JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Humane Investigations Dispatcher
Department: Humane Investigations
Classification: Full time, non-exempt
Job Relationship: Reports to the Humane Investigations Supervisor
Position Summary: Monitors the Humane Investigations (HI) hotline and dispatches calls as appropriate. Assists officers in the field by continuing to monitor the hotline, entering information into PetPoint, and handling animals. Assists with compiling and tracking case information.
Essential Job Functions:
Monitors the Humane Investigations hotline
- Answers Humane Investigations hotline in real time; checks hotline every 15-30 minutes for calls not answered
- Makes initial return call if needed for more information
- Creates cases in PetPoint and assigns cases to officers
- Cross references cases with other agencies, checks Cleveland Animal Care and Control records for previous infractions with same suspects, addresses, etc.
- Refers calls to other departments or outside agencies, as appropriate
- Point of contact for APL contact emails directed to Humane Investigations department
- Makes follow-up calls and conducts phone interviews with witnesses and suspects as assigned by Chief and Humane Officers
- Keeps a detailed log of calls, responses, and referrals
- Represents the APL in a professional and courteous manner at all times. Provides quality service to customers, volunteers, and staff recognizing their individual contributions to the success of our organization.
Assists Humane Officers
- Assists with gathering evidence, taking pictures, taking notes, and uploading pictures and other evidence to proper media
- Conducts supplementary criminal, social media, and property information searches as necessary to assist with officer investigations
- Obtains law enforcement reports, medical documents, and other files from reporting agencies
- Assists with handling, impounding, and documenting animals
- Makes appointments with witnesses, suspects, etc.
- Enters activities and adds animal information into PetPoint
- Drives HI vehicles when needed
- Cleans HI vehicles as assigned
- Ensures vehicles are stocked as needed
- Uses approved procedure to contact emergency assistance in situations where officers are occupied with crisis situation
- Serves as liaison and maintains proper radio communication with Officers, Chief, and shelter staff during large impounds
- Supports the APL’s desire to celebrate a diverse and inclusive culture that fuels the compassion that connects us to one another.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Organizes case files on Humane Investigations drive and OneDrive; updates as necessary
- Updates ongoing cases on Excel spreadsheet and tracks movement of cases through the court process
- Communicates with prosecutor’s office regarding case flow and upcoming court appearances and ensures officers are aware of necessary deadlines, trial dates, etc.
- Work with prosecutor’s office to ensure completion of all discovery requests, evidentiary submissions and probable cause submission forms
- Assist officers to ensure completion of case files for probable cause hearings, pre-trials, trials, and other court hearings
- Log all journal entries from court
- Track cost of care for cases
- Compiles department statistics as requested
Performs other duties as assigned including but not limited to:
- Appears as a witness in court proceedings when needed
- Assists Intake department with intake of HI animals as direct by the Chief
- Assists with maintaining contact information for outside agencies and other resources in Cuyahoga County
- Responds to calls of injured and/or sick stray animals and/or wildlife when caller is unable to bring to APL
- Picks animals up from or transfer animals to other agencies, veterinary offices, etc., when needed
- Makes copies of HI forms as needed; notifies supervisor when forms are running low
- Assists with educating the public on animal care, neglect, and abuse
- Informs supervisor of special needs cases for potential public relations or direct mail pieces
- Performs shelter rounds as assigned to ensure efficient flow of HI animals through the system
- Promotes communication and cooperation between APL departments.
- Performs other duties and special projects as assigned
- Euthanasia certified; performs euthanasia as assigned
- Maintains vehicles, cleaning equipment, tools and appliances
- Follows all safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment for staff and living environment for animals. Takes immediate action to address any safety concern or noncompliance of safety rules that could put an employee, volunteer, client, animal, or the organization at risk.
- Is flexible with scheduling; shifts may include varied hours/days, including weekends, and holidays, as needed
- Opens and closes the building as assigned
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Associates degree in communications; criminal justice certification; or office management certification strongly preferred
- Must possess a valid Ohio Driver’s License and insurable driving record
- Prior experience in animal behavior, health, and handling
- Certified euthanasia technician or ability to become certified within six months of hire
- Fear Free Certified or must become certified within six months of hire
Knowledge and Skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a variety of people
- Ability to work with a computer in a Windows environment
- Knowledge of animal breeds, behavior, and handling
- Knowledge of animal health, able to identify illness preferred
- Ability to safely handle animals, including those with health and behavioral challenges
- Excellent communication skills and ability to follow instructions
- Detail oriented and able to prioritize and perform duties efficiently and effectively
- Committed to maintaining the Cleveland Animal Protective League’s high standard of animal care and mission to foster compassion and end animal suffering.
