.

Other Skills, Abilities and Qualifications:

Regular attendance is required. Access to reliable transportation. Animal handling experience is a plus, but on the job training provided. Based on the environment and need of the client(s), basic animal handling will be required. Relationship building, case management, resource navigation, data tracking, the ability to budget and track finances, and the ability to work with internal and external stakeholders. Also, the ability to navigate situations and apply critical thinking skills in crisis situations.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

There will be exposure to dust, heat, cold and temperature changes; occasional wet floors, and animal noises, odors and dander. Sometime will be spent in a typical air conditioned and heated office environment, while other times will be in the field working with customers on site.

Additional Information

The Arizona Humane Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a participant in the E-Verify program. Pre-employment background check and drug screening required.