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Pet Therapy Program Officer

Lort Smith Animal Hospital
  • 0.8 FTE
  • 12 month Fixed term contract (with potential extension, depending on funding)
  • Based in North Melbourne, relocating to Campbellfield in late 2021 

Play a key role in supporting volunteer-dog teams to deliver animal-assisted interventions in health, aged care, youth justice, homelessness and other settings across Melbourne.

About Lort Smith

Located in the heart of Melbourne’s hospital and health precinct in North Melbourne, Lort Smith has a significant 80 year history having grown from humble beginnings. Today, Lort Smith reaches  the community in three very unique ways; in our hospital by providing exceptional veterinary care irrespective of client’s personal circumstances; in our adoption centre by providing sanctuary, rehabilitation, welfare and new homes to  animals in need; and through our community outreach programs which focus on nurturing the human-animal bond and responsible pet ownership. 

The Role

We are currently seeking a part time Pet Therapy Program Officer. Your primary role will involve coordinating the recruitment of new pet therapy teams, assisting with the ongoing support and supervision of volunteers and supporting the delivery of programs that support vulnerable people through connecting with companion animals. The role is focused on providing quality volunteer and community outreach service delivery outcomes which support Lort Smith’s mission to improve the health and happiness of animals and the people who care for them.                                   

Specific duties will include but not be limited to:

  • Coordinate the Pet Therapy team recruitment process
  • Provide support and supervision to pet therapy volunteers
  • Program administration including processing police checks, Working With Children Checks, vet checks, training and assessments
  • Assist with organising information sessions, training, assessments, workshops and events
  • Keep accurate records in the volunteer database
  • Provide support and guidance to Administration Volunteers supporting Pet Therapy Program
  • Work with the Community Programs Manager to plan and deliver Animal-Assisted Interventions to support vulnerable young people. 

To be considered for this role, you will have:

  • Excellent organisation and time management skills
  • Warm, approachable and professional demeanour
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Strong empathy skills and demonstrated ability to provide effective support whilst maintaining professional boundaries
  • Open-mindedness and proven ability to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds
  • Strong and accurate administrative skills
  • Sound computer skills including Microsoft Office and database software
  • Track record of building positive relationships with volunteers, staff and other stakeholders
  • Experience in one or more of the following sectors: animal welfare/behaviour, health, aged care, community development, youth, family violence or homelessness
  • Driver’s license and access to vehicle (role requires regular travel to partner facilities throughout Melbourne)

Desirable Criteria

  • Experience in administration of volunteer or community programs
  • Work or volunteer experience in animal-assisted therapy or other animal-related fields
  • Experience as a volunteer in the community sector
  • Experience using Better Impact or similar volunteer management software

This role is classified as a Level 3 (Clerk) and will be paid in accordance with the Lort Smith Enterprise Bargaining Agreement. 

If this sounds like you, click Apply Now and attach your cover letter and CV addressed to Megan Nutbean.

If you would like to learn more about Lort Smith and the wonderful work we do, please view the following link: Lort Smith - About Us.

Lort Smith is an equal opportunity employer and supports workplace diversity.

How to apply

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