Intake Receptionist

Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter; Tuscaloosa (AL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in animal care is seeking an Intake Receptionist to join their dedicated team. In this role, you will provide vital support to pet owners, helping them navigate the intake process while ensuring the well-being of animals. Your responsibilities will include answering inquiries, coordinating with animal control, and maintaining accurate records. This position offers a dynamic work environment where you can make a real difference in the lives of pets and their owners. If you are a compassionate individual with strong communication skills and a passion for animal welfare, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Company parties

Paid time off

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate professionally with the public daily.
• Must be non-judgmental and capable of managing stressful situations.

Responsibilities

• Assist pet owners with surrendering pets and provide helpful information.
• Coordinate with animal control and manage intake data.

Skills

Communication Skills

Customer Service

Data Entry

Stress Management

Basic Veterinary Knowledge

Organization Skills

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

ShelterLuv

Basic Computer Applications

Job description

Benefits:

• Company parties
• Paid time off

JOB SUMMARY

The Intake Receptionist is responsible for providing high quality information regarding resources, intake services, and referrals to people coming into the intake lobby. Will be responsible for reducing shelter intake and length of stay in the shelter through the provision of helpful, supportive, non-judgmental, proactive services that reunite lost pets with owners, and give owners tools to be able to keep their pet.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (not limited to)

• Assist pet owners wishing to surrender their pet. Provide helpful information to them and encourage them to keep their pet by providing information about services. If they are intent on surrender, make appointment for that surrender.
• Answer phone calls pertaining to intake. Check voicemails of the intake department and return calls.
• Coordinates and communicates with animal control about all incoming animals, ensuring the proper information is collected and recorded.
• Assist owners wishing to reclaim an animal. Walk people around the building and help them with the process of reclaiming.
• Enter all data related to the intake of an animal into the ShelterLuv system.
• Review and respond to intake emails.
• Review all lost/found social media pages to try to match up ones coming in with ones being lost.
• Keeps intake lobby clean.
• Post daily lost/found animals on TMAS Facebook page.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Will be asked to communicate with the public daily in a professional manner.
• Must be non-judgmental, open to new ideas, endlessly optimistic, follow instructions, and comfortable with change.
• Must be able to learn basic veterinary concepts such as vaccine protocols, deworming protocols, and information about diseases prevalent in animals.
• Must be able to stand or sit for 8 or more hours.
• Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly.
• Must be able to work in potentially extreme environmental temperatures.
• Must be able to work under stressful situations and work efficiently and effectively under those conditions.
• Must be able to cope with varying degrees of injured animals and with euthanasia.
• Ability to cope with frustrating situations and remain calm.
• Ability to rapidly and accurately process information.
• Ability to recognize the need for assistance and ask for help.
• Ability to work independently and work as a team.
• Demonstrate capability to conduct oneself in a calm and professional demeanor when dealing with the public and/or with difficult situations.
• Demonstrate capability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively manage a wide array of tasks, projects, and responsibilities.
• Ability to work productively with frequent interruptions.
• Proficient in basic computer applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and internet usage.
• Record keeping, organization, and planning skills.

POTENTIAL FOR PROLONGED EXPOSURE

• Prolonged exposure to various aqueous solutions, including but not limited to, dish soaps, laundry detergents, bleach, etc.
• Prolonged exposure to hydrogen peroxide.
• Prolonged exposure to various zoonotic diseases.

PREFERRED

• High school education completed.
• Have job-related experience.
• Candidate should be a highly motivated, enthusiastic self-starter with a positive professional attitude. This is absolutely imperative.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The offices and operations of an animal shelter can be high stress and very busy at times. This position will typically have a set schedule with rotating weekends. Candidate must be flexible with schedule changes and short notice requests.

The hours for this position are generally 12 am to 6 pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday through Saturday. Must be willing and able to work alternative hours if necessary. This could include weekend or holidays (we work with animals who require regular care- including days we are closed-this requires teamwork). This position requires a motivated individual who enjoys working with people and animals.

NOTE: If you aren't available from 12 pm to 6 pm, please do not apply for this opportunity.