Administration and Reception Volunteer

About us

Pawz for Thought is a charity based in Sunderland that helps animals in need across the North East. Since our beginning in 2003 we have grown and are now a very busy charity, helping thousands of animals each year. The animals we help include companion animals such as cats, rabbits, birds and other animals, as well as a huge range of wildlife. Our incredible volunteers support everything we do: animal rescue and transport; animal care; cleaning; admin and reception; fundraising and events; fostering and rehoming.

We are an entirely volunteer-run organisation and therefore are always looking for volunteers to support us in a range of roles.

The role

Every week we receive hundreds of calls from concerned members of the public about wildlife. We are currently looking for volunteers to support with answering these calls and offering guidance and support, as well as with other administration tasks. This will be a varied and busy role.

Main tasks and activities

• Answering calls from people calling for help with wildlife. This could include young animals or animals trapped or injured.
• You will respond to queries and give advice with directions for people to bring to Pawz if they can.
• If a volunteer needs to attend to rescue or transport, you will help with taking key information from callers and organising to collect (information for collection requests is posted in a volunteers Facebook messaging group and volunteers contact callers directly to arrange collection).
• Responding to social media comments, text messages and emails.
• Welcoming people to the centre when they come to bring animals or donations.
• Representing Pawz in a friendly and professional manner.
• Administration roles such as helping people to fill in paperwork when they bring in animals, organising paperwork and data entry into the computer systems.

Relevant skills

• An interest and/or passion for wildlife and animals.
• A friendly and approachable demeanour.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Customer service skills.
• Experience of or a willingness to adhere to organisational policies and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and use your initiative, as things can often be very busy.
• Attention to detail.
• Punctual, reliable and trustworthy.
• Ability to work well in a team.
• Strong listening skills.
• Ability to be flexible, resilient and able to problem-solve.
• Non-judgmental, open minded and empathetic attitude.

What this role can offer volunteers

• Induction and support.
• Opportunity to develop and utilise your skills and experience.
• Gain valuable experience for those seeking a career in wildlife organisations, customer services or administration.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Being part of a team and supporting the organisation.
• The chance to play a vital part in helping animals.

If you would like to apply for this role, or to have a conversation about it, please get in touch at volunteering@pawzforthought.org