Ontario SPCA Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre

GOAL for this position:

As an Office Support Volunteer, your role will provide enormous, in-person assistance to our very busy reception desk at the animal centre.  

This role is one of our most unique positions, although this role does not directly work with the animals, it is one of the few that work with our adopters, pet parents, volunteers, donors and the local community. 

Every shift you complete, will have a direct impact on the staff and fellow volunteers, as the ripple effect of this role extends far beyond the immediate results of your efforts, but to a lasting impact on the care of animals, the community we support and programs we offer.

Volunteer Role:

• Greet and welcome animal centre customers.
• Field questions from the public about our organization. On the phone and in person.
• Maintain a clean reception area.
• Data entry, photocopying, filing other general office tasks.
• Direct potential adopters to MYM stations and information areas.
• Assist if needed with stacking and storing donations.
• Promote how customer contributions assist our furry friends in need, in their local community.

Skills Requirement:

• Positive role model- representative of our organization.
• Demonstrate ability to use good judgement, compassion and emotional intelligence, when handling emotionally distressing information such as injured animals and pet parents experiencing unstable, vulnerable life experiences.
• Ability to clearly communicate instructions and information to the public.
• Ability to stand/sit for periods of time and comfortable conversing with the public.
• Desire to learn more about animal well-being and our organizational processes.
• Experience operating common reception desk phones, computers, and photocopiers is an asset.

 

Personal Benefits:

• Directly impact our ability to further extend our resources for animals in need.
• Make like-minded friends, non- furry and furry!
• Behind the scenes access to our animal centres.
• Access to our knowledgeable staff and wellness resources.
• Ability to customize your schedule, choose your assignments and update your profile, through our online community.

Time Commitment:

We recognize your time contribution to being a volunteer. Therefore, we support a customized approach to your schedule to best suit your availability. During our onboarding process, we will capture your time preferences and availability.  We are always looking for individuals who are dependable and responsible. This role is required daily, for 2–4 hour shifts.

Orientation and Training

Before you start your journey with us, our organization will provide you with the following training:

• In-person training with an experienced staff member or lead volunteer
• Animal Advocacy training with an Ontario SPCA team member
• How to access our online community
• Fear Free concepts
• WHMIS
• AODA

We will indicate which training will be required prior to your commencement, and which training we encourage you to participate in at your earliest convenience.

 

Supervision and Support

As a volunteer, you will be supported by the Development Department staff. This staff partner will provide you with training for your specific role, your schedule, and any required feedback or updates. The Volunteer Development Team will always be available to offer support and guidance.  You will also have direct access to our online community, where you can find organizational updates, posted information and contact information for your staff partners.