Job Description
Job Title: Humane Investigations Associate
Department: Humane Investigations
Classification: Full time, hourly, non-exempt
Job Relationship: Reports to Chief Humane Agent
Position Summary: Monitors the Humane Investigations (HI) hotline and dispatches calls as appropriate. Assists Agents in the field by continuing to monitor the hotline, entering information into PetPoint, and handling animals. Responds to animal rescue calls that do not require response and investigation by a Humane Agent.
Essential Job Functions:
Monitors the Humane Investigations hotline
- Responsible for answering the Humane Investigations hotline or checking it every 15-30 minutes and making timely return calls for more information, as appropriate.
- Creates cases in PetPoint and assigns cases to officers.
- 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 as assigned by the Chief and Humane Agents.
- Keeps a detailed log of calls, responses, and referrals.
- Monitors call response time and other department statistics and activities as assigned by the Chief.
Assists Humane Officers in the field and at the Cleveland APL
- Assists with gathering evidence, taking photos, taking notes, uploading pictures and other evidence to proper media and maintaining case files.
- Assists with handling, transporting, and documenting animals, drives HI vehicles when needed.
- Enters activities and adds animal information into PetPoint.
- Responds to reports of animals in distress that do not require an investigation (injured stray, etc.).
- Cleans and maintains HI vehicles, equipment, tools, supplies, and ensures vehicles are stocked.
- 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 Agents, Chief, and shelter staff during large impounds.
- Assists with educating the public about animal care, neglect, and abuse.
- Appears as a witness in court proceedings when needed.
- Assists Intake department with intake of HI animals as directed by the Chief or Agents.
Performs clerical duties for the Humane Investigations Department
- Maintains contact information for outside agencies and other resources in Cuyahoga County.
- Makes copies of HI forms as needed.
- Faxes or electronically shares legal documents to prosecutor’s office.
- Assists Humane Agents with maintaining case files and ensuring files are complete and appropriately and securely stored and backed up.
Performs other duties as assigned including but not limited to
- Informs supervisor of special needs cases for potential public relations or direct mail pieces.
- Promotes communication and cooperation between APL departments.
- Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.
- Euthanasia certified; performs euthanasia as assigned.
- Is flexible with scheduling; shifts may include varied hours/days, including weekends, and holidays, as needed.
- Opens and closes the building as assigned.
- 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.
- 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.
- Supports the APL’s desire to celebrate a diverse and inclusive culture that fuels the compassion that connects us to one another.
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, ability 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.
EEOC: The Cleveland APL is an equal opportunity employer and is looking for diversity in qualified candidates for employment.
