Community Navigator

Organization Overview:

The Potter League for Animals is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and advancing the well-being of Rhode Island’s companion animals. As the most comprehensive animal welfare organization in RI, we impact more than 10,000 companion animals annually. For nearly a century, we have been committed to serving the needs of people and animals in the RI community and across New England as a 4-star Charity Navigator-rated nonprofit, ranking in the top 1% nationally.

Job Description

• Job Title: Community Navigator
• Type: Full-Time, 40 hours per week
• Schedule: Mon – Fri, day shift; some weekends and evenings required for events or program needs.
• Pay: $25.00 – $30.00 per hour, with consideration given to qualifications and experience; eligible for overtime with approval; paid biweekly
• Work Location: Animal Care & Adoption Center, Middletown, RI (in-person required)

Job Purpose 

The Community Navigator leverages internal and external resources to keep pets with their existing families and reduces the risk of pets being separated from their families when their humans are in crisis. Through door-to-door outreach, community outreach events, and networking, the Community Navigator builds relationships that connect underserved individuals and families to the human and pet services they need to best provide for themselves and their pets. The Community Navigator has a deep commitment to serve the community and a significant understanding of systemic issues that affect underserved populations.

Success Factors

• Ability to relate to and respect the individuals and families this position serves.
• Has an understanding of social services programs such as subsidized housing, nutritional assistance, employment assistance, temporary housing services, etc.
• Can identify unsafe and/or crisis situations and take appropriate action.
• Communicates professionally and articulately verbally, in writing, and through body language.
• Remains calm, leads others, and safely handles various animal species during times of stress and crisis.
• Will prioritize duties, perform multiple tasks at one time, and work independently in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Is detail-oriented and able to collect, interpret, and summarize data.
• Can learn to identify signs of animal illnesses, disease, injuries, behavioral distress, fear, and aggression.
• Bilingual preferred.

Sample Accountabilities

• Network with community leaders and organizations such as social service agencies, faith organizations, and community groups to understand which services are available to people in need and how to best eliminate barriers to accessing them.
• Operates the Potter League for Animals Pet Food Pantry, including the securing and distribution of pet food to individuals and pantry partners across Rhode Island.
• Coordinates community vaccine clinics onsite at Potter League locations and at offsite locations such as community centers and public housing communities.
• In collaboration with the Volunteer Manager, builds, manages, and supports a team of volunteers to maximize daily activities and positive outcomes.
• Manages the Potter League for Animals’ Pet Safe temporary housing program.
• Manages the Companion Animal Relief Effort veterinary support fund (“CARE fund”) program.
• Proactively seeks to build relationships, uncover needs, and help underserved individuals connect with the services that will provide for them and their pets by conducting outreach in at-risk communities and hosting and/or attending community outreach events.
• Manages the administration of programs, including data collection and analysis to ensure the program meets goals strategically and effectively, developing and maintaining program SOPs, and developing and managing relevant program budgets.
• Demonstrates initiative and a flexible work schedule while working enthusiastically and cooperatively with all departments.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Simple IRA
• Paid Holidays, Sick and Vacation Time
• Discounts on some pet care-related goods and services
• Flexible schedule
• On-the-job training

How to Apply:
Please send a resume/letter of interest/direct questions to Laura Chabot, Director of Human Resources, at hr@potterleague.org. 

Employment Disclaimer: This job description is not a contract – management reserves the right to change its contents at any time. This organization complies with the guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. This organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer.