Temporary Animal Services Counselor

Animal Services Counselor

The County of Riverside's Human Resources Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) is currently recruiting for multiple full-time, temporary Animal Services Counselor positions located in Thousand Palms. The Animal Services Counselor position assists the public with animal admissions, owner surrenders, adoptions, and return-to-owner services. Gathers information about animals through interviews, completes required paperwork, provides information on adoptable animals, and helps owners explore alternatives to surrendering their pets.

The ideal candidate also supports adoption, outreach, and education programs by participating in community and adoption events, coordinating spay/neuter services, maintaining records, and assisting with staff or volunteer training. Works collaboratively with Animal Care Technicians and adoption partners to improve outcomes for shelter animals and may work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

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 operates four shelters located in Blythe, Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto and Thousand Palms.

Examples Of Essential Duties

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.

Minimum 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.