Adoption counselor job description

*_Adoption Counselor Part Time_*
*Sat-Tuesday 10:30am-6pm with Wed-Friday off*
*Summary*
The Adoption Program at ACC has a goal that is simple and powerful: we are looking to help end animal homelessness in New York City by connecting people and pets for adoption. ACC employs an open adoption approach where we understand that there is no such thing as the “perfect home” and we welcome all clients as potential adopters. Using an “open adoptions” approach, the adoption process is conversation based and non-judgmental. Our focus is on matching pets with people and providing resources to continue assisting these new families post adoption. Adoption Counselors are the voice of the homeless pet population and work to promote their adoptions. They will need to provide superior customer service skills and must be willing and prepared to answer a wide variety of questions regarding animal husbandry.
We are looking to hire an Adoption Counselor who has experience handling large breeds (50+ lbs) and is comfortable facilitating adoption interactions with dogs who may have one or more of the following potential challenges: poor impulse control, social hyperarousal, leash-biting, strength/leash pulling, mouthiness/poor bite inhibition, resource guarding, etc.
*Responsibilities*
Customer Service (50%)

* Provide exemplary customer service to our adopters by effectively communicating and guiding them through the adoption process.
* Escort clients to view available animals for adoption to find out what they are looking for in a pet and explain kennel cards.
* Work with adopters to find a good match for their families by accurately communicating the medical and behavioral needs of the pet and supplying them the necessary information and resources during counseling sessions to set them up for success.
* Review adoption applications, interview prospective adopters and make decisions on the outcome of adoptions.
* Perform reference checks as needed.
* Check and provide answers via email on a shared adoption account.
* Occasionally attend offsite adoption events and participate in community outreach.
* Answer phones and check voicemails in a timely fashion.
* Provide follow-up post adoption to answer any questions or to address and work through common challenges.

Husbandry and Handling (20%)

* Interact with and get to know available animals in order to provide information and to provide the best matches.
* Handle and conduct interactions between animals and their potential adopters.
* Prepare animals to leave the shelter by properly fitting dogs with collars and/or harnesses and placing cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs into carriers using low-stress techniques.
* Conduct and write rabbit evaluations to promote their adoptions.
* Write bios and take photos to help increase adoptability.

Administrative/Other (30%)

* Process adoption paperwork and payments. This includes closing animal records, entering rabies/dog license information, processing payments and donations, etc.
* Review and document any pertinent customer information into the Shelterbuddy database.
* Ensure that all adoption paperwork is filed and organized according to policy.
* Photograph and keep track of positive adoption stories or “Happy Tails” to share with other members of the organization.
* Clean and organize adoption areas.
* Other duties as assigned.

*Qualifications*
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, often high-stress, ever changing environment. Customer-driven and focused on providing a positive, upbeat experience for all clients. High attention to detail, Strong work ethic, and thrive working in busy environment. The ability to handle different breeds and sizes of dogs. Treating animals and people with respect and employ humane handling techniques whenever possible. Work well independently but also function seamlessly as a member of a team.
*Education and Work Experience*
High School Diploma or GED required. This is an entry-level position. At least six months customer service experience is required. Prior dog handling experience required.
*Work Environment*
At Animal Care Centers it's all hands-on deck. We work together as a team, which means you may be asked to help with tasks that involve working outside in all sorts of weather. As a busy animal shelter in one of the biggest cities in the world it can get noisy inside. Employees should have the ability to remain calm yet professional in stressful situations involving animals and/or members of the public. Animal Care Centers houses hundreds of animals in its facilities at any given time and with that comes fur, odors and other airborne particles in abundance.
Animal Care Centers offers many low-cost services to pets and people in need. This includes compassionate end-of-life services for people who cannot afford to go to a private veterinary office but still want to provide a professional and peaceful transition for their beloved pet.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required. New Hires must be fully vaccinated by the first day of employment. Reasonable accommodations will be considered.
*Reports To: * Adoptions Manager
Overtime: This is a non-union hourly position and eligible for overtime.
Animal Care Centers of New York City is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them. EOE/M/F/D/V/SO.

Job Type: Part-time

SUMMARY AND PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Birth Parent Counselor is an adoption assessor who works with all members of the adoption triad, providing options and grief counseling to birthparents, permanency planning for infants, as well as adoptive placement coordination and support to prospective adoptive parents. Counselors will engage and empower their clients, as well as counsel, support and educate. A Birth Parent Counselor conducts outreach to high schools, pregnancy centers as well as hospitals throughout Ohio on the topics of options counseling and adoption.

This job requires licensure in the State of Ohio
(LSW, LISW, LPC, LPCC, equivalent or higher)



QUALIFICATIONS

• Licensed by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board (LSW, LISW, LPC, LPCC, equivalent or higher)
• Completion of State of Ohio Tier 1 and Tier 2 Adoption Assessor Training (if not current, must obtain within 6 months of hire).
• Notary Public (if not presently a Notary, must obtain within 90 days of hire).
• Valid driver’s license and car insurance as well as a reliable vehicle with valid registration.

Knowledge and Skill Required

• A commitment to high quality services.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective time management.
• Knowledge of community services.
• Ability to work with clients of various demographic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds with sensitivity and understanding.
• Ability to collaborate with outside agencies, community programs, and families.
• Sensitivity to adoption and birth parent specific issues.
• Attention to detail and confidentiality required.
• This full-time position (40 hours per week) has flexible hours and will involve some evenings and weekend appointments.
• Requires computer competency.
• Ability to manage own time and schedule.

Benefits

• 401K after 90 days
• Travel cost reimbursement
• Paid time off and flexible schedule
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Positive family like environment

Salary
Starting salary for this position is $48,000 with potential for more based on education and experience.

*Our Mission: *

The Animal Defense League of Texas takes in rescued cats and dogs, provides medical treatment, nutrition, and shelter in a safe, live release facility until they are matched with their forever families. Through community education and empowerment, we advocate for truly responsible pet ownership. A successful candidate for this position will embrace ADL's mission and bring determination, energy, empathy, and a passion for the work.

*Position Summary: *

The Adoption Counselor is a key position within our shelter program. As the first and last contact in a visitor's journey to adoption, they represent our mission and culture by serving our patrons with professionalism, enthusiasm, and compassion. They work collaboratively with our dynamic team of staff and volunteers to unite thousands of dogs and cats with forever families annually. Adoption Counselors care for our animal population and play an integral role in the daily cleaning and reset of cattery and canine housing daily. With application of core SOP's related to the safe housing, care, and management of an animal population, they ensure the highest level of care is delivered to resident animals. Throughout the day, they greet visitors, facilitate pet meet and greets, and matchmake. They are also educators, conducting one-on-one conversations with adopters to review the adoption application, the pet's medical history and future needs, and educational resources. The core duty of this role is to ensure that each adopter fully understands the needs of their new pet and the resources available in our community to ensure their pet receives proper care and support to enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life.

*Essential duties & responsibilities include but are not limited to: *

· Greet and engage with all visitors

· Conduct interviews with adopters to review the application, animal medical history, and educational resources

· Input data into shelter digital database including adopter information and other related shelter activities

· Manage POS system including receiving payments and record keeping

· Respond to in-person, phone, and email inquiries

· Matchmake pets and visitors based on eithers unique needs or preferences

· Clean and sanitize feline and canine kennels along with associate equipment

· Provide animals with food, water, and daily enrichment

· Assess animal population on an ongoing basis to identify potential clinical signs of infection or disease

· Assess and provide feedback on condition of any animal(s) which may exhibit signs on mental or physical distress

· Update animal bios and photos

· Maintains a positive and cooperative relationship with PetSmart management and staff

· Other duties as assigned to support the needs of the organization

*Knowledge/skills/requirements: *

· Must have basic knowledge of companion animal care and behavior. At least one year of documented experience working with companion animals preferred

· Must have excellent customer service skills. At least one year of documented experience working with the public preferred

· Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills

· Must be self-directed and able to make decisions

· Must be organized, detail-oriented, and have strong time management skills

· Must have computer skills

· Must be able to learn and follow policies and procedures related to safety, animal health, and kennel sanitization

· Must be able to work some weekends

· Must be at least a high school graduate (or equivalent) and possess a valid driver's license

· Bilingual (Spanish) preferred, but not required

*Physical demands and working conditions: *

Physical requirements include the ability to lift and carry up to 35 pounds. Subject to climbing, kneeling, lifting, sitting, standing, stooping, bending, and walking to perform the essential functions. Working conditions are inside and outside with exposure to temperature variations, hazardous chemicals, noise, dirty environment, confining workspace and unfavorable odors.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $12.00 - $14.00 per hour

Benefits:
* 401(k)
* 401(k) matching
* Dental insurance
* Employee assistance program
* Employee discount
* Flexible schedule
* Health insurance
* Paid time off
* Vision insurance
Schedule:
* 8 hour shift
* Weekend availability

Application Question(s):
* Why did you choose to apply at The Animal Defense League and specifically for this role?

Education:
* High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:
* Customer service: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: One location