Adoption Counselor

Humane Society of Delaware County; Delaware (OH); On-site; USD 19,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Humane Society of Delaware County is seeking an Adoption Counselor to engage visitors and assess adoption matches. The role includes assisting potential adopters with questions about animals, health issues, and matching households, while processing applications and payments.

Requirements include a high school diploma, reliable attendance, and experience in customer service. The position may require various shifts, including Saturdays, with an emphasis on friendly communication and data entry

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Reliable and dependable; attendance is critical.
• Experience in customer support or client service.
• Telephone handling skills and active listening.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Windows and Office.

Responsibilities

• Engage the public to identify visitor needs in a friendly manner.
• Assist adopters by answering questions about animals and health issues.
• Provide information about animals and shelter procedures.
• Process adoption questionnaires and payments (cash, check, card).
• Enter data using shelter software and Microsoft applications.
• Maintain a clean, organized workspace and assist volunteers.

Skills

Office basics

Telephone handling

Multi-tasking

Professional demeanor

Emotional resilience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Valid driver's license

Tools

Shelter software

MS Word

MS Excel

Windows OS / Office

Job description

Adoption Counselor

Position Overview

• Position: Adoption Counselor
• Status: Part- or Full-Time
• Hourly Pay Rate: $15.00
• Work Hours: Various shifts based on shelter needs; must be willing to work Saturdays

Job Duties

• Proactively engage the public in a warm and friendly manner to identify and assess visitor needs. Approach conversations and topics in an honest, professional manner.
• Assist potential adopters by asking and answering questions about animals, behaviors, and known health issues, recommending animals that may be a good match for the household, and encouraging adopters to spend time with potential matches.
• Provide information and educate visitors about animals housed at the shelter.
• Provide direction to volunteers and monitor work performed by volunteers.
• Process adoption questionnaires and applications.
• Collect customer payments, including cash, check, and credit card.
• Establish, update, and maintain customer information.
• Process incoming phone calls and return phone calls.
• Make copies and file completed documents as needed.
• Enter information and data using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, internet-based applications, and shelter software.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace.
• Address complaints, provide appropriate solutions, and follow up as needed.
• Follow shelter procedures, guidelines, and policies.
• Attend and participate in HSDC staff meetings, training sessions, and other administrative events as scheduled by management.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Current working knowledge of basic office processes and procedures.
• Skilled in telephone operations.
• Ability to learn shelter software.
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure.
• Ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor within HSDC and when interacting with the general public.
• Ability to openly discuss the shelter, its mission, and its animals with co-workers, volunteers, and the public in a friendly, open, and professional manner.
• Ability to work in an emotionally taxing field; a positive attitude and sense of humor are essential.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Reliable and dependable; HSDC animals and adopters rely on your attendance.
• Proven customer support experience or experience as a client service representative.
• Previous telephone handling skills and active listening.
• Current working skills and knowledge of Microsoft Windows and Office.
• Proper grammar and use of language.
• Ability to follow directions, multi-task, prioritize, and manage time effectively.
• Minimum of three years of office experience preferred, but not required.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must successfully pass a background investigation.
• Electronic deposit (ACH) of paycheck is required.

Physical Demands & Working Environment

• Work is performed in an animal shelter with potential exposure to:
• Temperature variations and high noise levels.
• Zoonotic diseases.
• Animal waste and animal fur/hair.
• Hazardous chemicals or chemical materials requiring OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets.
• Potentially hostile persons and/or dangerous or fractious animals.
• Must be comfortable touching and handling a variety of animals.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds and perform physical activities including lifting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and pushing.
• May be required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move quickly.
• Must be able to work assigned shifts, including weekends, holidays, and during emergencies.
• May be required to work long or unusual hours during peak operational needs.

Probationary Period

This position has a 90-day probationary period.

The Humane Society of Delaware County is an at-will employer.