Adoption Counselor

Santa Fe Animal Shelter Inc•Santa Fe, NM

21d•Onsite

About The Position

The Adoption Counselor is responsible for helping potential adopters find a companion animal, create creative marketing material for individual animals to decrease length of stay and to create and maintain a welcoming and professional environment for patrons of the Santa Fe Animal Shelter.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED required, college degree or equivalent preferred
Some knowledge of animal behavior and handling.
People with general customer service experience, ability to handle a multi-line phone system and a willingness and ability to learn our software system, and basic office computer functions.
Must be able to be around and handle many species of animals to include (but not limited to) cats, dogs and rabbits.
Must be able to work well in a changing, busy environment. Team player who can also work independently.
Work schedule flexibility, weekends are required.
Ability to read and write English, but Spanish speaking is a preference.
Able to talk, listen and speak clearly on telephone
A valid New Mexico Driver’s license is required.

Nice To Haves

Spanish speaking is a preference.

Responsibilities

Always provide professional customer service to the public. Knowledge of SFAS operations policies and procedures to answer questions as they arise.
Ability to handle challenging customers, and have the skills to discern conversations professionally.
Perform all opening duties prior to kennel viewing hours including sweeping mopping window washing and other duties as needed.
Perform daily kennel management, data entry for animal placement, moving animals as needed.
Compose animal profiles, website updates, photographing animals, creating marketing videos and submitting advertisements to local publications.
Assist potential adopters in the selection of appropriate animals; conduct “Meet n’ Greets” as needed. Counsel potential adopters on responsible pet ownership, explain adoption procedures and guidelines, objectively interview all potential adopters.
Efficiently and accurately process adoption paperwork and enter databases on a daily basis.
Maintain an accurate and organized filing system, receive adoption fees, perform transactions and reconcile monies daily.
On a regular basis promote the Shelter and programs; solicit donations and sell pet supplies.
Assist volunteers with challenges as they arise.
Clean kennels, public areas, and kitten nursery as needed. Duties may include all kennel cleaning tasks.
Report and track animal health and behavior issues; immediately reporting any concerns to the clinic and supervisor.
Assist at mobile adoption events including kennel setup, animal care, and counseling and tear down.
Participate in on-going education/training when required.
Other duties as assigned.
Competency in the above functions must be demonstrated by the end of the first 90 days of employment.