Community Support Specialist

Community Support Specialist Reports to the Senior Shelter Manager Join the Team at Cincinnati Animal CARE At Cincinnati Animal CARE (CAC), we do work that matters. Every day, our team protects animals, supports our community, and helps save thousands of lives each year through compassionate care, advocacy, and education. This work is meaningful, fast‑paced, and can be challenging, but for the right person, it’s incredibly rewarding. We are a team built for impact, made up of people who care deeply, work hard, support one another, and show up every day committed to making a difference. If you are passionate about animals, thrive in a mission‑driven environment, and want your work to have purpose, we’d love to have you join us. About the Role We are looking for a Community Support and Admissions Specialist to join our team and play an important role in supporting CAC’s mission. In this position, you will Partner with our community to achieve the best outcomes for both pets and the people who love them. You will work extensively with the public to provide services that help keep pets in their homes by identifying barriers, assessing needs, and providing consultation, resources, support, and follow‑through. You will also assist community members with surrendered animals, intake of found animals, and reunification efforts to help lost pets return home, while problem‑solving alternatives to shelter intake whenever possible. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys meaningful work, takes pride in helping others, and wants to contribute to a growing organization making a real impact in the community. What You’ll Be Responsible For Your day-to-day may include: Conduct phone and in‑person consultations with the public. De‑escalate challenging situations and provide compassionate customer service during emotionally difficult circumstances. Offer education, resources, and referrals related to pet behavior, housing challenges, medical concerns, lost‑and‑found services, and rehoming support. Maintain accurate records and documentation in shelter software systems and several other tracking systems using precise attention to detail. Vaccinate and handle a high volume of animals, including those experiencing stress, fear, illness, or overstimulation. Assist with on‑site and off‑site community programs including vaccine clinics, microchip clinics, pet food assistance, and outreach events. Frequent cleaning and disinfecting of equipment and shared work areas. Work alongside and collaborate with other departments to ensure daily responsibilities and ongoing projects are optimal and high functioning. Support additional organizational needs as they arise. What Makes Someone Successful in This Role Is passionate about CAC’s mission and animal welfare. Brings a positive, team‑first attitude. Communicates openly and professionally. Takes ownership and solves problems proactively. Resilient and thrives in a fast‑paced, ever‑changing environment. Can balance compassion with accountability. Is dependable, adaptable, and eager to learn. Approaches each interaction with empathy, curiosity, and a solutions‑focused mindset. Qualifications Preferred/Required: A high school diploma or equivalent. One year of animal husbandry/care experience and/or customer service experience preferred. Comfortable with all sizes, breeds, and species of animals. Possess empathetic communication skills. Ability to handle sensitive issues. Ability to maintain accurate records. Ability to restrain animals. Ability to exercise judgment, tact, and diplomacy. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Positions within this classification may require a valid Ohio driver’s license and data entry skills. Why Join CAC? At CAC, you’ll be part of more than just a workplace. You’ll join a team of people doing meaningful work together. The opportunity to make a real difference every day. A mission‑driven, supportive team culture. Growth and development opportunities. Competitive benefits package. A workplace where your work directly impacts animals and the community. Compensation & Benefits Pay: From $15.75/hour. Retirement plan with employer match. Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance. Paid Time Off. Professional Development Assistance. Life Insurance. Working Conditions / Physical Requirements While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, controls, or tools listed above; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch. #J-18808-Ljbffr