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.

Position: Customer Care Associate
Classification: Non-Exempt (hourly), Full-Time
Reports to: Customer Care Supervisor
Supervises: N/A

Position Summary:
Customer Care Associates at Lawrence Humane Society (LHS) are compassionate, hard-working professionals who enjoy a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Their primary goal is to find suitable homes for the animals in LHS’ care by working with customers who visit the shelter and counseling them towards a great fit with one (or more) of our animals. Other duties include data entry, handling payments and donations, providing direct animal care and cleaning various areas of the shelter on a daily basis. LHS utilizes an open adoption philosophy that emphasizes reducing barriers and saving lives. 

Responsibilities:

Customer Service

• Provide extraordinary service to LHS customers who visit or call to inquire about our services and programs
• Actively engage members of the public from the moment they arrive or call LHS
• Counsel prospective adopters to match the appropriate animal to the adopter(s) and educate them on proper animal care
• Inform customers of the animal’s noted medical and behavioral history at LHS and prior (as available)
• Counsel customers on necessary future and ongoing veterinary care as well as any applicable programs and services
• Field (or transfer as needed) calls using a multi-line phone system
• Provide compassionate, respectful counseling to customers when the adoption is not a good fit

Animal Care

• Work with colleagues to provide all animals in LHS’ care with appropriate housing, food, water, bedding, toys and other mental and physical stimulation and enrichment
• Handle dogs (of various sizes and temperaments), cats, and occasionally small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.) safely and appropriately throughout the completion of daily cleaning and animal care tasks
• Adhere to established Standard Operating Procedures for shelter operations
• Monitor animals’ health and immediately report any concerns to medical staff 

Cleaning 

• Thoroughly clean kennels and other animal areas daily and as needed, helping to ensure a clean and sanitary facility at all times
• Use shelter database software and other means of communication and data tracking to to keep an accurate animal inventory, input animal behavior notes and other memos, submit medical exam requests, place holds, etc.

Data Entry and Administrative Tasks

• Process adoptions and related paperwork, collect adoption and other fees, issue receipts, and maintain records of adoption sales transactions
• Ensure all animal kennels are clearly and consistently labeled with accurate, up-to-date information about the animals residing in them

General

• Represent LHS in a courteous and professional manner at all times, providing excellent customer service to all customers, guests, colleagues and volunteers
• Communicate critical information to colleagues as needed to ensure the highest standard of animal care
• 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 transmission prevention protocols

• Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements:

• At least 18 years of age

• Legal U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Compassion and empathy for animal and human clients

• Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Maturity and professionalism
• Organized, detail-oriented, “self-starter” work ethic
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to work individually and on a team
• Windows and Microsoft Office proficiency.  Ability to learn new software.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and growth
• Sound judgement in handling sensitive and confidential information
• Able to communicate effectively with people of various ages and backgrounds

• No allergies to animals or chemical cleaning agents
• Able to work holidays and weekends as needed

Preferred Skills/Knowledge:

• Strong customer service background
• Ability to learn computer software quickly
• Calm and level-headed in difficult and emotional situations
• Experience in the animal welfare field

• Experience working for a nonprofit organization
• Knowledge of basic animal handling, behavior and health
• Basic knowledge of Google applications
• Proven ability to work in a team environment with a variety of people

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Considerable time communicating with the public
• Contact with angry 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
• Use of a portable radio and headset required
• 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 while working outdoors
• Occasional need to operate LHS vehicles, including 1-ton pick-up truck and full-size van (preferred, not required).

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 submit a cover letter and resume to Shannon Wells, Executive Director, swells@lawrencehumane.org.  

Job Title:  Director of Development & Communications
Department:  Development & Communications
Classification:  Exempt, Full-Time
Reports to:  Executive Director

Position Summary: 

The mission of the Lawrence Humane Society (LHS) 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 Development & Communications Team is vital to achieving this mission and the Director of Development & Communications is a critical role within the organization.

The Director of Development & Communications will work hand-in-hand with leadership to provide day-to-day oversight of funding and communication resources to help build the capacity of the Lawrence Humane Society. The focus of this position is to secure immediate and future funding to serve more pets and people in Lawrence and Douglas County, KS, and to position LHS within the regional marketplace as the preferred charity of choice for giving, volunteering, and adopting.

The Lawrence Humane Society is seeking a Director of Development & Communications (DOD) to provide strategic leadership, both external and internal, for the development and marketing functions of the organization. They will partner closely with the executive director (ED) to build on a solid history of fundraising, increase current support, and generate new streams of revenue. They will provide strategic leadership supporting the organization’s donor relationship and community awareness goals. They will oversee and coordinate donor relations with all government, corporate, and foundation entities, and individual donor relations, and will coordinate community awareness activities. They will provide strategic guidance and oversight to the marketing and communications functions in order to drive broad awareness and visibility for the organization’s important work in the community.

The DOD reports to the ED, is a member of the senior management team, and supervises the Development and Communications team. The DOD will provide staff support and professional recommendations to the ED and the LHS Board of Directors.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising and Development

• Secure new donors to meet programmatic and financial goals through major gifts from individuals, corporations, and public and private grants; planned giving; capital and endowment funding; and special events and special appeals.
• Assist leadership in development and monitoring of annual budget, ensuring that funds are raised to cover annual operational budget as well as to build for future capacity to serve more pets and people.

• Manage a portfolio of major donor prospects while supporting the ED in the cultivation and solicitation of their portfolio.
• Oversee all aspects of outreach and stewardship to donors.  Establish positive relationships with LHS’s long-time supporters and funders.
• Support Executive Director in capital and endowment campaign efforts.
• Oversee and monitor donor database; ensure that donor’s gifts are properly recorded and acknowledged.

Marketing and Communications

• Lead and implement development and communications plans to advance LHS strategic plan and financial goals. Coordinate all related activities throughout the agency, including those undertaken by the Board
• Support the Executive Director in their role as chief spokesperson, and serve as a senior ambassador for the organization.
• Build alliances with print, radio, televisions, and billboard partners to ensure maximum community presence at low or no cost.
• Partner with businesses and corporations to ensure creative marketing strategies are defined and implemented to ensure maximum community presence at low or no cost.
• Effectively communicate, both orally and in written formats, the need for donors, volunteers, and adopters in the community.

• Oversee communications efforts, including messaging strategies, media relations, and print/web/social media and other tactics

Organizational Leadership

• Ensure establishment of best marketing and fundraising practices and effective procedures within the department and throughout the agency as they relate to development and communication functions.
• Engage and motivate a dedicated staff team, and create opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development.
• Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure communication accurately reflects the organization’s work and needs.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Three to five years of successful experience in fund development and communications OR similar experience; animal welfare experience is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience successfully writing grants and cultivating relationships with funders.
• Demonstrated experience with direct mail management.
• Experience managing a team and working with a Board of Directors
• Proven success in raising major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Proven success in executing major fundraising events.
• Transparent and high integrity leadership and a style that motivates people to work hard while having fun.
• Solid, proven budget management skills including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making and reporting.
• Strong organizational abilities including collaborating, planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and appropriate self-confidence and maturity so as to effectively communicate the vision, mission, and work of LHS to all community members, as well as in a manner inspiring to staff, board, donors and volunteers.

COMPETENCIES

• Ability to set and meet goals, possessing strong time management and organizational skills.
• Knowledge and experience in project planning, prospect research, and general management skills.
• Effective, experienced, and confident public speaker.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Ability to learn how to use new software, platforms, and applications to efficiently and effectively manage information.
• Proven track record of being intentionally inclusive and welcoming, particularly with communities different than one’s self
• 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.
• Highly developed critical thinking skills and a focus on consistent process improvement.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

An ideal candidate will embody the following characteristics:

• Receptivity to direction, feedback, and guidance.
• Maturity in articulating personal needs, wants, and perspectives.
• Appreciating and valuing individuals’ differences.
• Engagement and actively listening when communicating with others so that others feel heard and understood.
• Highly strategic, never losing sight of the big picture.
• Appreciation for collaboration, as well as encouraging others’ ideas and input.
• Ability to delegate appropriately and encouragement of staff to be responsible for their own work.
• Understanding that mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow.
• Flexibility when it comes to solving challenges and adaptable so that each approach is most effective and appropriate for a given situation.
• Maintenance of healthy boundaries and a positive work culture.
• Willingness to cross-train and cover for others as needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The environmental conditions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Flexibility with work schedule in support of events and deadlines.
• Routine and flexible office environment with the ability to work away from the office and beyond regular work schedules when needed to complete the work.
• Work in a stationary position for extended periods of time using a computer.
• Considerable time communicating with the public.
• Occasional exposure to animals and all risks associated with animal contact including bites, scratches, dander, parasites, infectious diseases, strong odors and fumes from caustic chemicals, and animal waste.
• Occasional exposure to high noise levels.
• Occasional 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.
• Occasional 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 submit a cover letter and resume to Shannon Wells, Executive Director, swells@lawrencehumane.org.  

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 Animal Care & Enrichment Associate serves a vital role in the organization’s mission by providing quality daily care for animals housed at the shelter.  Meeting the needs of the animals at our facility is the foundation of our work and the AC&E Associate takes the lead on daily care.  The AC&E Associate feeds and exercises animals, provides enrichment activities in the kennel, and sanitizes the kennels and rooms where animals are housed.  Although the work is primarily animal-focused the AC&E will routinely work with volunteers to accomplish tasks and may provide backup support for customer service.

Cleaning Duties:

• Must be able to work in all areas of the shelter (Cats, Dogs, Isolation, etc.)

• Clean and disinfect kennels and cages thoroughly and in a timely manner
• Wash and disinfect dishes
• Process laundry until complete if needed, clean machines as needed
• Clean, disinfect, and organize workroom
• Empty trash cans and put trash in the dumpster
• Maintain inventory of supplies and unload/stock donations and supplies
• Perform general housekeeping duties and help maintain the facility and grounds
• Follow all disease control protocols

Animal Care Duties:

• Ensure animals have access to appropriate types and amount of food and water
• Monitor animal health, including identifying and reporting illnesses and injuries
• Monitor animal behavior and immediately report signs of aggression or stress
• Ensure animals are collared and tagged as needed 
• Provide animals with appropriate kennel enrichment and exercise 

• Become familiar with animals and their personalities to aid in getting them adopted

• Promote humane animal treatment and positive reinforcement training techniques

Record-Keeping Duties:

• Ensure kennel signage is complete, visible, and neatly arranged 
• Ensure animals’ online records are up-to-date 
• Ensure records such as feeding and behavior charts are complete 
• Add notes about animals’ behavior to their records to assist in finding the right placements

People Care Duties:

• Assist owners looking for lost pets
• Train and support volunteers and community service workers in the execution of their duties

 
General Duties:

• Represent Lawrence Humane Society in a courteous and professional manner at all times
• Provide excellent customer service to external and internal customers (colleagues)
• Promptly report lost or broken equipment to supervisor
• Promptly report when supplies are running low so they can be ordered
• Actively promote a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules, taking immediate action to prevent or address any safety hazard, and promptly reporting workplace injuries and near-misses
• Respond promptly to radio and in-person requests for assistance in all areas of the shelter, including acknowledging the request and your ability to address it
• Follow all policies and procedures in the LHS Personnel Practices employee handbook as well as other procedures communicated by management

Required:

• High School Diploma or completion of G.E.D. equivalency;
• Effective written and verbal communication skills;
• No allergies to animals or chemical cleaning agents;
• Strong work ethic and ability to accurately follow detailed cleaning and animal care procedures;
• Ability to learn new software to a level of competency;

Preferred Skills/Abilities/Knowledge:

• Experience in veterinary hospital, animal shelter, or kennel field;
• Experience working for a nonprofit or Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in related field; Knowledge of basic animal handling, behavior and health;
• Basic knowledge of Windows-based computer software;
• Basic knowledge of Google applications and/or Chameleon Software;
• Proven ability to work in a team environment with a variety of people; and
• Strong customer service skills.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a kennel environment with regular exposure to high noise levels, chemical cleaning agents, animal dander, wet floors, the elements (when working outdoors), potentially aggressive and dangerous animals and animal bites and scratches.
• Work requires walking, standing, bending, scrubbing, and reaching up to 10 hours a day, plus moving/walking dogs and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds without assistance.
• Daily duties require reading and following instructions, using a computer workstation, and wearing a portable radio.

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 engourages applications from people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

To apply, click the “Apply Today” button below, or email a resume and cover letter to Liz Adams, Senior Manager of Operations, ladams@lawrencehuamne.org.