Advocate

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ADVOCATE DESCRIPTION
The Advocate is a client services position, in which the volunteer acts as an advocate on behalf of the pet, and guides the pet owner through the Wellness Clinic process. During clinic operations, the Advocate will greet pet owners as they arrive, help keep the waiting areas quiet and calm, determine the needs of the pet, and assist the pet and pet owner throughout the veterinary visit. The typical clinic day serves an average of 35 pets. Because many of our clients have financial difficulties, the Advocate will respectfully discuss the pet owner’s circumstances to determine what services can be delivered within their budget. We are a high-volume clinic, and Advocates are essential for ensuring that pets move quickly through the veterinary process. Volunteers should arrive 15 minutes prior to opening for clinic meetings, and should stay until all clients have been assisted.

DUTIES

• Greet pet owners and assist them with handling their pets in the lobby
• Speak with pet owner to determine the pet’s needs and the owner’s budget
• Complete intake paperwork
• Brief veterinarian on the pet’s situation before accompanying them to the office visit
• Listen and take notes during office exam to ensure pet owner understands all information
• Accompany owner through check out process, and ensure they understand all care instructions

REQUIREMENTS

• Work efficiently in a busy environment
• Must be proactive and a self-starter
• Ability to handle animals
• Good communication and listening skills
• High situational awareness
• Must wear wine-colored scrubs (to be purchased by volunteer)
• Background check and signed waiver

TRAINING
All volunteers are provided with on-the-job training. Volunteers are paired with an experienced volunteer until they are comfortable enough to perform the required tasks on their own. There is always staff on hand volunteers can contact if they have any questions.

ABOUT US
The St. Augustine Humane Society promotes healthy, responsible, lifelong pet ownership in our community. We offer many important services to help pet parents keep their pets, rather than relinquishing them to animal shelters. Some of the services we offer include our high-volume Spay/Neuter Program, our low-cost Wellness Clinic, positive Dog Training classes, and a Pet Food Pantry. We rely on talented and dedicated volunteers to assist with these programs, and to ensure that all pets and pet parents receive the care and services they need. By offering low-cost veterinary services and serving as a resource center for our community, we are able to provide affordable assistance to all, making our clinic the only one of its kind in St. Johns County.