General Support

What to expect

This position is pivotal to our Adoptions at Mackay RSPCA. Initially, in this role you will welcome customers to the centre, providing support and advice to those who wish to adopt. You will also be responsible for coordinating our very busy reception desk at the centre, including assisting with data entry, answering the phones and other general office administration tasks. As your experience grows, you will progress into a counselling role, in which you will introduce customers to their potential new family members, managing and observing the interactions.

This role will suit volunteers who have exceptional “people skills” and an affinity for animals. They will be confident and proactive in meeting people, but will also be sensitive to their particular situation. We’re seeking a volunteer with administration and customer service experience who has time to commit to volunteering each week and will stay with us long term in the adoption centre.

What are the benefits?

• The personal satisfaction of helping animals to find their ‘furever’ homes
• Time to play and interact with the Cats and Kittens in your care
• Opportunity to gain new skills or further develop existing customer service skills
• Experience with data entry and administration tasks
• Becoming part of a friendly new community

What are the tasks?

The position includes:

• Meeting and greeting customers and directing them accordingly, providing additional support for customers wishing to adopt
• Undertaking the responsible care and management of animals in the store, including providing enrichment opportunities, cleaning enclosures and ensuring access to fresh water and food
• Creating a comfortable dialogue in which customers are willing to confide and openly discuss their situation and their reasons for adopting
• Assessing the suitability of applicants and their levels of awareness about the adoptions process and the responsibilities of animal ownership
• Educating customers in the responsibilities of animal ownership and the adoption process as required
• Reading and interpreting the animal behaviour assessment data and applying it to the specific customers’ situation who are wishing to adopt the animal
• Managing interactions between customers and animals, with attention to the safety of all parties
• Assisting with adoption paperwork, data entry, administration and general cleaning duties as directed

What skills and characteristics do I need?

• Confidence in working with animals and dealing with the general public
• Advanced interpersonal communication skills
• Confident in using computers
• Empathy, patience and the ability to listen carefully
• Outstanding customer service skills, driven by empathy and understanding
• Be physically fit (able to lift 10kg) and able to stand for long periods
• Attention to detail and able to accurately follow instructions
• Able to work and make decisions independently

When can I volunteer?

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday AM or PM shifts available
• We request a minimum commitment of 1hr x shift per week for a minimum of 3 months to ensure consistency and continuity with the animals.   
• Orientation and animal training will be provided.

PLEASE NOTE: It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up to date Tetanus vaccination.

For further information, please contact our Mackay Volunteer Coordinator on 07 4944 1726 or volunteering.mackay@rspcaqld.org.au, or fill in the application above.