These positions may be currently filled. We will update “Why Volunteer for RAGofAZ?” when positions become available.
Intake Team Volunteer - Job Description - 2024
PURPOSE OF THE INTAKE TEAM:
- To respond to inquiries about surrendering a dog received via the Woofline, email, website, or social media
- To gather information from the individual turning in the Golden about the dog’s behavior, needs, and lifestyle
- To ascertain as best as possible that the dog is a purebred Golden, with credentials or not, and has no aggression issues
WHAT DOES AN INTAKE TEAM VOLUNTEER DO?
- Accepts a one week assignment every six-eight weeks during which the volunteer regularly checks the Woofline for messages and responds to them promptly
- Conducts a telephone interview using a detailed structured questionnaire
- Explains surrender process and requests photos if the dog is to be accepted into rescue; assigns ID number.
- Offers other resources if the dog is a mix or has a history of biting or aggression
- Communicates with other teams via email or phone, makes appropriate entries into Trackabeast system, and prepares a weekly summary.
WHAT KIND OF TRAINING IS PROVIDED?
- New volunteers receive an Intake Team Manual and individual training from the Team Coordinator
- The surrender process and intake questionnaire will be covered in detail
- Volunteer receives instruction on computer entries, completion of forms, and report preparation
- The volunteer will have continuation training and ongoing supervision as he/she begins to handle calls
WHAT SKILLS DOES AN INTAKE TEAM VOLUNTEER NEED?
- Strong oral communications and listening skills since most intake work is done over the phone
- An empathetic and non-judgmental approach towards people who are turning in their dogs for any reason
- Basic computer skills including email and Word or Word compatible software
- Perfect opportunity for a volunteer who wants to perform the entirety of the job from home
Home Visit Volunteer - Job Description - 2024
PURPOSE OF THE HOME VISIT TEAM:
- To thoroughly evaluate adoption applicants to determine if they can provide an appropriate home for our rescued dogs
WHAT DOES A HOME VISIT VOLUNTEER DO?
- Receives assignment, contacts applicant, schedules in-person home visit if applicant has resident dog(s) or virtual visit (Zoom, Facetime, etc.) if there are no dogs
- For in-person visits, Volunteer takes his/her Golden and proceeds with approved dog introduction process prior to interview; then conducts structured interview and tours the home and property
- Completes and submits a Home Visit Report using form provided
WHAT KIND OF TRAINING IS PROVIDED?
- Very comprehensive! You will receive a Home Visit Manual including detailed descriptions of both in-person and virtual home visits, instructions for simple computer entries and how to prepare a brief report
- On the job training through “ride-along” sessions with experienced team members
- Easy and always-available access to Coordinator and Director as you learn the job
WHAT SKILLS DOES A HOME VISIT VOLUNTEER NEED?
- Positive attitude and a willingness to learn
- Ability to converse comfortably with applicants and follow our Home Visit protocols
- Competency with using email and Word – we’ll train you on everything else
- Driving for in-person visits
WHERE DO WE NEED HOME VISIT VOLUNTEERS?
- West Valley, Central Phoenix, East Valley; our need is greatest for in-person home visits
Transport Team Volunteer - Job Description - 2024
PURPOSE OF THE TRANSPORT TEAM:
- To move a dog or dogs safely from point A to point B in a timely manner
WHAT DOES A TRANSPORT TEAM VOLUNTEER DO?
- Takes possession of the dog being surrendered, obtains any vet records, medications or other appropriate items, and secures a signature on required forms
- Delivers the dog to the home of its adopter/foster or boarding facility and provides basic information regarding vet care and appropriate RAGofAZ contacts
- Obtains signature on adoption contract or foster agreement, and collects adoption fee and membership dues as appropriate
- Prepares and submits a report on the transport
WHAT KIND OF TRAINING IS PROVIDED?
- A new volunteer will receive written transport instructions and one on one training including computer entries and how to complete forms
- Volunteers will accompany experienced team members in “ride-alongs” to observe all aspects of the transport experience
WHAT SKILLS DOES A TRANSPORT TEAM VOLUNTEER NEED?
- Is comfortable driving alone with a properly tethered dog in the vehicle and the ability to follow directions to an unfamiliar address
- Can demonstrate sensitivity when picking up a dog from an OTI (Owner Turn-In), Good Samaritan, breeder, or other emotional surrender situation.
- Organizational skills: responds to email transport requests, respects timeliness, is observant, pays attention to detail, can prepare simple computerized reports
WHERE DO WE MOST URGENTLY NEED TRANSPORT TEAM VOLUNTEERS?
South Chandler/Maricopa or Casa Grande area, usually to meet up with volunteers who are transporting dogs from the Tucson area to points north
Information Technology (IT) Assistant - Job Description - 2024
PURPOSE OF THE IT ASSISTANT:
- To support many if not all aspects of the organization’s technology needs
WHAT DOES THE IT ASSISTANT DO?
- Maintains, updates, and/or serves as administrator for the following: Trackabeast data system, Zeffy, Google Work Space, PayPal, DocuSign, etc. all while working from home with a computer and phone
- Supports Webmaster as needed in maintaining website and mass email system
- Collaborates with Board of Directors periodically to ensure technology requirements are being met
- Expect periods of being busy that may be followed by periods of low activity
WHAT KIND OF TRAINING IS PROVIDED?
- One-on-one initial and continuation training will be provided by our President, Vice President, Webmaster, and other volunteers who possess specific technology skills
- Ongoing support as you learn on the job via meetings, Zoom and phone
- Reports directly to the Vice President and will have continual access to those with tech expertise
WHAT SKILLS DOES AN IT ASSISTANT NEED?
- Knowledgable in basic hardware/software technolgy, website management, commonly used applications – bonus points if you are a quick study!
- A positive, intuitive, “trouble-shooting” approach to technology issues
- Stays current on relevant developments in tech issues such as AI, software enhancements, etc.
Vet Care Team Volunteer - Job Description - 2024
PURPOSE OF THE VET CARE TEAM:
- To arrange for veterinarian care for every Golden Retriever from the time it enters the rescue process, is adopted, and any follow-up care identified in a medical addendum is completed.
WHAT DOES A VET CARE LIAISON DO?
- Serves as the official RAGofAZ point of contact for the vet care hospital or facilty assigned to her by the Vet Team Manager
- Contacts fosters and FWITA to arrange a mutually agreeable vet appointment
- Provides details to vet regarding what screenings/treatment is requested
- Whenever possible attends first vet appointment with foster/FWITA
- Obtains invoices and arranges payment to vet in accordance with instructions provided by Vet Team Manager
- Enters notes into Trackabeast regarding all aspects of vet care and dog’s behavior; uploads reports and invoices into FILES
- Follows up with FWITA to ensure dog is adjusting and confirms when the FWITA is ready to finalize the adoption; notifies Vet Team Manager of any behavioral dog issues or concerns raised by FWITA that need to be addressed
- Issues a medical release, with or without an addendum, and follows up as needed to ensure medical procedures in addendum are completed
WHAT KIND OF TRAINING IS PROVIDED?
- Very comprehensive: both one-on-one initial training and continuation training will be provided by the Vet Team Manager
- New volunteer receives detailed Vet Team Manual, Trackabeast instructions, and a list of all vet partners
- Vet care updates and new information is provided by Vet Team Manager weekly
WHAT SKILLS DOES A VET CARE LIAISON NEED?
- Solid oral communications and listening skills to ensure medical information is received, communicated, and recorded accurately
- Basic computer skills: document management, email, Word
- Reliable organizational skills, attention to detail, timeliness, and follow-up
Volunteer Coordinator - Job Description - 2024
PURPOSE OF THE VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR:
- To ensure that inquiries about volunteering and online volunteer applications are promptly referred to the appropriate director or coordinator for response or action
WHAT DOES A VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR DO?
- Receives online volunteer applications and refers them to the appropriate director or coordinator for action
- Refers volunteering inquiries received via email or the Woof Line to the appropriate director or coordinator for response
- Maintains electronic volunteer records in Trackabeast and periodically updates available volunteer positions on the website
- Responds to coordinator/director requests to email confidentiality agreement to volunteer and follows up for receipt of signed document (using DocuSign)
- Uploads confidentiality agreement into volunteer’s TB profile under FILES
WHAT KIND OF TRAINING IS PROVIDED TO A NEW COORDINATOR?
- One-on-one training is provided included all tracking and technology requirements
WHAT SKILLS DOES A VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR NEED?
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail with timely follow-up
- Competent computer and communications skills: email, Trackabeast entries, document management, etc.
- NOTE: This job can be done from home with just a computer and phone
Woof Line Team Volunteer - Job Description - 2024
PURPOSE OF THE WOOF LINE TEAM:
- To check messages received on the Woof Line and either respond to the caller personally or direct the inquiry to the appropriate team member for handling.
WHAT DOES A WOOF LINE VOLUNTEER DO?
- Volunteer is assigned to take a week’s rotation, Monday through Sunday, usually about once a month.
- On-duty volunteer dials in every few hours using a special code to pick up messages.
- Returns the call if the question is general and within the range of knowledge of the Woof Line Volunteer; for example, may inform a caller who wants to know how to adopt a dog to complete the online application on our website.
- Volunteer may direct inquiries via phone call or email to the contact who handles the type of issue raised by the Woof Line caller; for example, relinquishing a dog, vet care questions, volunteering, donations, reporting a stray dog, etc.
WHAT KIND OF TRAINING IS PROVIDED?
- Very comprehensive: both one-on-one initial training and continuation training will be provided by the Woof Line Coordinator.
- New volunteer receives detailed training manual and contact list of Directors and Coordinators for all aspects of organizational functions.
WHAT SKILLS DOES A WOOF LINE VOLUNTEER NEED?
- Solid oral communications and listening skills
- Basic computer skills: document management, email, Word; only equipment required is a computer and phone
- Reliable organizational skills, ability to take accurate notes, commitment to timeliness and follow-up