Adoption Counselor

Humane Society for Southwest Washington•Vancouver, WA

just now•$18 - $18•Onsite

About The Position

The Humane Society for Southwest Washington is currently seeking an Adoption Counselor to join our team. This is a part-time (20 to 25 hours per week), FLSA nonexempt opportunity. Since 1897, the Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW) has been caring for the animals of Southwest Washington. Today, we are the largest animal welfare agency in Southwest Washington with campuses in Vancouver and Longview, where we help thousands of adoptable pets find shelter, TLC, and loving homes. And through programs like free pet food, emergency shelter, financial assistance, and medical care, we provide critical support that helps pets in need stay home with the families they love. Thanks to our hardworking staff and volunteers, we serve more than 10,000 pets each year. At our Community Veterinary Clinic (CVC), we provide high-quality, subsidized care to the pets of income-qualified families in our community. The CVC expands access to preventative care and spay/neuter, provides care for treatable conditions, and offers essential support to keep pets happy and healthy. And at ReTails Thrift Store, our team of staff and volunteers help hundreds of thousands of items find a second life, providing vital funding for our work with animals. Thanks to our hardworking staff and volunteers, we served more than 10,000 pets in our community - helping them find new homes or providing the support they need to stay with the family who loves them. Our mission is to rescue, return, restore, rehome, and reconnect one animal at a time. That work is possible thanks to the dedicated teams of staff and volunteers who are here for the animals every day. We are committed to a diverse, healthy, and engaged team of employees and volunteers who strive for excellence, treat one another with kindness, and provide quality and compassionate care for the pets and people we serve. Adoption Counselor The mission of the Adoption Counselor is to provide excellent service to patrons in an adoption center that facilitates thousands of companion animal adoptions per year. The position is responsible for the success of all aspects of the adoption process, including conducting adoptions, providing adoption counseling/animal selection assistance, entering computer data, completing necessary paperwork, performing follow-up services, retail pet store sales, and working with staff, volunteers, and workforce partners. The position requires a person with excellent interpersonal skills and strong verbal, and written communication skills. Adoption Counselor positions are FLSA non-exempt and may be either full time (between 30 & 40 hours per week) or part time (less than 30 hours per week), reporting to the Customer Care Manager

Requirements

Safely perform physical work for duration of 8-10-hour shift
Demonstrated ability to safely handle a variety of companion animals
Minimum two years of animal handling experience
Minimum one year of customer service experience
Minimum one year experience with data entry administration
Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes some weekends
Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with diverse populations
Demonstrated ability to utilize Microsoft suite of products
Excellent interpersonal skills with a high degree of social and emotional intelligence.
The ability to work in an emotional field where a positive attitude, sense of humor and understanding how to recognize and address compassion fatigue are essential.
Excellent interpersonal skills and strong verbal, and written communication skills
Follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment.
Promote communication and cooperation between HSSW departments
Exercise good judgment when working with the public, volunteers, workforce partners and staff
Committed to maintaining the integrity of HSSW’s mission and adoption program
Knowledge and practical experience in reward-based training
Adhere to organizational policies and procedures
Behave as a positive role model for other employees
Maintain a positive and respectful attitude
Demonstrate flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload
Report to work on time prepared to perform duties of position
Meet department productivity standards

Responsibilities

Educate clients on responsible animal guardianship and animal care
Provide prompt in-person and telephone customer service
Assist with donations, both monetary and in-kind, from patrons
Generate revenue in retail sales through suggestive selling prior to completing transactions
Actively promote and market HSSW animals and match them to appropriate families
Conduct adoptions, provide adoption counseling/animal selection assistance, enter computer data, complete necessary paperwork, and perform follow-up services
Keep service desk area orderly, stocked and cleaned, and perform daily cleaning of public areas.
Assist in training of volunteers, fellow staff, and workforce partners
Keep team lead and supervisor and related departments informed of animal behavior, health concerns
Maintain accurate kennel and computer records
Represent HSSW in a professional and courteous manner
Take initiative to perform other duties as you see the need for

Benefits

Health insurance effective the first of the month following hire (full-time employees).
Dental and vision insurance effective the first of the month following hire.
Matching percentage 401(k) retirement plan beginning the first month after hire, with a 3-year graded vesting schedule and ROTH contribution option.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to all employees and household members.
Section 125 FSA Cafeteria Plan for out-of-pocket health and/or dependent day care expenses.
Access to affordable life, disability, and accidental supplemental insurance.
Numerous employee discounts and discounts with partner organizations.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer: To learn more about this Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, go to https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation.
Paid Time Off (PTO)
This position accrues PTO at a rate of 1.6 hours for every 40 hours worked.
Floating Holidays (full-time employees).
Bereavement leave
Pet bereavement leave