Life Saving Care Specialist

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join our team as a Life Saving Care Specialist at our animal shelter. A Life Saving Care Specialist plays a vital role in ensuring the overall well-being and health of animals under their care. This position involves daily interactions with animals, providing daily care, maintaining clean and sanitary conditions, monitoring health, administering treatments, and assisting with various tasks to support the smooth operation of an animal care facility. This multifaceted position requires excellent attention to detail and time management, compassion for animals, and the ability to work effectively with staff, volunteers, cats and dogs of various sizes, temperaments, and health status.

Animal Husbandry:

• Provide daily care for animals: Feed, water, and provide proper nutrition to animals according to established schedules and dietary requirements. Including grooming and exercising.
• Clean and sanitize animal enclosures, including cages, kennels, and habitats, to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of disease.
• Monitor and record animal behavior, eating habits, and health conditions, reporting any abnormalities to the medical team.

Environmental Enrichment:

• Implement enrichment activities and toys to promote mental stimulation and prevent boredom among animals.
• Provide opportunities for socialization and interaction with other animals and humans to enhance their well-being.
• Create a comfortable and stimulating environment that meets the physical and psychological needs of animals.
• Provide behavioral training and rehabilitation for animals with special needs or behavioral issues.

Animal Handling and Restraint:

• Safely handle and restrain animals during routine care procedures and examinations.
• Follow proper protocols for handling different species and temperaments.

Health and Wellness:

• Assist with grooming tasks, such as brushing, bathing, and nail trimming, to keep animals clean and healthy.
• Administer medications as needed under the direction of veterinarians or senior staff.

Customer Service:

• Interact with visitors, clients, and potential adopters in a professional and courteous manner.
• Provide information about animals available for adoption, their personalities, and care requirements.
• Assist with facilitating adoption meet and greet the animals.

Facility Maintenance:

• Clean and maintain common areas and outdoor spaces to ensure a clean and welcoming environment for visitors.
• Stock supplies, such as food, bedding, and cleaning materials, and notify supervisors when inventory is low.
• Reports any safety hazards or unsafe usage of equipment and supplies to management.

Compliance with Safety and Health Regulations: Adhere to safety protocols and guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment. Follow established procedures for handling and disposing of animal waste, cleaning chemicals and loose needles and other sharps.

The Life Saving Care Specialist position is broken into three tiers based on the different levels of care required.

Tier 1: Fundamental care for dogs within the Lifestyles and wags areas.

Tier 2: Intermediate care for cats within the cat area, Kitten den and outpatient areas.

Tier 3: Intricate care for both dogs and cats within the unavailable and quarantine areas.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience working with animals in a shelter, rescue, veterinary clinic, or similar setting is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of animal behavior, husbandry, and welfare principles.
• Ability to handle and restrain animals safely and compassionately.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with diverse groups of people.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions accurately.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Understanding of species-specific needs and husbandry requirements.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to learn and adapt to changing procedures and protocols.
• Commitment to the humane treatment and care of animals.
• Ability to handle potentially stressful or emotional situations with compassion and professionalism.
• Proficiently handle duties within a facility where animals may be exposed to various illnesses which may be transmitted to humans or other animals. Animals may exhibit behavioral challenges and various temperaments.
• Work environments may include indoor and outdoor areas, with exposure to animal allergens, odors, cleaning agents and inclement weather conditions.
• Demonstrate adaptability and expertise in maintaining animal welfare and ensuring a safe work environment.
• Compassionate attitude towards animals and a commitment to their welfare.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record, with the ability to safely transport animals is preferred.
• Willingness to adhere to the shelter's policies and procedures regarding animal care and safety.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• The ability to complete all onboarding forms and agree to the Humane Society of Greater Miami’s policies before the first scheduled shift.
• Successfully fulfill a ninety-day introductory period.
• Passion for animal welfare and a commitment to the mission and values of the Humane Society of Greater Miami.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands and work environment described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee may be required to push, pull, lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.
• Physical stamina and ability to perform tasks that may require prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping for extended periods.

Benefits:

• Yearly performance review and increase based on review.
• Overtime opportunities and cross training.
• Holiday pay and/or Floating holidays granted for Federal Holidays HSGM observes.
• Paid Time off (PTO) and 403(b) plan (effective after 90-day introductory period).
• Health Insurance, Dental and Vision Insurance and Life Insurance (effective after 90-day introductory period).
• Pet Owner Benefits: complimentary preventative care and other services at no cost or reduced price.
• Reduced adoption fees available after 90-day introductory period.
• Hands-on experience in the operations of a non-profit animal shelter.
• Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals in the field of animal welfare.
• Networking opportunities with staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of animals in need and contribute to the mission of Humane Society of Greater Miami.