Adoptions Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title : Adoption Specialist

Hours : Full-time or Part-time, requires weekend and some holiday availability

Supervisor : Adoptions Supervisors, Cat Café Manager, and Adoptions Manager

Classification : Non-exempt, Hourly

Supervisory

Responsibilities : None

SUMMARY

The Adoption Specialist provides client service and animal adoption counseling at the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV), including at the Tiny Lions Cat Cafe.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

A highly motivated, out-going, polite individual with a professional manner with the public, both in person and on the phone. A team player, able to work in a fast-pace environment and handle several tasks at once. Basic computer skills in a Windows environment. Knowledge of animal breeds and behavior helpful. Sincere interest in animal welfare and the mission of the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

An animal care facility can be an emotionally challenging, high-stress, rapidly changing, and high-demand environment. Feelings of grief and loss, secondary trauma, and compassion fatigue are not uncommon. As such, working at HSHV requires a high degree of emotional regulation and resilience; the ability to tolerate and manage stress; adaptability to change; empathy for both animals and people; and an overall positive outlook.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Adoption Counseling and Support Services

• Represents HSHV in a professional and courteous manner at all times.
• Facilitates client / animal interactions to ensure a safe and pleasant experience.
• Informs clients of adoption processes and animal availability
• Discusses animal medical and behavioral history.
• Supplies potential adopters with educational materials, including information on behavior modification (if applicable), and any accurate and useful information consistent with HSHV policies regarding responsible pet ownership.
• Fits pets for collars and Easy Walk / Freedom harnesses
• Promotes positive reinforcement training techniques.
• Identifies and recommends HSHV resources and services including Dog Training Classes, Humane Education Programs, and Veterinary Clinic.
• Actively promotes HSHV’s mission, services, programs, and events.
• Develops relationships with customers and provides a positive experience for our clients by practicing HSHV’s Ten Principles of Great Customer Service.

Client Service and Reception

Paws to Shop Retail Store

Animal Care Duties

Shelter Operations and Maintenance

Tiny Lions Cat Café

Helping new cats acclimate to the café environment

Maintains a thorough knowledge of cats available for adoption

Providing excellent customer service, while upholding rules and standards of the café

Other Duties

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed in an animal kennel environment and office environment. You will be exposed to disinfectant solutions while cleaning. You will be consistently exposed to animals and animal allergens, including animal hair, dander, saliva, fecal matter, urine, zoonotic diseases, fleas and other mites or bugs. Subject to animal bites and scratches while handling animals. While performing this job, you will be required to continually walk, stand, squat, twist, and kneel, reach and grab with your hands and arms, in addition to being able to lift and move animals, materials and equipment weighing 40 lbs or more.

MENTAL DEMANDS

While performing this job, you will be regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; observe and interpret situations; analyze and solve problems; learn and apply new information and skills; perform repetitive work on multiple, concurrent tasks; interact with staff, the public, volunteers and others encountered in the course of work. You will be exposed to animals’ pain and suffering and must be able to handle occasional volatile situations.

Please note : This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Humane Society of Huron Valley is an at-will employer.