Intake Recovery Specialist (REMOTE)

Intake Recovery Specialist

(Dogs Matter & Project Street Vet Initiative Program)

Remote Volunteer Position

Dogs Matter is a unique and innovative 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide the needed services and support to gain long-term sobriety and stability, and provide a healthy and loving environment for their pet. Dogs Matter is the only non-profit agency in Texas offering free temporary foster care placement and aftercare support services specifically for pets of people with addictions receiving substance abuse treatment.

Dogs Matter has become a department of Dallas Pets Alive (DPA). With over 350 Volunteers on more than 10 teams, we have numerous opportunities for you to join our mission. By dedicating your valuable time to Dogs Matter, you directly impact our ability to achieve our organizational goals in a fun and supportive community. To learn more about Dogs Matter visit https://www.dogsmatter2.org/

As our Recovery Intake Specialist, you will serve as a resource guide to support our unhoused applicants/clients in Recovery through the Dogs Matter & Project Street Vet collaboration. You will expand our connections and resources throughout the L.A. area through research and engagement. With the support of Dogs Matter Recovery Coaches, you’ll help assess their needs, explain how the program works, guide them through the intake process, and support their journey toward treatment.

Team: Dogs Matter

Location:

• Remote/Virtual: Virtual from anywhere, understanding our clients are in the Pacific time zone and Dogs Matter staff are primarily on Central time. Geographical knowledge of Los Angeles is a plus.

Time Commitment: 10 – 15 hours per week. Volunteer hours must be flexible to coordinate swiftly based on client needs. Must be available to commit to a minimum of 6 months of volunteer service.

Compensation: This is a Volunteer Position with no monetary compensation.

Reports to: Dogs Matter Lead Recovery Coach, Director of Operations and Executive Director

Works with: You’ll work directly (virtually) with our clients as well as the Dogs Matter, Project Street Vet, and PASS program staff and volunteers.

Position Responsibilities:

Screening & Intake

• Conduct outreach and intake conversations (via phone, in person, or virtually) with unhoused individuals interested in receiving services from Dogs Matter.
• Collect and document basic demographic, housing, and pet-ownership information sensitively and respectfully.
• Assess eligibility for the joint program, including medical, behavioral, or logistical barriers
• Explain the structure and services of the program and next steps

Record-Keeping & Reporting

• Maintain accurate, confidential records of intake conversations, assessments, and follow-ups.
• Provide regular reports to Dogs Matter leadership on intake volume, trends, bottlenecks, and client outcomes.
• Collaborate with Project Street Vet teams to ensure alignment in client tracking and resource allocation.

Skills and Qualifications best suited for this position:

• Demonstrated empathy, excellent communication, and active listening skills.
• Experience in social services, case management, recovery coaching, or nonprofit outreach preferred.
• Comfort working with individuals experiencing homelessness and/or substance use challenges.
• Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent intakes.
• Basic familiarity with data entry/case management tools (or willingness to learn).
• Commitment to the mission of Dogs Matter and Project Street Vet (keeping people and pets together, no judgment).
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Proficiency with Gmail and G-Suite applications
• Fluency in English; bilingual a plus!
• Ability to operate a computer or mobile device
• The following activities are required:
  • Ability to operate a computer and/or mobile device.
  • The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.

What we look for in our Volunteers:

• Commitment to DPA!’s mission and values.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to maintain professional-level correspondence at all times.
• A motivational, can-do attitude to represent DPA! in a positive manner to our supporters and the general public.
• A problem-solving mindset to handle and diffuse challenging situations in a professional manner.
• A love for animals and dedication to the cause of animal welfare.
• Must not have conflicting associations with similar non-profit organizations or business(es) related to animal welfare.

Our Commitment to You:

Dallas Pets Alive! champions a world where:

1. Both ends of the leash are respected and honored. All individuals are treated with dignity, compassion, and understanding.
2. We treat all living beings as they wish to be treated.

DPA is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive culture that reflects the uniqueness of the animals and communities we serve. We will lead with positive intent and foster inclusivity and belonging in all that we do.

DPA! has a zero-tolerance discrimination policy. Unfair or prejudicial treatment of people and groups based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, or sexual orientation will not be tolerated.

To be considered for this position, please complete our Official Volunteer Application at https://dallaspetsalive.org/volunteer/volunteer-application/

For general information about volunteering, visit https://dallaspetsalive.org/volunteer/

Dallas Pets Alive! is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive culture that reflects the uniqueness of the animals and communities we serve. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation. To request reasonable accommodation, contact volunteer@dallaspetsalive.org.