Dispatch

Greater Birmingham Humane Society

Animal Control Dispatcher

The Greater Birmingham Humane Society (“the GBHS”) is a progressive animal welfare shelter whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome homeless, abused, neglected and abandoned animals. We are committed to an open admissions policy, animal rehabilitation and a low euthanasia rate. GBHS’ open intake and adoption philosophy is a key part of our progressive mission, enabling us to save and rehome thousands of animals each year.

POSITION SUMMARY
This position provides assistance to the Animal Control Dispatch Supervisor ensuring adequate support is provided for the daily functions needed at Animal Care & Control. They provide dispatch support for animal rescue, municipal and public assistance with animal-related situations and enforcement of state and local statutes as outlined in GBHS’ contracts with Jefferson County and several of the county’s municipalities. The Animal Control Dispatcher is primarily responsible for the dispatching and tracking of Animal Control field staff, and clerical duties involved in the animal control processes.

PRIMARY RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to the Animal Control Dispatch Supervisor and serves as a member of the animal care and control team.
• Works closely with animal control officers, intake coordinator(s), impoundment, clinic and animal care team to ensure correct intake data is given and that animals are accurately identified, recorded, and placed in kennels.
• Interacts daily with veterinarians, clinic technicians, veterinary student externs, volunteers, the general public, and law enforcement.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Answers incoming calls on multi-line telephone system; records pertinent information regarding nature and location of incidents, any owner and licensing information as necessary; determines validity of complaint and prioritizes service requests.
• Prioritizes and assigns officer response, follows up with officer on priority calls; routes and dispatches service; prepares daily and monthly statistical reports; explains departmental policies, laws and ordinances related to animal control to public; refers callers to other agencies as appropriate.
• Daily intake functions of animals that may exhibit various behaviors, including aggression
• Secretarial/reception responsibilities including but not limited to copies, preparing/scanning documents, sorting, filing, mailing, answering calls and taking messages.
• Maintains and updates field records from Animal Control Officer reports; checks prior records on animals; documents complaints; generates letters to owners and prepares for certified mailing.
• Operates operate two-way radio, multi-line telephone system and general office equipment.
• Cleans and maintains public areas of the shelter such as lobby, restrooms, front kennel area, and conference room.
• Provide prompt customer service to guests looking for lost pets.
• Received payment for services, reconciles and closes out daily transaction log.
• Provides back up support to animal control, intake, impoundment, clinic, and animal care as necessary.
• When providing animal intake services, ensures animal information is entered correctly and all notes are accurate
• Maintains awareness of industry standards and innovations through publications, attendance of seminars, contact with persons of equivalent positions in similar organizations, and other educational opportunities and communicates such information to the GBHS Board of Directors and employees and volunteers of GBHS.
• Performs such other duties as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A passion for the mission of GBHS and a sense of humor are required.
• Previous dispatch and animal handling experience preferred.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum one-year customer service experience
• Basic understanding of animal welfare
• Intermediate computer skills- data entry skills required.
• Skilled in effectual communication with the general public
• Ability to effectively and courteously collect all necessary information in emergency or emotionally charged situations.
• Ability to operate two-way radio, multi-line telephone system and general office equipment.
• Ability to read and correctly interpret maps, directories, and other information to determine the location of service requests and available field personnel.
• Ability to correctly analyze and prioritize service requests, including emergencies, and take action to provide the most efficient and effective service.
• Knowledge of standard office procedures
• Knowledge of animal control operations and procedures, rules, regulations, ordinances, and state law.
• Meets minimum general requirements for GBHS employment as set forth in GBHS employee handbook.
• Ability to communicate with the public, volunteers, and co-workers in a pleasant, courteous manner at all times.
• Must have valid drivers license and reliable transportation to and from work

Physical Requirements

Ability to work well in a team environment; ability to work weekends and evenings as necessary; Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds or 75 pounds with reasonable accommodation. Ability to stoop, bend, lift, clean, mop, and other such assigned duties with ease and in a timely fashion.

Work Environment

This work is performed in a high noise level area. Exposure to industrial cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal feces, zoonotic (human to animal) diseases, bites and scratches. Weekend shifts may be required. Safety procedures must be adhered to at all times. Must be able to work with and around animals of all types (cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, etc.). Exposure to conditions such as animal feces, urine, etc. and foul odors. May be exposed to animal dander, parasites and infectious diseases than can be carried and transmitted by animals. Must be able to work in an environment that provides humane euthanasia to animals.

The GBHS is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of GBHS to provide EEO to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.