Humane Education Internship
Qualification Requirements
● College student pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in any field.
○ Ideal focuses: Education, Early Childhood Education and/or Development, Social Work, Communication, Public Relations, Business Administration or Psychology and Sociology
● A desire to learn more about the animal shelter environment
● Comfortable working with children ages 4 – 17
● A highly developed attention to detail
● Well-developed interpersonal and writing skills
● Excellent and professional customer service and communication skills
● Excellent time management and prioritization skills
● The ability to work independently or in a team environment
● Flexibility in hours; working some nights and possible weekends
Job Responsibilities
● Assist in the implementation of Humane Society of West Michigan’s Youth Education Program
● Plan, implement, facilitate, and evaluate Kids' Night Out events, Spring Break Camp and Summer Camp
● Assist with planning and executing children’s daily camp activities
● Assist with group and school presentations and in the development of program curriculum
● Communicate with external groups including parents, community members, groups, and media
● Communicate with parents of campers on changes to program in person or via email
● Assist with volunteer management and training as available
● Coordinate and lead activities with volunteer groups
● Develop and/or share communication pieces for volunteers and summer camp families
● Data entry for program touch points
● Research innovative ideas for our summer, day, and overnight camps
● Research and create a project proposal for a new day or night camp
● Develop potential new outlets for funding/partnership for specific volunteer and camp needs
● Develop training protocol proposal for animal handling for junior camp counselor and camp counselors
● Other duties as assigned by the Programs Coordinator, Director of Community Programs, and other HSWM staff
Work Environment
HSWM Expectations of Employees
● Treat animals, staff, and volunteers humanely, with compassion, both on and off the job, and transmits these values to others
● Adhere to all state and local laws regarding personally owned animals
● Provide accurate information and courteous service to the public at all times
● Discretion with confidential information
● Adhere to HSWM Culture Commitment
Work Environment
● May be exposed to unpleasant noises, odor and animal feces
● May be exposed to bites, scratches and zoonotic diseases
Physical Demands
● Work requires lifting and carrying items & animals that weigh up to 40 pounds. Will be assisted by other staff members with items & animals weighing over 40 pounds
● Will be required to walk or stand for extended periods of time. Will frequently work in a bent position