Salary Range: $55,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time
off, paid holidays, life insurance, retirement plan eligibility, and professional development
opportunities.
Additional Compensation: No commission or incentive compensation is associated with this position.
JOB SUMMARY
The Pet Advocate provides trauma-informed advocacy and support to survivors of domestic violence
and their companion animals participating in YWCA Union County's Pet Program, “Safe Paws. Safe
People.” This position helps ensure that survivors do not have to choose between their safety and the
safety of their pets by coordinating pet-related services, providing education and support, maintaining
pet shelter facilities, and connecting clients to community resources.
The Pet Advocate works with residential staff to support survivors and their pets throughout their
shelter stay, promotes animal welfare, assists with pet-related safety planning, and helps maintain a
safe, healthy, and welcoming environment for both clients and animals. This position reports directly
to and is supervised by the Director of Residential Services.
REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum education/experience equivalent to bachelor’s degree in social services,
psychology, animal science, or related field preferred.
- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. (pet carriers, supplies).
- Comfort working with animals of various sizes, temperaments, and needs.
- Willingness to work in environments with pet dander, noise, and occasional emergencies.
- Completion of state-mandated domestic violence and sexual assault training (upon hire if not
already completed).
- Animal handling and safety training (internal or external).
- Prior work or volunteer experience in animal shelters, veterinary clinics, rescue organizations,
or pet-care settings.
- Understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence, trauma responses, and the role pets play
in survivor safety.
- Bilingual in Spanish preferred
- Valid Driver’s License Required
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Pet Advocacy & Client Support
- Conduct intakes and complete all required pet program documentation.
- Assist survivors in developing pet-related safety plans.
- Provide education regarding pet care, animal welfare, and the connection between domestic violence and animal abuse.
- Support residential clients in meeting the daily needs of their pets, including feeding, exercise, enrichment, and basic care.
- Coordinate pet transportation for veterinary appointments, shelter placement, emergency services, or other approved activities as needed.
- Assist survivors in accessing pet-related community resources, including veterinary care, pet food assistance, foster programs, and animal welfare services.
- Collaborate with residential staff to support survivors and pets throughout shelter admission, stay, and discharge processes.
Program Coordination
- Maintain pet shelter facilities, equipment, supplies, and inventory.
- Monitor pet living areas to ensure cleanliness, safety, and compliance with program standards.
- Coordinate with veterinary providers, animal welfare organizations, and community partners to meet the needs of shelter pets.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate pet program policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure effective service delivery and compliance with agency standards.
- Support agency-wide training for current and in-coming staff on pet advocacy protocols and processes.
- Assist in the development and ongoing enhancement of the YWCA Union County “Safe Paws. Safe People.” Pet Advocacy Program.
- Support outreach efforts to increase awareness of the Pet Program and available services.
- Assist with volunteer engagement and coordination related to pet program activities.
- Support efforts to expand and strengthen YWCA Union County's pet-friendly services and remove barriers for survivors seeking safety with their pets.
Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain accurate and confidential client and pet records in accordance with agency policies and funding requirements.
- Complete required documentation, statistical reports, and service records in a timely manner.
- Track pet program outcomes and assist with reporting requirements for grants and funding sources.
- Ensure compliance with all agency, licensing, and funding requirements.
Communication & Collaboration
- Maintain timely communication with residential staff and other internal programs to ensure coordinated services.
- Collaborate with community partners to strengthen resources available for survivors and their pets.
- Assist with hotline coverage, screenings, and shelter-related duties as needed.
- Serve as a resource to staff regarding pet-inclusive services and best practices.
Other Responsibilities
- staff and Residential Program meetings.
- Participate in agency trainings, community events, and fundraisers.
- Maintain confidentiality and uphold all YWCA policies and procedures.
- Engage in self-care practices to reduce the impact of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue.
- Perform other duties as assigned by supervisory personnel.
This job description is a broad outline of the responsibilities and duties that will be amended as needed to meet the program priorities of the YWCA Union County and their ensuring work requirements. It should not be construed as a contract.
The Mission of the YWCA-Union County
The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
YWCA Eastern Union County Core Values
Commitment to the mission and working together for the well-being of the community
Integrity in relationships, practices, and decisions.
Respect for each one's roles, diversity, and viewpoints.
Compassion in understanding, attitude, and action.
Empowerment to create positive choices, recognize potential, and reach goals.
Excellence in practice and expectation.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The YWCA of Eastern Union County is an equal opportunity employer and shall provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment.
The YWCA of Eastern Union County does not discriminate in providing appropriate services or other assistance based on age, gender, sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, religion, handicap, and/or financial status.
