Humane Investigations Associate

Cleveland Animal Protective League; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 33,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Cleveland Animal Protective League seeks a Humane Investigations Associate to monitor the HI hotline, assist in the field with evidence, animal handling, and documentation in PetPoint. The role supports investigators, processes calls, and helps with public education and coordination with shelter staff.

Requires a high school diploma or equivalent, Ohio driver license, and experience with animals; euthanasia certification or six-month plan preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate’s degree in communications; criminal justice certification; or office management certification strongly preferred.
• Must possess a valid Ohio Driver’s License and insurable driving record.
• Prior experience in animal behavior, health, and handling.
• Certified euthanasia technician or ability to become certified within six months of hire.
• Fear Free Certified or must become certified within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Monitors the Humane Investigations hotline and dispatches calls.
• Assists with gathering evidence, taking photos, and maintaining case files.
• Enters activities and animal information into PetPoint.
• Responds to reports of animals in distress that do not require an investigation.
• Performs clerical duties for the Humane Investigations department.
• Promotes communication between APL departments; attends to safety and compliance.

Skills

Fast-paced environment

Windows computing

Animal handling

Communication

Detail oriented

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree in communications; criminal justice cert.; or office management cert.

Tools

PetPoint

HI vehicles

Job description

Job Description

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Job Description

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Job Title: Humane Investigations Associate

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Classification: Full time, hourly, non-exempt

Salary $18.45 Hourly

Job Relationship: Reports to Chief Humane Agent

Position Summary: Monitors the Humane Investigations (HI) hotline and dispatches calls as appropriate. Assists Agents in the field by continuing to monitor the hotline, entering information into PetPoint, and handling animals. Responds to animal rescue calls that do not require response and investigation by a Humane Agent.

Essential Job Functions

Monitors the Humane Investigations hotline

• Responsible for answering the Humane Investigations hotline or checking it every 15-30 minutes and making timely return calls for more information, as appropriate
• Creates cases in PetPoint and assigns cases to officers
• Refers calls to other departments or outside agencies, as appropriate
• Point of contact for APL contact emails directed to Humane Investigations department
• Makes follow-up calls as assigned by the Chief and Humane Agents
• Keeps a detailed log of calls, responses, and referrals
• Monitors call response time and other department statistics and activities as assigned by the Chief

Assists Humane Officers in the field and at the Cleveland APL

• Assists with gathering evidence, taking photos, taking notes, uploading pictures and other evidence to proper media and maintaining case files
• Assists with handling, transporting, and documenting animals, drives HI vehicles when needed
• Enters activities and adds animal information into PetPoint
• Responds to reports of animals in distress that do not require an investigation (injured stray, etc.)
• Cleans and maintains HI vehicles, equipment, tools, supplies, and ensures vehicles are stocked
• Uses approved procedure to contact emergency assistance in situations where officers are occupied with crisis situation
• Serves as liaison and maintains proper radio communication with Agents, Chief, and shelter staff during large impounds
• Assists with educating the public about animal care, neglect, and abuse
• Appears as a witness in court proceedings when needed
• Assists Intake department with intake of HI animals as directed by the Chief or Agents

Performs clerical duties for the Humane Investigations Department

• Maintains contact information for outside agencies and other resources in Cuyahoga County
• Makes copies of HI forms as needed
• Faxes or electronically shares legal documents to prosecutor’s office
• Assists Humane Agents with maintaining case files and ensuring files are complete and appropriately and securely stored and backed up

Performs other duties as assigned including but not limited to

• Informs supervisor of special needs cases for potential public relations or direct mail pieces
• Promotes communication and cooperation between APL departments.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned
• Euthanasia certified; performs euthanasia as assigned
• Is flexible with scheduling; shifts may include varied hours/days, including weekends, and holidays, as needed
• Opens and closes the building as assigned
• Follows all safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment for staff and living environment for animals. Takes immediate action to address any safety concern or noncompliance of safety rules that could put an employee, volunteer, client, animal, or the organization at risk.
• Represents the APL’s desire to celebrate a diverse and inclusive culture that fuels the compassion that connects us to one another.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate’s degree in communications; criminal justice certification; or office management certification strongly preferred
• Must possess a valid Ohio Driver’s License and insurable driving record
• Prior experience in animal behavior, health, and handling
• Certified euthanasia technician or ability to become certified within six months of hire
• Fear Free Certified or must become certified within six months of hire

Knowledge And Skills

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a variety of people
• Ability to work with a computer in a Windows environment
• Knowledge of animal breeds, behavior, and handling
• Knowledge of animal health, ability to identify illness preferred
• Ability to safely handle animals, including those with health and behavioral challenges
• Excellent communication skills and ability to follow instructions
• Detail oriented and able to prioritize and perform duties efficiently and effectively
• Committed to maintaining the Cleveland Animal Protective League’s high standard of animal care and mission to foster compassion and end animal suffering.

Working Conditions

Work is performed constantly outside in all types of weather and in an animal shelter that operates seven days per week with exposure to animals, including some that may be unhealthy, contagious, or dangerous, exposure to high noise levels, zoonotic diseases, and cleaning agents. Subject to animal bites and scratches. Subject to exposure to potentially violent/dangerous situations. Must be able to detect and recognize animal behavior that is potentially dangerous. Frequently moves about the shelter, various outside areas, and various dwellings in order to interact with animals and the public. Regularly operates a computer and other office equipment in a shared office environment (i.e. calculator, copier, and printer). Frequently bends, lifts, stoops, walks. Frequently positions self to handle animals of all sizes in a variety of areas and positions (high spaces, low spaces, small spaces, etc.). Frequently positions self to drive vehicle and perform vehicle cleaning functions. Constantly communicates with the public, staff members and volunteers and must be able to exchange accurate information. Frequently lifts or moves animals weighing up to 75 lbs with reasonable accommodations. Occasionally moves or lifts animals more than 75 pounds with reasonable accommodations. Must be able to modify work schedule to meet APL operational needs. May be required to “on call” and work non-standard hours as necessary. May be required to work overtime as necessary.

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.

Our Core Values

Compassion - We are compassion in action. We believe every animal and person has value and worth and should be treated with respect, empathy, and kindness to support the human-animal bond.

Advocacy - We are a voice for animals, dedicated to lifesaving solutions that advance their quality of life, and promote their place in society.

Leadership – We act with integrity, creativity, duty to community, and have the courage to change. These are the driving forces that make us a leading animal welfare organization.

Innovation – We are devoted to pioneering new approaches to the evolving challenges animals face by developing ethical, humane solutions and working in partnership with the public and animal welfare community.

Teamwork – We are one team and believe we must all work together to best fulfill our vision.