Information & Referral Specialist

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris County Public Health seeks a dedicated Information Referral Specialist to support public health services at Harris County Pets. The role emphasizes answering inquiries on rabies, leash laws, and responsible pet ownership, plus processing licenses and maintaining pet records.

Experience with data entry and customer service is required, with bilingual English/Spanish skills preferred. Under the Business Manager, this full-time position involves engaging with the public in a professional

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 1 year of customer service experience.
• At least 1 year of data entry experience.

Responsibilities

• Answer calls requesting information about lost/found pets and provide leash, rabies, and ownership information.
• Process license applications (mail-in and electronic) and maintain licensing database.
• Collect and receipting of fees and manage customer service communications.
• Update animal status in the system and prepare required reports.

Skills

Customer service

Data entry

Microsoft Office

Communication

Bilingual English/Spanish

Team player

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Chameleon software

Windows-based programs

Job description

If you’re looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.

About Harris County Public Health:

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Our Values:

HCPH embraces a foundation of progressive work anchored by the department’s cornerstone values guiding our work to improve the community’s health and well-being.

• Transparency - We share information openly and honestly so that staff, partners, and the community understand our actions and the reasons behind them.
• Integrity - Our actions reflect strong ethical principles, ensuring we remain trustworthy, accountable, and consistent with our mission.
• Respect - We foster a supportive environment by valuing diverse perspectives, listening intentionally, and treating people with dignity in every interaction.
• Impact - We focus our efforts on activities that improve health, reduce disparities, and create meaningful, measurable outcomes for the communities we serve.
• Collaboration - We actively partner across teams, disciplines, organizations, and communities to align our efforts toward common goals

Position Overview:

Under the Supervision of the Business Manager, the Information Referral Specialist (IRS) is responsible for database maintenance, revenue/collection/receipting, customer service, telephone support, and educating the public about rabies epidemiology, the leash law and responsible pet ownership.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Answers telephone calls requesting information, services and other inquiries concerning lost/found pets. Provides information regarding Harris County leash laws, rabies, animal safety and responsible pet ownership.
• Provides complete/accurate information to callers requesting routine zoonotic disease information and refers calls to appropriate agency when necessary.
• Responsible for collecting and receipting all fees.
• Process mail-in and electronic license applications, ensuring correct jurisdiction and appropriate payment.
• Maintains county wide licensing database for all pets and pet owners.
• Monitors and maintains complete owner and complainant information in database.
• Reviews each animal’s status daily. Update information according to animal release date and prepare euthanasia release sheet.
• Receives and processes all bite reports; documenting all information necessary to locate and quarantine biting animals.
• Ensures that possible rabies exposures are documented and communicated to dispatcher for investigation.
• Must be able to answer all questions regarding Harris County VPH services.
• Reviews and approves/rejects applications for adoptions. Counsel Citizens on adoption and responsible pet ownership.
• Training is offered for various Windows-based programs. Education on rabies, the leash law and responsible pet ownership will be provided. Training will be provided on adoption counseling. After 6 months an employee must be knowledgeable of rabies transmission and its consequences in animals and humans. The employee will receive routine reviews by the Business Manager.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail].

Education:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent

Experience:

• At least one (1) year of customer service experience.
• At least one (1) year of previous data entry experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate well verbally and written is essential.
• Ability to handle difficult situations with a professional manner is necessary
• Must be able to handle multiple projects with minimum supervision.
• Must demonstrate a professional image and have a cheerful, helpful phone voice.
• Must be able to handle multiple projects and be a team player.
• Must be comfortable working around animals.
• Must be able to handle difficult situations, multiple projects, be a self-motivator, and a team player.
• Ability to give attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

Core Competencies:

• Data Analytics and Assessment Skills: Ability to use data to analyze community health needs and support decisions that improve community health outcomes.
• Communication Skills: This competency focuses on using clear and effective communication to engage audiences, address misinformation, and build trust, supporting informed decisions and stronger public health outcomes.
• Health Advancement Skills: This competency focuses on applying principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to public health, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting fair access to resources for healthier communities.
• Community Partnership Skills: This competency focuses on collaborating with communities to address the systems and policies affecting health, fostering engagement, shared ownership, and sustainable improvements in well-being.
• Public Health Science Skills: This competency focuses on using public health science and evidence-based approaches to develop and improve policies and programs, ensuring effective delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

NOTE:

Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Experience:

• Experience in an animal shelter/clinic.
• Experience with HLP’s Chameleon software.
• Previous multi-line phone experience

Languages:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• This is a full-time position. Working 40 hours per week.

Work Environment:

• This job operates in a professional office environment and an animal shelter environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Physical Demands:

• This is a largely sedentary role; however, some duties would require the ability to lift up to 20 pounds and bending & standing for periods at a time.

Work Location:

• Harris County Public Health: Harris County Pets - Veterinary Public Health: 612 Canino Rd, Houston, TX 77076

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.