Adoption Counselor

Website Humane Society of Delaware County

Hourly Pay Rate: $12.00; part-time

Work hours: Various Shifts depending shelter needs – Must be willing to work Saturdays

Job Duties

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • A 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 the HSDC and the general public.
  • Ability to approach co-workers, volunteers, and the general public to openly discuss the shelter, its mission, and the animals 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.
  • Must be 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 with Microsoft Windows and Office.
  • Current working skills and knowledge of database software.
  • Proper grammar and proper use of language.
  • Ability to follow directions, multi-task, prioritize, and manage time effectively.
  • Minimum of 3 years office experience preferred but not required.

Physical demands and working environment

  • Work is performed in an animal shelter. There is a potential for exposure to environmental factors such as temperature variations, high noise levels, zoonotic diseases, animal waste, animal fur/hair, hazardous chemicals or chemical materials requiring OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets, anesthetics, sharp objects, and potential hostile persons and/or dangerous and fractious animals.
  • Must be comfortable touching/handling a variety of animals.
  • Ability to lift 25 pounds: lift, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, and other physical activities.
  • May be required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move quickly.
  • Must be able to work assigned shift, including weekends, holidays or during emergencies.
  • May be required to work long or unusual hours during peak operational needs.
  • Valid driver’s license required.
  • Must successfully pass a background investigation.
  • Electronic deposit (ACH) of paycheck is required.

This position has a 90-day probationary period.