Temporary Animal Services Counselor

Full Job Description

The County of Riverside’s Human Resources Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) is offering multiple opportunities for Temporary Animal Services Counselors. This is a full-time, temporary positions located in Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto, & Coachella Valley locations.

Under general supervision, performs basic animal intake and assists with improving animal outcomes for the Department of Animal Services; coordinates for spay/neutering of animals for outreach adoptions and transporting animals to outreach events; performs other related duties as required.

The Animal Services Counselor is a first professional level classification and reports to a supervising or manager level position. This class is characterized by the responsibility for coordinating the animal intake and improving animal outcomes of shelter animals and participating in the Animal Services Community Outreach & Education Division activities.

Meet the team:

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has a vision for promoting an environment of responsible pet ownership through progressive animal welfare initiatives, community outreach, and humane education in a culture of compassion, creativity, and integrity.

The Department of Animal Services believes the character of their organization is best reflected in the strong dedication of each one of their employees who strive to meet the highest standards of performance and compassion on behalf of the animals and people that they serve.

The Department of Animal Services operates four shelters located in Blythe, Jurupa Valley, SanJacinto and Thousand Palms.

About TAP
The Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) recruits and hires temporary employees for all County departments. TAP assignments are a great way to learn about working for the County while working on a temporary, at-will basis.

Click here to learn more about TAP: https://rc-hr.com/temporary-medical-assignment-program-tapmap

TAP Benefits: https://rc-hr.com/files/users/user81/2024%20TAP%20Flyer.pdf(Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader)

Requirements

• Participate in Animal Services Community Outreach & Education Division activities; answer questions concerning age, breed, characteristics, and care and treatment of animals; responsible for knowing which animals are available for adoption, return-to-owner, etc., and knowing the temperaments and personalities of these animals.

• Assist and counsel owners and members of the public in the admittance and surrender of animals through proper interviewing techniques and completion of necessary paperwork; obtain accurate information regarding animal temperament, living habits and training, medical conditions, behavior, age, breed, and any relevant information from the relinquishing party; assist owners with alternative options to surrendering an animal.

• Prepare reports, maintain records, and fill out forms concerning activities; assist with the training of new staff and/or volunteers.

• May be assigned to any shift and required to be available as needed.

• May be specifically assigned as an Adoption Partner Coordinator and act as point of contact for rescue groups (adoption partners), coordinating the adoption of shelter animals to adoption partners and developing/maintaining relationships with adoption partners, and other related activities as assigned.

• Participate regularly in community events or animal adoption events that frequently occur on weekends; coordinate spay/neutering of animals in anticipation of outreach activities.

• Act as a fully participating member of the Community Outreach and Education Division and of the Adoption Team and work collaboratively and supportively with the Animal Care Technicians.

Qualifications

OPTION I
Experience: Six months performing animal care duties in a public or non-profit animal control program.

OPTION II
Experience: One year of paid or voluntary experience in a veterinary office, animal grooming, animal board and kennel facility, or similar setting which included the care of animals.

OPTION III
Experience: Two years of experience within a customer service environment.

ALL OPTIONS
Knowledge of: Techniques and procedures for the safe, humane, and efficient handling of animals; laws and ordinances governing the licensing and treatment of animals; the symptoms of common animal diseases; common breeds of domestic animals and appropriate practices for their care and feeding.

Ability to: Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relations with the public, adoption partners and other employees; handle animals humanely and safely; manage difficult to place animals; read and comprehend laws and regulations pertaining to animal control; clearly explain animal services to the public; exercise tact and good judgment in dealings with the public; recognize symptoms of rabies and other animal diseases; keep statistical records; lift and handle cats, dogs (including large breeds) and other animals.

Additional Information

For questions regarding this requirement please contact Dawn Martin at DawMartin@rivco.org

Based on the number of applications received this posting may close early with or without notice.