Bilingual Pet Support Specialist

Position Summary

Bilingual Pet Support Specialist – KC Pet Project

$18.00/hr – $19.00/hr

• Position:
  Pet Support Center Specialist
• Department:
  Community Programs
• Reports to:
  
  Pet Support Center Supervisor
• Category:
  Full‑time, non‑exempt
• Compensation: $17.50–18.50/hour (based on skills and experience)
• Schedule:
  
  5 days/week, including a weekend day, 9:30 am–6:30 pm (part‑time opportunity available)

Pet Support Specialists serve Kansas City residents through a helpline (200+ calls daily) and a support desk (shelter admissions). They provide empathetic and compassionate assistance in scenarios such as surrendered animals, found animal admission, re‑home of pets, and problem‑solving to keep pets in their homes. Specialists are organized, attentive to detail, good listeners, and open to challenging implicit bias. They must think on their feet, stay calm under pressure, and possess a background in customer service or social services.

The Pet Support Center is a core part of KC Pet Project’s mission to create a compassionate, safe community for pets and people. The team works extensively with the public to provide services that keep pets in their homes by identifying barriers, assessing needs, and offering consultation, support, and follow‑through. Team members are passionate about helping people find resources with kindness, without judgment, and a genuine desire to serve.

• Exemplary role model in customer experience: maintain a professional appearance, positive attitude, and tactful, effective interactions with the public.
• Provide equitable and fair support, actively remove barriers to pet ownership, and steward limited resources.
• Seek support for KC Pet Project’s mission through donations, financial assistance negotiation, and client storytelling.
• Maintain extensive knowledge of community resources, animal control ordinances, and appropriate care standards to aid pet owners in informed decisions.
• Serve as a resource for pet owners, answering inquiries promptly via email, mail, phone, or face‑to‑face; act as a liaison for referrals.
• Process daily paperwork, deposits, and records accurately; maintain detailed histories and communications.
• Ensure appropriate standards of care: schedule intakes, vaccines, medical tests; relay concerns to clinic staff; coordinate relinquishment and return home appointments; conduct case management; assist with intake diversion.
• Adhere to all KC Pet Project policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Physical capability: lift up to 50 lbs, stand, bend, stoop, sit, walk, reach, and kneel for extended periods; provide animal handling with fear‑free techniques.
• Resourceful mindset: go above and beyond to retain pets or create appropriate surrender plans.
• Communication: verbal and written communication with superiors, colleagues, and external partners; maintain confidentiality and professional image.
• Attendance and Dependability: punctuality, readiness to open the department on time, timely and accurate completion of tasks.

Work will be performed at the KC Campus for Animal Care. Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, high noise levels, hazardous chemicals, and sharp objects. Must navigate emotional aspects of animal welfare work.

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• At least two years of experience in customer service/retail sales or social services.
• Relevant training and experience demonstrating required knowledge and skills.
• Animal welfare or shelter experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to speak Spanish preferred.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.