Welcome!

Duties

The role of the Front Office Assistant volunteer is to support front office staff in serving members of the public. This role requires computer, phone, and internet experience, as well as exceptional customer service skills.

General Responsibilities

• Greet customers and direct them to appropriate areas of the shelter.
• Assist with data entry, filing, and other office work.
• Answer phones in a professional manner.

Shift Times

Flexible between 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. -- 7 days a week

Qualifications

Greenhill Humane Society has the following requirements for participation in the Front Office volunteer position.

Physical Capabilities

• Quick reflexes and ability to use both hands simultaneously
• Ability to stand and/or walk for significant periods of time while assisting the public
• Ability to see well enough without accommodation in order to move safely throughout the shelter, distinguish animal body language, and read signs and instructions.
• Ability to travel without accommodation on unpaved, uneven, slippery and sometimes muddy terrain (both indoors and outdoors) as well as maneuver cramped spaces.
• Ability to hear if an animal is giving warnings, such as growling, yelping, barking, or hissing.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally with shelter staff, volunteers and guests.
• Ability to cope with a very loud environment due to animal noises.

Cognitive Capabilities

• Ability, once trained, to work independently with minimal supervision, while recognizing limitations in knowledge and abilities, knowing when to ask for help if needed.
• Ability to carefully read and understand instructions, shelter policies and procedures.
• Basic reading, writing, spelling and communication skills.
• Basic computer literacy.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Ability to handle redirection and constructive criticism without responding with negativity.
• Ability to recognize potentially hazardous situations when working with animals and ability to report any incidents involving bites, scratches, and falls.
• Ability to communicate professionally and politely.
• Acceptance of the boundaries between the role of the volunteer and the role of the staff.
• Maintain a positive attitude and a solution-oriented approach to challenging situations.

Emotional Capabilities

• Ability to cope with unexpected animal behavior.
• Ability to cope with emotionally charged environment with some animals that are homeless, abandoned and/or abused, as well as an understanding of our euthanasia policy.

Training Requirements

Front Office Training

At least 2 shadow shifts with an experienced volunteer

Supervisor: Front office staff.

It is our hope that the information provided serves as a thorough and useful tool for Front Office volunteers when deciding whether the Greenhill Humane Society is the right fit for them. If you have any questions about these essential capabilities, or would like more information, please email the volunteer department at volunteer@green-hill.org, or call the volunteer department cell phone at (541) 735-9339.