Community Programs Assistant

Tree House Humane Society | General | Animal Welfare and Veterinary Medicine

On-site

Full Time

United States of America, Chicago

$18 - $20 USD/hr

Source not independently verified

Confirm the company and recruiter through an official company domain before applying. Never pay money, share one-time codes, sign out of your Apple or Google account, install apps or configuration profiles, or run code from a repository sent by a recruiter.

JOB TITLE: Community Programs Assistant

DEPARTMENT: Operations

REPORTS TO: Senior Manager, Community Programs

SUPERVISES: N/A

CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt, Hourly

EFFECTIVE DATE: 8/2026

SUMMARY: The Community Programs Assistant supports the operational and field-based efforts of the Community Programs Team, including Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), Cats at Work (CAW), pet transport services, vaccine events, and community cat support initiatives. Using a non-judgmental, community-centered approach, these programs work to empower and support our target communities in accessing resources and services that support the humane care and management of cats and pets within our targeted Chicago communities.

This position is highly hands-on and field-oriented, requiring travel throughout Chicago to support TNR projects, community cat relocation efforts, pet transport services, and direct client assistance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Field Operations & Program Support:

Responds to CAW and TNR general inquiries via phone call and email.
Conducts site visits and inspections to help identify potential territories for at-risk feral cats.
Supports community cat relocation and transfer efforts, working with partner organizations and caregivers.
Works with the Community Cats Coordinator to support TNR operations: trapping cats at project sites, transporting them for medical services, and returning them to their outdoor homes.
Builds respectful and positive relationships with community members while supporting humane community cat management practices.
Provides support, assistance, and resources to community members caring for or having issues with free-roaming cats. This includes the proper care, housing, handling, and enrichment of community cats.
Collaboratively prepares, cleans, and disinfects traps, transport equipment, and field supplies needed for daily operations.
Helps maintain an organized and orderly appearance of assigned areas and vehicles at all times.
Completes required documentation, client communication, and administrative tasks related to program operations.
Assists with volunteer engagement and support during field and operational activities.

Community & Event Support:

Participates in transporting pets to and from our clinic for spay/neuter.
Joins and facilitates food drop-offs for our pantry clients and maintains organization of the pantry storage area, including the donation area.
Assists with vaccine clinics and high-volume community events.
Supports community resource distribution efforts, including pet food deliveries and supply coordination.
Helps prepare and organize materials and supplies for outreach events and community programs.
Provides support for community-based events, including tabling efforts, educational workshops, and canvassing to expand awareness and access to pet health services, community cat care, and Tree House programs.
Engages with and trains volunteers in various aspects of the program.

Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

● This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Spanish-speaking required.
Must have a valid driver’s license to drive Tree House vehicles.
High School degree or equivalent required.
Coursework or experience in animal welfare, community outreach, social services, veterinary support, or related fields preferred.
Minimum 1 year of experience in customer service, community-based work, animal care, field operations, nonprofit work, or related environments.
Computer skills required: Microsoft Office
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships with community members, caregivers, volunteers, and partner organizations.
Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions and handling physically demanding tasks, including lifting traps, carriers, pet food, and other supplies.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate records, supplies, and documentation.
Comfortable learning and following humane community cat management and handling practices, including TNR protocols.
Ability to adapt to changing daily tasks and field conditions.
Ability to work weekends and evening shifts

COMPETENCIES:

● Attendance & Dependability - Is consistently at work and on time. Follows instructions and responds to management direction. Provides consistent, timely, high-quality work. Follow through on commitments. Uses time efficiently. Takes responsibility for own actions.

● Customer Service - Treats customers (internal and external) with respect and courtesy. Shows interest in, anticipates, and responds timely to customer needs and concerns. Goes beyond basic service expectations to help customers. Responds appropriately to and resolves difficult and emotional situations. Seeks ways to improve service delivery.

● Diversity - Enthusiastically works with all employees, regardless of race, gender, culture, and age. Values contributions of people from diverse backgrounds. Demonstrates respect for opinions and ideas of others. Shows awareness of and sensitivity to cultural and individual values.

● Ethics - Respects and maintains confidentiality. Tells the truth and is honest in all dealings. Avoids situations and actions considered inappropriate or which present a conflict of interest. Upholds organizational values. Does not misrepresent self or use position or authority for personal gain.

● Teamwork - Listens and responds constructively to others' views. Gives and welcomes feedback. Provides assistance to others when they need it. Shares expertise. Acknowledges others' effort and contribution. Puts the success of the team above their own interests. Creates a positive work environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position is primarily field-based and requires frequent outdoor work.
Must be able to safely lift, carry, push, and/or move up to 40 pounds.
Regular physical activity is required, including bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing, balancing, and handling animals.
Frequently required to stand and walk for extended periods; occasionally required to sit.
Work is performed in a variety of settings, including outdoor locations, shelter, and clinic environments.
Continual exposure to outdoor weather conditions.
Regular exposure to animals, animal waste, cleaning chemicals, and noise typical of animal care environments.
Regular interaction with staff, volunteers, community members, and members of the public in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
May involve interaction with individuals in high-stress or emotionally sensitive situations.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Monday to Friday. Position will occasionally have to work weekends based on operational needs.

Required Skills

office365

Required Languages

🇬🇧 English, 🇪🇸 Spanish

Key competency: General