Volunteer Engagement Intern
DESCRIPTION:
The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA) is dedicated to rescuing animals from abuse and neglect, providing lifesaving care and treatment, guaranteeing a home for every adoptable animal, and reducing pet-overpopulation through low-cost spay-and-neuter clinics and public awareness initiatives. Through these efforts, we prevent cruelty towards animals and promote respect for their welfare, thus enhancing the lives of people and their companion animals throughout the state of Pennsylvania.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Pennsylvania SPCA has a vibrant volunteer department with a volunteer workforce that numbers in the thousands. Each month the shelter sees over 100 volunteers not including corporate and school groups. The Volunteer Engagement Intern will assist with the recruitment, training and retention of the shelter's volunteer workforce. This position is an unpaid internship but may earn college credit.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES
- Responds to inquiries from potential volunteers about how to volunteer and what opportunities are available.
- Assists with and presents at the bi-weekly orientations for new volunteers, ensuring that all new volunteers work safely with the animals at the Pennsylvania SPCA.
- Assists new volunteers as needed, answering questions and being available for their first few visits to the shelters, including responding to any issues or concerns that may arise.
- Assists with the maintenance of the volunteer database, including hours logged, work performed and training completed.
- Assists the Volunteer Coordinator as needed, including working at special events, recruitment fairs, promotions and other activities.
- Works courteously and cooperatively with staff and volunteers to ensure that all established procedures and policies of the Pennsylvania SPCA are followed; follow established procedures governing safe work practices.
- Treats people and animals with respect. Treats all animals humanely, properly and with compassion, regardless of circumstances, including those animals that are sick, injured, feral or aggressive.
- Performs job-related tasks other than those specifically described above.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Have completed at least one year of an Associate degree or Bachelor degree program.
EXPERIENCE, ABILITIES AND QUALITIES REQUIRED
- Must be courteous and polite and able to work with both volunteers and staff, occasionally under stressful conditions.
- Should be able to solve problems and work with minimal supervision.
- Should have affection for animals and concern for their welfare.
- Should have experience in handling animals in a safe, effective and humane manner, especially larger and possibly untrained dogs.
- Must be able to direct, encourage and correct volunteers while preserving the dignity of the volunteer and integrity of the Pennsylvania SPCA.
- Must be able to perform office work such as data entry, filing and making phone calls in a professional manner.
