Receptionist - 211 - Abbotsford

If you are up for the challenge and would like to be considered for this position, we would like to hear from you.

The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA)

**POSITION**: Receptionist

**STATUS**: Temporary; Full-time

**SHIFT**: 35 hours per week

**LOCATION**: BC SPCA Abbotsford Animal Centre
Abbotsford, BC

**CLASSICATION**: CUPE Local 1622

**WAGE**: $20.66

**CLOSING DATE**: Open until filled

**Position Summary**:
This position is the first contact for public members and plays a vital role in attracting and retaining BC SPCA supporters.
The Receptionist is responsible for the majority of the public works and the rest of the staff's communications, ensuring the smooth functioning of the center.
This role is a crucial customer service position. It creates the center's atmosphere by demonstrating the guiding principles of the BC SPCA and engaging in a courteous, friendly way with clients, volunteers, staff and donors to ensure the highest possible reputation for the shelter and the maintenance of the goodwill of the BC SPCA in Abbotsford.

**Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Greet and interact with all volunteers and public in a welcoming and open manner
- Direct public and volunteers through to appropriate areas of the shelter
- Answers all telephone inquiries and direct callers to appropriate resources
- Receive animals at the counter in a thoughtful, warm and understanding manner
- Enter all incoming animals into Shelter Buddy
- Process animal adoptions/returns through Shelter Buddy
- Upload documents and support maintenance of animal files in hardcopy and Shelter Buddy
- Maintain office records accurately as directed by the supervisor
- Work collaboratively with others to maintain the entire physical plant in a clean, sanitary and efficient manner on an ongoing basis
- Receive animals at the counter from the public in an appropriately friendly and understanding manner
- Collaborate with other animal centre personnel thereby creating a positive and harmonious atmosphere among staff and volunteers, enhancing team performance
- Accept donations and provide information on acceptable and needed items
- Process all financial donations, ensuring that the individual receives an accurate receipt
- Cash handling including preparation of daily cash for deposit and daily batch out
- Schedule vet appointments, as necessary
- Responsible for communicating service needs to Animal Control Officers on the road
- Schedule surrender/compassionate board intakes when requested and appropriate
- Willingly to help co-ordinate the supporting work of volunteers, in the spirit that we all work together for the benefit of all animals
- Assist in shelter, with animal care or with vet and supply runs, as required
- Take adoption and donation photos and forward for social media use
- Ensure that the reception area is kept neat and tidy at all times
- Perform other duties as assigned by the branch manager

Secondary Key Responsibilities
- Provide support services in the field of animal husbandry as requested.

**Job Qualifications**:

- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum of 1-2 years’ experience in a receptionist role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable to the employer
- Sound knowledge/ability to learn routine office practice and procedures
- Philosophical harmony with BC SPCA policies, programs and protocols
- Knowledge of domestic animals, their breeds, characteristics and common diseases is an asset
- Ability to assist public in a positive manner
- Excellent customer service skills; Confident and clear communicator
- Self-started and able to work independently as well as part of a team
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to exercise tact, maturity and sound judgment in stressful situations
- Ability to work under pressure while prioritizing tasks
- Nimble and willing attitude and work ethic
- Excellent computer skills sufficient to deal effectively with the necessary front office routines
- Ability to prioritize demands upon time
- Knowledge of the geography of the Branch’s warrant area in general and the Shelter’s warrant area in particular

**How to apply**:
The BC SPCA is a Registered Charity BN 11881 9036 RR0001