Pet Help Assistant Reports to: Admissions Supervisor FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full-Time Location: Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) – Des Moines, IA (On-Site) Your Mission: Be a Lifeline for Pets and the People Who Love Them Are you someone who leads with empathy and believes in meeting people where they are? As a Pet Help Assistant at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, you’ll play a meaningful role in supporting both pets and their people during times of need. Whether you're counseling families through end-of-life decisions or helping reunite lost pets with their owners, your work will provide comfort, compassion, and clarity during some of life’s most difficult moments. This position is perfect for someone with a strong customer service background, excellent communication skills, and a deep desire to help animals and the people who care about them. What You’ll Do You’ll be a compassionate and knowledgeable first point of contact for patrons seeking help with a wide range of services, from end-of-life decisions to lost pet reunification. You’ll guide pet owners through difficult conversations with empathy, provide accurate information about community resources, and work collaboratively with internal teams to ensure smooth animal intake processes. You’ll be responsible for accurate data entry and documentation of animal intakes, as well as maintaining clean and organized public spaces. You'll also assist with transfers between ARL locations or partner shelters and play a role in stress and disease reduction efforts by handling animals with care and purpose. Cash handling, database use, and communication via phone, email, and in-person interactions are all part of the daily rhythm of this role. What You Bring You have a high school diploma or GED, and at least two years of experience in a fast-paced, customer-facing role is preferred. You’re confident managing emotional or stressful situations with professionalism and compassion. You’re comfortable using Microsoft Office, handling basic financial transactions, and ensuring data accuracy through detailed record-keeping. You’re a natural problem-solver and empathetic communicator who can resolve conflict with care and clarity. Your ability to work both independently and collaboratively makes you an ideal fit for this high-impact, people-focused role. Working Conditions This position requires the ability to lift up to 50 lbs and remain on your feet or seated for long periods. Work is performed in a shelter environment where you may be exposed to animal waste, dander, noise, and the risk of bites or scratches. Why Work at the ARL? Every day, you’ll help ensure pets and people feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether you’re helping someone through a heartbreaking goodbye or celebrating a pet’s return home, your compassion and care will leave a lasting impact. At the ARL, your work truly makes a difference. Employment in this position is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the ARL may terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any lawful reason. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or applicable state regulations, the Animal Rescue League will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations.