Adoption Counselor

City of Corpus Christi; Corpus Christi (TX); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Corpus Christi seeks an Adoption Counselor to educate the public about adoptable pets, review applications, and guide families toward the best pet fit. Responsibilities include processing inquiries, collecting fees, and updating our database with adoption details.

The role emphasizes compassion, professional conduct, and collaboration with shelter staff to ensure positive outcomes for animals and adopters alike.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• At least two years of experience in a customer-facing role.
• Valid driver's license is required; ability to obtain Texas license within 90 days if out-of-state.

Responsibilities

• Review adoption applications for completeness and suitability.
• Interview potential adopters to assess lifestyle and pet fit.
• Educate adopters on pet care, vaccines, and care requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of applications, interviews and approvals.
• Input adoption details into the database and manage contracts and microchips.
• Assist with social media and website descriptions to market pets.

Skills

Customer service

Interviewing

Communication

Empathy

Data entry

Policy compliance

Education

High School Diploma / GED

Two (2) years experience

Tools

Database software

Job description

$ 0.00-20.60 USD

US:TX:Corpus Christi | Animal Control | Full Time

Description

Overview

The Adoption Counselor informs the public about adoptable pets and promotes responsible pet ownership, while also recommending suitable pets to help adopters make informed placement decisions. The Adoption Counselor is also responsible for reviewing adoption inquiries and applications submitted by potential adopters, receiving adoption fees, and updating the software system with information necessary to complete the adoption. The goal of the Adoption Team is to provide an enjoyable experience for the public while making the best placement decisions for the pets in our care. The Adoption Counselor also creates social media posts and writes website descriptions to market pets for adoption. They must interact with potential adopters with the utmost respect, professionalism, and compassion.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for reviewing adoption applications to verify information, including housing arrangements, pet history, and financial readiness
• Conducts interviews with potential adopters to understand their lifestyles, experiences with pets, and expectations. Evaluate adopter preferences and match them with animals based on temperament, medical needs, and activity levels
• Ensure that all applications comply with shelter policies before finalizing the adoption process
• Offers guidance on pet care, behavior, and training to ensure that adopters are well-prepared. Advise them on the appropriate diet, vaccinations, and routine veterinary care. Educate adopters about bathing, brushing, and maintaining their pet’s cleanliness. Finally, help them set up a safe and comfortable space for their new pet
• Provide guidance on understanding animal temperament and offer socialization tips. Additionally, address behavioral challenges such as separation anxiety, excessive barking, and litter box training while providing advice to help pets remain in their adopted homes and prevent potential owner surrenders
• Maintains records of adoption applications, interviews, and approvals. Additionally, oversee contracts, microchip registrations, and any required adoption agreements
• Create and maintain pet profiles and medical histories, ensuring that adopters receive complete information about their pet's vaccinations, medical treatments, and behavioral assessments
• Inputs the adoption details into the database and document each animal adoption. Address the return and rehoming cases by documenting instances where an adoption does not succeed, the reasons for the return, and suggestions for future adopters
• Responsible for working with veterinary services and animal care staff to ensure animals receive necessary health checks, spaying/neutering, microchips, and vaccinations before adoption. Adoption Counselors are familiar with adoptable animals, enabling them to answer questions from adopters and facilitate the best matches effectively
• Responsible for understanding and utilizing behavioral evaluations to assess animals within the shelter, ensuring appropriate placement and care
• Works together with the shelter team to learn and implement techniques for handling animals with diverse behaviors, ensuring their safety and well-being
• Obtains comprehensive knowledge of all enrichment programs available, implementing these strategies to support effective pathway planning for shelter animals, promoting their mental and emotional well-being
• Participates in various training sessions focused on behavior and enrichment to enhance skills and improve outcomes for shelter animals
• Demonstrates customer service skills to effectively engage with potential adopters, staff, volunteers, and the community
• Answer emails and phone inquiries from the public in a prompt, professional and helpful manner
• Maintains a friendly and encouraging demeanor, fostering trust and enthusiasm among customers
• Listen attentively to adopters’ concerns and respond with empathy, which helps create a supportive environment
• May be asked to perform other duties as assigned

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays is a schedule requirement
• In the event of an emergency, employees are required to work to provide for the safety and well-being of the public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma / GED
• Two (2) year of experience

Licenses and Certifications

Required

Employment is contingent on passing any post-offer pre-employment screening as listed below:

• A valid driver's license is required; successful out-of-state candidates must be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 90 days of hire
• Criminal Background Check: Yes
• Physical Exam: Yes

Basis of Rating

A recruitment consultant will evaluate all applications against the posted qualifications and may request additional information. The city may also conduct additional skill assessment tests, in addition to the panel interview.

Supplemental Information

• Any position that lists a minimum qualification for education level and/or license/certification will require the applicant to provide proof of documentation if selected for hire into the position with the City of Corpus Christi.

The City of Corpus Christi is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please request assistance from the Human Resources Department.