Job Title:  Community Caseworker

Department:  Pet Resource Center
Classification:  Non-Exempt (hourly), Full-Time

Reports to:  Community Caseworker Supervisor

Position Summary:

The mission of the Lawrence Humane Society is to nurture the human-animal bond by providing shelter, care, and advocacy for homeless and vulnerable animals, as well as resources for the people and pets in our community. The Lawrence Humane Society realizes pet homelessness affects our entire community and as part of the mission, seeks to support pet owners in crisis.

The Pet Resource Center (PRC) is an integral component of achieving this mission. The PRC is staffed by three Community Caseworkers who report to the Community Caseworker Supervisor, and is led by the Senior Manager of Social Work. We believe in respecting and supporting the pet and pet owner and seek to create a work culture that promotes compassion, innovation, and excellence. Community Caseworkers are responsible for all animals entering the shelter through law enforcement, Animal Control, transfers, stray pets found, and at times, owner surrenders. Community Caseworkers process incoming requests for pet surrenders, work with pet owners to keep pets in the home, work with community partners and human service organizations to create solutions for pets and owners, and counsel the public on animal care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Process all incoming animals, including stray, surrendered, and transferred animals. Support colleagues in managing animal flow. Employ the use of lower stress animal handling techniques.
• Deliver services and programs with an open-minded and inclusive attitude. Treat each community encounter with respect, kindness, and compassion.
• Respond to pet owners requesting assistance.
• Become familiar with community resources such as food banks, medical services, housing assistance, and other human services programs. Connect pet owners to community resources that they may need.
• Offer information and counseling on spay/neuter, animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and general pet care.
• Offer owners food, crates, carriers, and other supplies that may be available.
• Understand and abide by all federal, state, and local ordinances, as well as state regulations.
• Diligently enter communication and information into shelter management software, retrieve and report on data collected, and offer solutions based on data collected.
• Keep records of all communications and assistance provided to pet owners and community members. Track data with care and diligence.
• Provide re-homing packets to owners who wish to rehome their pets privately. Include adoption information, meet and greet instructions, questions to ask future owners, etc.
• Communicate critical information to colleagues as needed to ensure the highest standard of animal care and customer service.
• Follow all workplace safety rules, actively promoting a safe work environment and taking immediate action to prevent and address hazards.
• Follow all LHS disease transmission prevention protocols.
• Participate in interdepartmental discussions to support and develop LHS initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Compassion for animals and pet owners, sometimes in emotionally difficult and complex situations, without judgment.
• Passion for serving the community as a whole and individual people.
• Highly collaborative with colleagues and community partners.
• Demonstrably sound judgement in dealing with the public and handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Highly developed critical thinking skills, a commitment to ongoing learning and growth, and a willingness to consistently address process improvement.
• Skilled at conflict resolution and dealing with challenging individuals.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and endure a fast pace.
• Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills with a diverse range of individuals, sometimes in an emotional, fast-paced setting.
• Proficiency with computers and able to quickly learn new software.
• General animal behavior and care knowledge.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and data entry.

Position Requirements:

• At least 18 years of age;
• High School Diploma or GED;
• Community outreach, customer service, or advocacy experience;
• No allergies to animals or chemical cleaning agents; and
• Able to work holidays and weekends as needed.

Preferred Skills/Knowledge:

• Experience in animal welfare and/or animal handling;
• Experience in human services and/or social welfare; and
• Fluency and/or proficiency in Spanish.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Considerable time communicating with the public;
• Regular contact with upset and emotional individuals, potentially dangerous animals, and deceased animals can occur;
• Exposure to animal bites, scratches, dander, parasites, infectious diseases, strong odors and fumes from caustic chemicals, and animal waste;
• Exposure to high noise levels;
• Work in a stationary position for extended periods of time using a computer;
• Traverse the facility and grounds for extended periods of time performing labor that may include walking (with and without animals weighing up to 150 pounds), reaching with hands and arms, climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling, lifting up to 50 pounds without assistance and operating various tools and equipment;
• Exposure to wet, cold, and/or humid conditions if working outdoors.
  
  

The Lawrence Humane Society believes that our organization is strengthened by the diversity of our staff, and welcome such diversity including race, gender identity or expression, educational attainment, disability, veteran status, and personal experiences. The Lawrence Humane Society encourages applications from people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. 

To apply for this position, please click the button below.

Job Title:  Foster and Transfer Coordinator
Classification:  Non-Exempt (hourly), Full-Time 
Reports to: Senior Manager of Programs
Supervises: Volunteer Foster Caregivers
Salary: $13.28/hour

Position Summary: 
The Foster and Transport Coordinator provides strategic direction for the foster, rescue, and transfer functions of the agency. They will partner closely with the Senior

Manager of Programs to develop, implement and monitor all programs related to working closely with animal rescue groups and foster care providers to assure compliance with all company policies on rescue and foster care processes. Assists in the planning and completion of necessary arrangements and expedites documentation to assure most efficient and effective animal transition, in addition to any new initiatives LHS pursues. They will oversee and coordinate all foster and transfer functions and will support the Senior Manager of Programs’ role in determining appropriate placement and treatment decisions for shelter animals.
The FTC reports to the Senior Manager of Programs and is responsible for the supervision, scheduling, training, development and counseling of foster homes and applicable volunteers. They will participate in weekly management meetings, and will coach foster homes and volunteers by providing regular ongoing feedback. 

Position Duties:

• Oversees foster homes and other assigned volunteers

• Effectively plans, develops, and manages foster homes and assigned volunteers

• Reviews practices and procedures to ensure efficient and economical use of resources, and creates and updates SOPs and policies as needed.

• Engages in open and informative communications with the Senior Manager of Programs to give and receive input regarding policy, personnel issues, and budget.

• Directs and provides training to foster homes and assigned volunteers to assure compliance with all safety regulations, LHS policies and procedures.

• Tactfully and effectively communicates with staff, volunteers, and the public in both emotional/challenging situations and day-to-day communications.

• Maintains accurate and complete records and files on all animals, staff, volunteers, correspondence, and shelter activities.

Strategy Development

• Develop and adapt work techniques and methods to deliver high quality customer service and animal care.

• Assists rescue and placement groups according to The Lawrence Humane Society policies and procedures.

• Ensures that all approved rescue groups have proper and current paperwork on file.

• Prepares all paperwork and coordination needed for rescue and placement groups to take an animal from The Lawrence Humane Society, or for the Lawrence Humane Society to receive an animal from a rescue group, shelter, or government entity

• Assists in the monitoring of Rescue Tracking and Pre-Foster reports.

• Contacts rescues when an animal has been recommended for rescue by the medical or behavior teams or as directed by upper management

• Contacts fosters with the opportunity of fostering in addition to coordinating foster exams.

• Handles paperwork needed for the fostering of animals.

• Enters notes in Chameleon system to ensure all staff knows status of foster and rescue animal disposition.

• Orients fosters with animal care information, answer questions that arise while animals are in foster homes.

• Works closely with the medical and behavioral evaluation teams to assess the need and availability of fosters and rescues.

• Able to make educated decisions on behalf of The Lawrence Humane Society and animal’s best interest.

• Recommends changes to the program to become more efficient, expand educational materials for fosters, and develop a program to promote adoptable animals in foster care.

• Maintains a professional appearance at all times.

• Provides information and assistance to internal and external customers as required.

• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit’s service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a work team.

• In collaboration with the Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator (VCEC), develops training plans for volunteers.

• In collaboration with the Senior Manager of Operations, develops, maintains, and evaluates processes and procedures to facilitate the timely flow of animals through the shelter.

Administrative

• Makes recommendations for the organization’s budget planning purposes and regularly tracks and reports upon progress toward goals. 
• Prepares timely operational reports including a detailed monthly and annual report.
• Assists with new initiatives and special projects.

General

• Track all animal and customer data with care and diligence
• Represent LHS in a courteous and professional manner at all times, providing excellent customer service to all customers, guests and volunteers
• Follow all workplace safety rules, actively promoting a safe work environment and taking immediate action to prevent and address hazards. Report any injuries immediately.
• Follow all LHS disease prevention protocols
• Participate in interdepartmental discussions to support and develop LHS initiatives
• Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements:

• At least 18 years of age
• Legal U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
• High School Diploma or GED
• One (1) year of experience in an animal welfare or animal shelter setting preferred, but not required.
• Equivalent combination of formal education and appropriate related experience may be considered.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patrons, volunteers and staff. 
• Outstanding strategic, communications and interpersonal skills. 
• Experience in planning, leading and managing strategic projects.
• Goal-driven, holding self and others accountable to department and agency goals, with effective skills at prioritizing and redirecting activities to achieve the desired outcomes. 
• Maturity and confidence in dealing with internal leaders and external stakeholders. 
• Effective at working with others to reach common goals and objectives.
• Critical thinking skills and focus on consistent process improvement. 
• Strong supervisory abilities. 
• Strong customer service orientation and effectiveness in interacting with people from different backgrounds. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Flexibility with work schedule in support of events and deadlines. 
• Commitment to ongoing learning and growth.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Work in a stationary position for extended periods of time using a computer
• Traverse the facility and grounds for extended periods of time performing labor that may include walking, reaching with hands and arms, climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling, lifting up to 50 pounds without assistance and operating various tools and equipment
• Exposure to animal bites, scratches, dander, parasites, infectious diseases, strong odors and fumes from caustic chemicals and animal waste
• Exposure to wet, cold, and/or humid conditions while working outdoors
• Exposure to high noise levels
• Use of a portable radio and headset required
• Operate LHS vehicles, including a truck and full-size van

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, qualifications, skills or working conditions associated with the position. The aforementioned job requirements are subject to change to reasonably accommodate qualified disabled individuals. Lawrence Humane Society is an at-will employer, and reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description in any way the Lawrence Humane Society desires.
The Lawrence Humane Society believes that our organization is strengthened by the diversity of our staff, and welcome such diversity including race, gender identity or expression, educational attainment, disability, veteran status, and personal experiences. The Lawrence Humane Society encourages applications from people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. 

The Lawrence Humane Society is seeking a dynamic volunteer & community engagement professional to design, plan, and direct a vibrant volunteer program and community initiatives at our quickly expanding animal welfare organization and shelter in Lawrence, Kansas.

Teaming with an energetic and talented staff, the Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator (VCEC) will create sustainable and engaging opportunities and programs to recruit, train and retain volunteers as well as community programs and events.The Lawrence Humane Society (LHS) is a managed-admission animal shelter that provides shelter for lost, abandoned and homeless pets and 24-hour daily rescue for injured stray animals. Over 4,500 animals are admitted to our shelter every year.

Mission:​ The Lawrence Humane Society nurtures the human-animal bond by providing shelter, care and advocacy for homeless and abused animals, as well as resources for the people and pets in our community.

Vision:​ Changing the lives of people and animals in our community by providing leadership and resources in animal welfare, health and education.

Classification:​ Non-Exempt

Reports to: ​Senior Manager of Programs

Supervises: ​Volunteers

Salary:​ $13.28/hour

Schedule:​ Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00am-6:00pm (some evenings and additional days required)

Position Summary:​  The Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator (VCEC) provides strategic direction for the volunteer and community event functions of the agency. They will build a solid and sustainable volunteer program, create and execute community engagement programs in the community and the shelter, and will act as a liaison between community partners, volunteers, and LHS. They will coordinate and oversee all volunteer functions at all off-site adoption events, fundraising events, and other projects. They will manage the volunteer program in order to enhance program delivery and engage volunteers effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

Volunteer Coordination:

●Oversees the volunteer and community engagement program ensuring effective contributions to target LHS programs, a positive experience for volunteers, and engagement in the broader work of LHS. Establishes positive relationships with LHS’s long-time supporters and actively recruits new volunteers.

●Ensures establishment of best practices and effective policies and procedures within the department and throughout the agency as they relate to volunteer and community outreach and education functions.

●Supervises volunteers in performance of duties, providing them continuous feedback and special guidance when requested or required. Engages, motivates and creates learning opportunities for volunteers. Conducts recognition programs to honor volunteers. Assists in resolving disputes and terminates volunteers not fulfilling the required duties.

●Maintains volunteer personnel records, records volunteer duties and hours donated and notes incidents and injuries.

●Monitors and manages volunteer satisfaction, acknowledgements, suggestions, feedback, and attrition.

●Develops and implements policies and procedures for the volunteer management program.

●Oversees all aspects of outreach and communications to volunteers.

●Coordinates group volunteer efforts, student assignments, and special projects.

●Works collaboratively with other departments to ensure positive communication with all volunteers and supporters.

Events and Community Engagement:

●Coordinates volunteer presence at off-site events, ensuring human and animal safety, effective messaging, fundraising, and professional presence.

●Under the guidance of the Senior Manager of Programs, identifies or designs, plans, establishes, and manages community opportunities and activities.

●Oversees presentations for schools, youth groups, community organizations and tours.

●Conducts research and finds resources to make informed decisions about new, strategic volunteer possibilities.

●Represents organization at community events, seeking advantageous partnerships with community businesses, vendors and individuals.

Administrative:

●Makes recommendations for the organization’s budget planning purposes and regularly tracks and reports upon progress toward goals.

●Prepares timely operational reports including a detailed annual report.

●Assists with fundraising initiatives and special projects.

Animal Handling:

●Demonstrate proficiency in safe and humane animal handling practices to assist volunteers, manage animals at offsite functions, and provide support to other departments on occasion. Prior handling experience not required, but a willingness to learn and become proficient is required.

Minimum Job Requirements:

●Commitment to Lawrence Humane Society’s mission and vision.

●Experience with community outreach and event-related work in a nonprofit setting; experience with database management a plus.

●Experience managing volunteers.

●Outstanding strategic, communications and interpersonal skills.

●Experience in planning, leading and managing community engagement projects.

●Goal-driven, holding self and others accountable to department and agency goals, with effective skills at prioritizing and redirecting activities to achieve the desired outcomes.

●Maturity and confidence in dealing with internal leaders and external stakeholders.

●Effective at working with others to reach common goals and objectives.

●Critical thinking skills and focus on consistent process improvement.

●Strong supervisory abilities.

●Strong customer service orientation and effectiveness in interacting with people from different backgrounds.

●Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

●Flexibility with work schedule in support of events and deadlines.

●Commitment to ongoing learning and growth.

Physical Demands: 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.The employee is required to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time, as well as move and traverse within the shelter facility for extended periods of time, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee is required to communicate, converse with, convey information to, express oneself, and exchange Information with shelter staff and the general public. The employee must regularly move, transport, and position items weighing up to 10 pounds, frequently moves, transports, and positions items weighing up to 25 pounds, and occasionally moves, transports,and positions items weighing up to 50 pounds. The employee is continuously exposed to animals, animal waste, potentially harmful cleaning chemicals, high noise and potentially hazardous conditions, including the risk of animal bites and working outdoors for extended periods of time during cold and extremely hot weather.

General Expectations:  We value integrity, respect, innovation, quality, passion, fun, and generosity. We expect each associate to practice these values in the way we approach our work and the way we treat one another, the animals and the public we serve. It is the primary responsibility of everyone working at the Lawrence Humane Society to focus on the success of the animals we care for by working in collaboration and harmony with team members throughout the organization. Each one of us is responsible for understanding and following Lawrence Humane Society’s policies, procedures, and practices.

In addition to the specific job responsibilities listed, Lawrence Humane Society employees must successfully perform other responsibilities as assigned. The Lawrence Humane Society reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description in anyway the Lawrence Humane Society desires. This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties, including essential duties, to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Theaforementioned job requirements are subject to change to provide reasonable accommodation as necessary.

The Lawrence Humane Society believes that our organization is strengthened by the diversity of our staff,and welcome such diversity including race, gender identity or expression, educational attainment,disability, veteran status, and personal experiences. The Lawrence Humane Society encourages applications from people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.