Adoption Counselor (Part-time)

Humane Society for Southwest Washington•Vancouver, WA

1h•$18 - $18•Hybrid

About The Position

The Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW) is seeking an Adoption Counselor to join their team. This is a part-time, 20 hours per week position. HSSW is the largest and most innovative animal welfare organization in Southwest Washington, serving over 10,000 animals annually and providing community-based services to keep pets and people together. The Adoption Counselor's primary role is to facilitate successful matches between people and pets, guiding adopters through the entire process from selection to post-adoption support. This involves providing a welcoming experience, offering thoughtful counseling, completing paperwork, maintaining records, and connecting families with resources. The role also involves collaboration with staff, volunteers, and partners, responding to adopter inquiries, assisting with retail sales, and maintaining an organized adoption center. The position requires strong interpersonal and communication skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work confidently with both people and animals. Adoption Counselors are primarily based at the Vancouver Campus but may need to commute to the Longview Campus. Positions report to the Adoptions 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.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and practical experience in reward-based training

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
Employer Matching 401(k)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
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.
PTO accrues at a rate of 1.6 hours for every 40 hours worked.
Floating Holidays (full-time employees).
Bereavement leave
Pet bereavement leave