Receiving Clerk - THE HUMANE SOCIETY FOR TACOMA AND PIERCE COUNTY

This position is eligible for a $3.55 increase upon completing the EBI (Euthanasia by Injection) course and becoming certified.

Department / Classification: Animal Care / Non-Exempt; Union
Reports To: Shelter Operations Manager
Supervises: None

JOB SUMMARY: Provides courteous and professional service to customers and Animal Control Officers bringing in animals. Assists Animal Control when necessary with intake. Maintains accurate intake records for all incoming animals. Assists clients who have lost pets and performs reclaim procedures. Perform financial transactions as necessary following agreed procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & FUNCTIONS:

• Greet customers and Animal Control Officers in a friendly and welcoming manner as they enter the facility
• Answer customer inquiries and provide accurate information.
• Receive owner surrendered and stray animals from the public. Charge accurate fees and ensure relevant information and history is collected and entered in Chameleon and/or Vend.
• Ensure all incoming animals have a routine exam and receive intake protocol items (microchips, dewormer, vaccines etc.) as per departmental protocols and immediately advise vet department of any new arrivals and alert veterinary staff of any concerns related to illness or injury.
• Takes photo for every animal upon arrival and ensure the photo is uploaded to chameleon.
• Create and print kennel cards for all incoming animals and ensure they are placed in appropriate housing in a timely manner.
• Offer alternatives to relinquishment for owner surrender inquiries.
• Direct and/or accompany owners of lost animals into the appropriate areas of the building and reference binders or other materials as relevant.
• Advice owners of lost pets of strategies to locate pets.
• Make every effort to match all information to locate an animal’s owner including checking community lost and found posts on social media.
• Handle return to owner transactions, ensuring adequate “proof of ownership” is obtained, appropriate fees are collected, and relevant licenses are issued as per established procedures.
• Handle euthanasia and cremation requests for the public.
• Ensure all customers and partners are treated in a courteous, nonjudgmental, empathetic and professional manner.
• Monitor phone lines and return calls by the next business day.
• Maintain the receiving area in a neat and orderly fashion at all times ensuring that appropriate signage, educational information, brochures etc. are kept stocked and up to date.
• Ensure all office supplies and equipment are kept stocked and in good working order alerting appropriate staff as necessary when repairs or purchases are needed.
• Maintain full knowledge of responsible pet guardianship, animal care and local ordinances to assist customers with inquiries as necessary.
• Ensure that opening and closing checklists are completed and that daily cash reconciliations are completed.
• Actively promotes The Society’s mission, services, programs and events.
• Promotes donations and giving opportunities as appropriate.
• Brings forward safety concerns and actively engages in problem solving.
• Willingly and cooperatively performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Skills:

• Available to work weekends, holiday shifts and overtime as needed
• Ability to work with all animal species.
• Knowledge of best practices in animal health, care and welfare
• Strong fear free and safe animal handling skills.
• Outgoing, polite and professional manner.
• Team player, able to work in a fast-pace environment and multi-task.
• The ability to deal with a diverse public on the telephone and in person is required
• Excellent communication skills both orally and in writing
• Computer skills in a Windows environment preferred including Word, Excel, Power Point and Chameleon
• The position holder will be handling cash so must have proficient math’s skills
• Must have the ability to multi task, prioritize and handle high levels of stress
• Position requires excellent organizational skills, as well as high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Must be dependable, have proven ability to meet deadlines and follow detailed instructions without need of constant support.
• Must support the mission, programs and activities of the Society and act as an advocate for the organization.

Education/Certification:

• High school diploma or equivalent. Preference for the completion of a two or four-year accredited college or university with computer training or experience
• Computer skills in a Windows environment preferred including Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams, SharePoint and Chameleon
• The ability to complete Fear Free for Shelter certification within 60 days of employment

Experience and Knowledge

• Relevant animal welfare experience would be useful but is not essential but experience in a customer service environment is essential.