Community Programs Assistant; II

Community Programs Assistant

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.

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…