Receptionist

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) is looking to fill the following career opportunity:
**POSITION**: Receptionist
**STATUS**: Permanent; Full-Time
**SHIFT**: 35 hours per week
**LOCATION**: Maple Ridge, BC
**CLASSIFICATION**: CUPE 1622
**WAGE**: Hourly
**CLOSING DATE**: Open Until Filled
**About the Position**:
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 receiving inquiries from the public in an effective, courteous, non-judgmental manner and helping to solve their problems in a practical way or ensuring that the request is passed on to the appropriate resource person, either internal or external. Every attempt should be made to defuse any hostility and/or anger and offer sincere support and compassion in times of grief.
**Some specific duties**:

- Work collaboratively with others to maintain the entire physical plant in a clean, sanitary and efficient manner on an ongoing basis.
- Ensure a satisfactory level of response to all relevant needs and inquiries, balancing the priorities at high traffic times.
- Treat the animals humanely, with compassion and concern, and transmit these values to others both on and off the job.
- Receive animals at the counter from the public in an appropriately friendly and understanding manner.
- Examine all incoming animals in order to determine and record their general health and condition.
- Examine stray animals, thoroughly check each for tattoos and clues to ownership, and persistently try to locate the owners of stray animals by placing advertisements in the appropriate newspaper(s) and by following up on each and every clue to ownership that may exist.
- Handle the animals in the best possible manner and follow appropriate procedures in accordance with the relevant statute, policy or instructions.
- Willingly help coordinate the supporting work of volunteers, in the spirit that we all work together for the benefit of all animals.
- Be responsible for communicating service needs to Animal Control Officers on the road.
- Maintain office records accurately as directed by the supervisor.
- Honestly and accurately, receive monies on behalf of the Shelter in accordance with Shelter procedures
- Maximize Shelter revenues, especially in the areas of merchandise and donations.
- Maintain standards in order to portray to the public the image of the SPCA as a compassionate and caring organization.
- Collaborate with other Shelter personnel thereby creating a positive and harmonious atmosphere among staff and volunteers, and enhancing team performance.
- Perform other duties as required to ensure the smooth operation of the Shelter.
- Perform all of the above in a courteous, friendly way to clients, volunteers and other staff, to ensure the highest possible reputation for the Shelter and the maintenance of the goodwill of its community.

**Qualifications you need to have**:

- 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
- Knowledge of domestic animals, their breeds, characteristics and common diseases is an asset
- Ability to assist the 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 Animal Centre’s warrant area in general and the Shelter’s warrant area in particular
- Philosophical harmony with the vision, mission, and strategic directions of the BC SPCA.

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