Warrior Relations Specialist

K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of service dogs to veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Our unique, in-house program helps change the lives of American heroes by pairing them with a battle buddy, who was likely a rescue dog and then teaching him or her to utilize that dog to mitigate the symptoms of their wounds. In order to continue the great work we are doing, we are in need of a Warrior Relations Specialist to join our amazing team!

Summary/Objective

Under the direct supervision of the Warrior Relations Manager, the Warrior Relations Specialist’s primary function is to be the principal liaison for the Warrior applicant throughout the application process and while on the wait list. This employee will be responsible for coordinating, following up, and communicating with the Warriors.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Managing all phases of the Warrior application process, including:
  1. Collecting and screening all required paperwork
  2. Conducting phone interviews with Warriors
  3. Submitting Background Check Requests for each applicant
  4. Completing the Personal Reference Questionnaires for each applicant
  5. Reviewing and recommending approval/disapproval of the application package, and forwarding to management for review and a final decision
• Interacting with Warriors through various modes of communication including phone, e-mail, and in-person meetings
  1. Serving as the direct point of contact for Future Warriors
  2. Maintaining pre-class contact with Warriors at prescribed intervals via phone, email, and regular mail
• Managing Warrior data in paper form and a proprietary database
• Working with the onsite Mental Health Clinician to review and respond to any necessary alerts that may arise from the Warrior Success Program
• Acting as the liaison between Warriors and the other departments at K9s For Warriors
• Responding to inbound communication from Warriors regarding the program
• Coordinating with K9 Trainers and Warrior Trainers ensuring they have the information necessary to make an appropriate Service Dog pairing
• Assisting Warriors with travel plans and operations plans for their arrival

OTHER DUTIES

• As assigned by supervisor or management
• Limited travel as needed
• Occasional evening/weekend hours

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
• In addition to working on a computer, this position would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and to bend or to stand as necessary. This role also requires walking and standing for interim periods of time to communicate in person with the warriors and the general public.
• Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, crouching, twisting, turning, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds individually. Exposure to unpleasant odors or sounds. Exposure to chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• Knowledge of the Veterans community and issues regarding serving clients from this community
• Experience in working with Veteran Service Organizations and the Department of Veterans Affairs
• Ability to work with persons with mental and physical disabilities
• Experience working in customer service field preferred, e.g. customer service associate
• Possess patience to interact with challenging clients
• Strong verbal, written, and oral communication skills; this position requires the candidate to possess a strong ability to speak clearly, and effectively as well as the ability to listen to and hear clients who may be in distress or challenging
• Veteran status preferred
• Valid driver’s license and meet policy requirements for company auto insurance
• Crisis response experience preferred