The Ion Center for Violence Prevention is a non-profit agency serving 13 Kentucky counties with an important mission: providing the best care of people of all identities who have been impacted by power-based personal violence and measurably reducing the number of people who have been hurt by it. The Ion Center's identity shines in everything we do such as preventION, inclusION, compassION, protectION, interventION, collaboratION, and transformatION. All services provided to victim-survivors are free and confidential.
The Ion Center is looking for compassionate individuals that will support and serve pets belonging to victim-survivors, ensuring that we are providing the best care and most engaging environment for them. The Pet Advocate works with a wide variety of pet species, with most being dogs and cats. Pet Advocates tend to the animals in the kennel by feeding them, walking them, cleaning up after them, cleaning and washing kennel, and taking care of any animal special needs as directed. If you want to positively impact families that have experienced trauma, enjoy and have experience working with animals, and are excited to make a difference, this is the role for you!
JOB SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Residential Services Director, provides overall care for all animals in the kennel and a healthy, safe, clean, and pleasant environment and facility. Promotes humane and caring attitude towards all animals.
Principal Duties And ResponsibilitiesApplies ZeroV Victim Service Standards and the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs (KASAP) Standards for survivors of rape
Client Services and Support.
1.1 Maintain client confidentiality.
1.2 Maintain compassionate demeanor when interacting with clients.
1.3 Assist client and Residential Services Director with pet intake process.
1.4 Assist client with pet visitation.
Pet Care
2.1 Always treat all animals humanely, properly, and with compassion, regardless of situation or
circumstance.
2.2 Work safely with animals and follow guidelines surrounding pet decompression/acclamation time.
2.3 Provide food and water to each animal as prescribed by Residential Services Director or DVM.
2.4 Provide medication to animals as prescribed by DVM.
2.5 Monitor the health and behavior of each animal on an ongoing basis, quickly reporting any health
problems or conditions (behavioral or medical) to the Residential Services Director.
2.6 Ensure that animals are clean and smell fresh. Bathe and groom animals as needed.
2.7 Provide exercise/playtime and frequent breaks to express bladder/bowels (“Potty Breaks”).
2.8 Assist Residential Services Director with tasks unique to each animal as needed and directed.
Kennel and Yard Care
3.1 Clean all animal areas including cages, outside run, kennel floors, dishes, litter boxes, etc.
3.2 Remove stool and trash from the yard and kennel daily, or more frequently if needed.
3.3 Launder pet bedding and towels daily to ensure spare bedding and towels are available as needed.
3.4 Replace pet bedding weekly, or more frequently if needed.
3.5 Maintain equipment/tools used to complete job assignments and keep such equipment/tools in good
working condition. Store equipment/tools in proper storage areas.
3.6 Unpack, label, and stock animal and kennel supplies and donations. Report any needs to the Residential Services Director.
3.7 Properly label and secure any pet’s medications prescribed to animals in our care.
Communication, Teamwork, and Administration Duties
4.1 Record feeding times, “potty breaks”, and medication times for each animal on appropriate log.
4.2 Document any incidents that occur with the animals in the kennel.
4.3 Attend related meetings and trainings
4.4 Contribute to a clean, healthy, and trauma informed work environment
4.5 Collaborate as a team across agency sites.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, skills, etc.):

• Knowledge of Trauma Informed Care
• Ability to work under highly stressful, crisis-oriented situations
• Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain high level of confidentiality
• Outstanding empathetic and listening skills
• Professional oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaborate on a team
• Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills
• Complete trainings for funding requirements and knowledge building
• Must be minimum age of 18.

MENTAL/PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WHICH OCCUR REGULARLY IN PERFORMING THE JOB:

• Speaking, seeing, hearing, standing, writing, walking, including climbing steps, carry, pull, lift, stoop, kneel, use ladder/step stool
• Physical ability to carry up to 50 pounds and handle large animals
• Allergic conditions, which would be aggravated when handling or working with animals, may be a disqualification.
• Exposure to unpleasant odors and noises, bites/scratches, animal waste
• Work is performed both outside and inside despite weather conditions
• This position may involve exposure to infectious diseases and stressful situations.

The Ion Center offers generous time-off, medical benefits (including FSA/HSA), dental, and vision benefits, 403(b), employee assistance program, discounted pet insurance, paid parental leave, and more! This is an hourly position with a pay range of $18-$19.50/hour determined by education and experience. It is the policy of The Ion Center for Violence Prevention to provide Equal Employment Opportunity and individual growth opportunities to all applicants and employees in accordance with all applicable Federal and State laws and executive orders.
State law requires a criminal record check as a condition of employment for all positions. This organization participates in E-Verify.