Description

Position Summary: 

The Therapets & Animal Friends University Coordinator serves as the public and internal point person for the Therapets and Animal Friends University programs. The coordinator also oversees key program staff within the department. In addition to being a certified dog trainer who employs modern dog training methods, it is essential for the incumbent to possess exemplary customer service skills, conflict resolution skills, and an ability to think outside of the box. This position requires a strong desire to serve both the people and animals in our community, while serving as an ambassador for all.

Therapets 

Created by Animal Friends in 2013, the Therapets program is a training, certification, and volunteer program for therapy dogs, cats and rabbits in the Pittsburgh area. The program is focused on strong team compatibility between animal and handler, the demonstration of consent on behalf of the animal to perform therapy work, and utilizes only positive, reward-based training methods for incoming teams. The primary focus and function of the Coordinator is two-fold: to train, prepare, and evaluate potential candidates for the program, and to ensure the properly trained Therapets personnel have a solid process, resources, curriculum to appropriately work with the candidates. 

The Coordinator is responsible for leading all phases of Animal Friends Therapeutic programming. This includes volunteer team recruitment, assessment, training, evaluation, and communication. Working collaboratively with the Therapets trainers, evaluators, and volunteers, the Coordinator will assist in the development and growth of the Animal Friends Therapets certification program for dogs, cats, and rabbits. The Coordinator will also oversee the management of Therapets visits requests and communication with host sites. Certified Therapets teams also support Humane Education and Pet Assisted Literacy Services (PALS) programs at Animal Friends while promoting humane interactions between pets and people while instilling the values of consent, kindness, care, and compassion. 

Animal Friends University 

Animal Friends University (AFU) provides a safe and nurturing environment to aid in the development of the animal-human bond and relationship through a variety of canine learning opportunities for various ages and abilities. AFU also includes human-only classes for dog guardians, pet CPR and first-aid offerings, small dog socials, a play yard rental program, feline massage training, and more. The coordinator is responsible for the leadership of these programs, including the oversight and development of syllabuses and development of new opportunities. 

Essential Functions 

• Maintain a working knowledge of all programs, promoting them accordingly while also cultivating and responding to new program opportunities, specifically pertaining to pet retention and safety net programming. 
• Oversee and support the development and updating of course lesson plans. 
• Oversee and support the development of educational materials, also ensuring they are appropriately branded. 
• Develop, maintain, and communicate program procedures and protocols. 
• Provide training and orientation opportunities for program volunteers (day/evening/weekend options). 
• Provide instruction for public dog training classes as needed. 
• Work with the AFU Program Liaison to coordinate class schedules and the publishing of registration information 
• Order, distribute, and manage all program supplies 
• Collect, manage, and report data regarding program interactions, successes, visits, and other statistics as requested, including writing of weekly and monthly updates. 
• Support program-related community events. This requires managing volunteer support before and during the event, table setup and teardown, actively engaging event participants to promote program awareness, and answering questions regarding Animal Friends’ offerings in general.
• Develop appropriate vehicles for communication and professionally communicate program guidelines, updates, needs, and information to program users, staff, volunteers, host sites, and the public in a timely, professional, and efficient manner. Respond to questions and requests and distribute resources as needed as well as initiating communication with a wide range of contacts.
• Prepare and plan both on and off campus public appearances, speaking engagements, and other community educational opportunities. 
• Participate in training seminars as assigned. 
• Work collaboratively with Communications to ensure proper branding of all related program materials and timely promotion of programs. 
• Maintain strong record-keeping for all client, programs, and Therapets teams. 
• Work with Volunteer Services to maintain all program volunteer lists and secure current copies of required volunteer clearances. 
• Maintain a clean and organized environment including sweeping, mopping, and other light duties as needed or assigned. 
• Maintain a professional, courteous demeanor with clients, volunteers and employees at all times. 
• Leverage volunteer talent by engaging their assistance within the department, thereby helping us to further our mission and vision.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience: 

• Professional dog training certification required. 
• Must implement modern training techniques (force free, fear free, and using positive reinforcement methods). 
• Previous customer service and/or public relations experience required. 
• Experience working with volunteers preferred. 
• Must be a team player and also able to handle difficult situations independently. 
• Must possess excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills, computer literacy, organizational ability, and time management skills. 
• Must model positive, professional behavior for staff and volunteers. 
• Must have access to dependable transportation and openness to local travel; valid driver’s license required. 
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings, and some holidays. 
• Must possess excellent troubleshooting skills. 
• Must be comfortable working with and around dogs, cats and rabbits of various breed, size, age, temperament, background, and health status. 
• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment while being able to prioritize effectively and manage workday hours efficiently. 
• Must possess excellent communication skills, including public speaking, writing, and phone skills. 
• Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and organizational ability. 
• Must possess strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft products—Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and Forms 
• Must be willing to obtain valid Pennsylvania Child Abuse, State Police, and FBI Fingerprint Clearances. 
• Must have a sincere interest in the work, programs, vision, mission, core values, and culture of Animal Friends. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Communication Proficiency – Ability to express information and ideas to others orally and in writing. 
• Customer / Client Focus- Actively seeks out ways to aid Animal Friends guests, program users, and/or volunteers to ensure the best possible customer service is provided. 
• Teamwork Orientation – Ability to work with others to accomplish like–minded goals and tasks for the organization. 
• Diversity and Inclusion – Ability and willingness to welcome, support, and value individuals with similarities and differences that may vary from your own. 
• Stress Management - Ability to maintain baseline behavior / composure during stressful situations.