Program Facilitator

JOB TITLE: Program Facilitator

OUR MISSION:

Hand2Paw’s mission is to provide a safe and supportive work environment, for youth ages 16-24, who are experiencing housing insecurity or foster-care involvement, as a means of enhancing resilience, compassion, and connection with people, animals and the community of Philadelphia. 

OUR BELIEF: 

We believe every person and animal deserves:

• A clean, supportive, enriching and stress free environment that promotes learning in positive ways
• A sense of purpose and control
• Opportunities for social connection and support
• To learn coping skills that will help them navigate the stresses and challenges of life

SUMMARY: 

The Program Facilitator, in collaboration with the Program Director, will be responsible for preparing & delivering Hand2Paw program curriculum and leading discussions, activities and workshops for Hand2Paw participants in each of our programs (Unleashing Opportunities, Pawspurr, Summer WorkReady). They will also assist the Program Director in developing and executing humane education programming for virtual learning and partner programs, ie. humane education lessons for schools, public events, etc. Program Facilitator will assist in developing and maintaining relationships and follow-up communication with program partners. Following strength-based, trauma-informed and anti-oppressive curriculum and program guidelines will allow a person in the role of Program Facilitator to develop relationships with participants and help cultivate the growth mindset that allows for personal healing and future-oriented goal planning; therefore, applicant must possess the skills needed to establishing healthy and trusting relationships with young people. Program Facilitator will assist in demonstrating and practicing mindfulness and other coping skills with program participants, and be integral in furthering compassion, connection and sense of community in the Hand2Paw space. The ideal candidate in this position has experience and history of working with youth that have experienced homelessness, foster-care, and/or justice involvement. Interpersonal skills and interest in educating and interacting with community members as a means of expanding community wellness and modeling personal and professional skills are integral to this role. 

Additionally, the Program Facilitator will provide compassionate and attentive care of the animals living at the Hand2Paw office, maintain a clean healthy environment for the animals and the community who visit our space, and assist with other duties as needed. Our current office location is located in the Olney section of Philadelphia at 5757 N. 5th Street, Philadelphia PA 19120 and houses between 10-30 animals at all times, and includes cats (all ages, from kittens to older cats) as well as small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, etc) and reptiles (turtles, lizards, etc). 

REQUIRED DAYS/HOURS: 25hrs/week, Mon-Fri

* Some evenings and weekends required. Days may be flexible given final schedule of programming*

STATUS: Part-time, eligible for health insurance reimbursement after 60 days

*Potential to transition to full-time*

SALARY/HOURLY RATE: $23/hr

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work effectively, efficiently and in accordance with the organization’s policies and procedures.
• Oversee program function when the Program Director is not present, such as daily check-ins, life skills lessons and group discussions.
• Record daily progress notes. 
• Provide oversight of virtual program function. 
• Create a safe space for youth to explore their values and identities.
• Encourage the development of positive peer relationships among program participants.
• Assist in recruitment of youth for all Hand2Paw programs.
• Coordinate guest speakers, field trips, and offsite programming.
• Ensure participant safety; following agreed-upon protocols.
• Participate actively in collaborative team exchange of ideas and practices.
• Work to ensure that programs meet goals and objectives and create the desired outcomes,
• following the direction of the Program Director.
• Attend and participate in community events.
• Treat all animals humanely and compassionately at all times.
• In collaboration with our youth and other team members; provide daily thorough cleaning, spot cleaning, food, clean water, and enrichment items for all animals. 
• Assist in the upkeep of supplies through stocking, laundry and washing of bowls etc.
• Be observant of the health and behavior of the animals in the shelter by rapidly identifying any health or behavioral problems or conditions and immediately reporting them to the Program Director.
• Assist with janitorial duties including but not limited to, sweeping, mopping, disposing of trash, etc. 
• Follow organizational dress code (long pants (khakis/jeans), closed toed shoes), and report to work punctually. 
• Utilize Shelterluv animal management system to read daily progress reports on animals and enter in pertinent information regarding animals in care.
• Communicate with the  Program Director and Director of Operations about the needs/health of animals and supplies needs. 
• Assist the Program Director with additional tasks as needed. 

EXPERIENCE, ABILITIES AND QUALITIES DESIRED 

• Ability to communicate skillfully, effectively, and compassionately with team members & youth interns. 
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Prior animal care experience is preferred but not required; ideal candidates are hoping to start or continue a career in animal care, veterinary care, or animal welfare. 
• Affection for animals, concern for their welfare, and a willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace is necessary to succeed in this position. 
• Strong problem solving skills, and ability to manage multiple tasks. 
• Ability and initiative to work with minimal supervision and direction.
• Professional and/or personal experience with social services and/or human services.
• Knowledge of animal behavior and common medical concerns is preferred, but not required. 
• Comfort and ability in working with animals of unknown disposition and those who may exhibit medical and or behavioral problems.
• Ability to lift and move objects and animals weighing up to 50 pounds for short distances, and to humanely restrain animals when necessary. 
• Completion of Pennsylvania Child Abuse clearance, Pennsylvania Criminal Background Check, and FBI fingerprinting.
• Participation in humane education, animal care workshops and trauma-informed CE training is required. 
• Valid drivers license is preferred but not required. 
• Must have a sincere interest in the work, programs, and mission of Hand2Paw.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree preferred, or at least 3 years of experience working with youth. 

Hand2Paw actively seeks to build and support a diverse staff; we are committed to fostering the leadership and elevating the voices of women, young people, people of color, Native people, immigrants and refugees, low-income people, LGBQ+ people, transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people, people with disabilities, and people living in the many intersections of these experiences. We strongly encourage people from these communities to apply.