Program Facilitator

OUR MISSION:

Hand2Paw provides paid internships working with rescue animals as a way to strengthen connection, compassion, and community for young adults from underrepresented communities including those experiencing housing insecurity or foster care involvement.

OUR BELIEF:

We believe every person and animal deserves:

• A clean, supportive, enriching, and stress-free environment that promotes learning in positive ways
• A sense of purpose and control
• Opportunities for social connection and support
• To learn coping skills that will help them navigate the stresses and challenges of life

SUMMARY:

The Program Facilitator, in collaboration with the Program Manager, will be responsible for implementing and leading the full curriculum for Hand2Paw’s intern programs (Unleashing Opportunities, Spring and Summer Pawspurr). This includes facilitating discussions, workshops, and activities that support participants’ professional and personal development. The Program Facilitator will also oversee drop-in sessions throughout the year. Additionally, they will be responsible for gathering, managing, and maintaining records of program progress and demographic data to support program evaluation and improvement.

The ideal candidate for this position has experience working with youth who have experienced homelessness, foster care, or justice involvement. They will use trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches to build relationships with participants, foster personal growth, and create a supportive learning environment.

Additionally, the Program Facilitator will help care for the animals residing at the Hand2Paw office, ensuring a safe and clean space for both youth and animals. 

REQUIRED DAYS/HOURS: Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM (Some evenings and weekends required; schedule flexibility based on programming needs)

STATUS: Full-time, eligible for health insurance reimbursement benefit

SALARY: $46,000-$51,000/year (commensurate upon experience)

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Co-Facilitate and co-lead the full curriculum for all Hand2Paw intern programs.
• Accompany and supervise youth at animal shelters, providing guidance and support while actively engaging in shelter tasks to lead by example
• Conduct drop-in sessions throughout the year to provide an introduction to humane education.
• Track and maintain records of participant progress, attendance, and demographic data.
• Ensure timely and accurate data collection for program evaluation and reporting.
• Assist in developing and refining program curricula in collaboration with the Program Manager.
• Oversee program activities in the absence of the Program Manager.
• Record daily progress notes and contribute to program reports.
• Organize and coordinate guest speakers, field trips, and offsite programming.
• Foster strong, positive relationships with program partners with whom our youth will work alongside through regular and meaningful communication.
• Foster a safe and inclusive environment for youth to explore values, identities, and career goals.
• Assist the Program Manager in providing hands-on care for animals at the Hand2Paw office, allowing youth to develop essential skills in animal care, including feeding, cleaning, and enrichment.
• Ensure program spaces are clean, organized, and welcoming for participants and visitors.
• Assist H2P team with ensuring a clean, organized, and welcoming environment, where all staff share responsibility for the space's upkeep and functionality.
• Participate in community outreach events and represent Hand2Paw at public engagements.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree required with a minimum of 3 years of experience working with youth/young adults.
• Experience in curriculum facilitation and program delivery.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build rapport with youth and stakeholders.
• Professional and/or personal experience in social services, youth development, or human services.
• Affection for animals and willingness to accommodate them in the workplace.
• Ability to lift and move objects/animals up to 50 lbs.
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance, Pennsylvania Criminal Background Check, and FBI fingerprinting, and Mandated Reporter Training
• Commitment to trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approaches to youth engagement.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Familiarity with animal-based interventions and their therapeutic benefits.
• Experience with facilitating life skills, Socio-emotional learning, and/or career readiness curriculum to youth and/or young adults.
• Valid driver’s license.

Hand2Paw actively seeks to build and support a diverse staff. We are committed to fostering leadership and elevating the voices of women, young people, people of color, Native people, immigrants and refugees, low-income individuals, LGBQ individuals, transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people, people with disabilities, and those with intersecting identities. We strongly encourage people from these communities to apply.