Receptionist

Your Mission:
To advance the mission and programs of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) and the ARL Afford-a-Care Pet Clinics by providing exceptional front-desk service, ensuring an efficient and welcoming client experience, and supporting the daily operations of the clinic through high-quality administrative and clerical work. In this role, you help clients access the care their pets need while promoting the ARL’s trusted community resources.

What You’ll Do:
In this role, you will prepare patient forms and files in advance of appointments and warmly greet clients and their pets to create a positive first impression. You will process payments for veterinary services, balance daily transactions, and issue receipts with accuracy and professionalism. You will answer incoming phone calls, respond to inquiries or direct calls appropriately, and provide information to pet owners about clinic services, scheduling procedures, and ARL resources.

You will ensure all necessary paperwork is completed before appointments and coordinate scheduling for patient visits, follow-ups, and surgical procedures while maintaining an organized and efficient clinic calendar. You will manage essential clerical duties such as filing, photocopying, faxing, transcribing, and sorting mail, and will work collaboratively with clinic staff to maintain smooth operations. You may also support clients during emotional or stressful situations by providing compassionate communication and steady guidance.

You will contribute to stress and disease reduction efforts through intentional and humane handling of animals when needed, maintain clean and orderly lobby and work areas, and uphold a safe working environment by following established safety guidelines. Throughout your work, you will actively promote the ARL’s mission, services, programs, and events while demonstrating knowledge of and adherence to ARL policies and procedures. Additional responsibilities may be assigned.

What You Bring:
You bring a high school diploma or GED and ideally have previous experience in a reception or client-service role. You thrive in a fast-paced and sometimes emotionally challenging environment and demonstrate strong customer service abilities, problem-solving skills, and the capacity to resolve conflict with composure. Your organizational skills and attention to detail support accurate scheduling and record-keeping, and you are comfortable performing basic mathematical tasks and using Microsoft Office Suite effectively. You approach your work with empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to supporting clients and their pets.

Working Conditions:
This position may require lifting up to 50 pounds on occasion and involves regular exposure to odors, animal-related illnesses, bites, scratches, and waste, as well as moderate noise levels. You must be able to sit or stand for extended periods and be comfortable working in an environment where both people and animals are frequently in need of support.

Why Work at the ARL?
As a Receptionist at the ARL’s clinics, you are often the first point of contact for pet owners seeking help, guidance, and care. Your work ensures that pets receive timely medical services and that clients feel supported and valued. You join a mission-driven team dedicated to compassion, community impact, and making life better for animals and the people who love them.

Employment in this position is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the ARL may terminate the employment relationship at any time.

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.