Position Title: Adoption Specialist / Animal Care Technician

Hours: Full-time, requires weekend and some holiday availability

Supervisor: Adoptions & FOH Supervisors and Adoptions & FOH Manager

Classification: Non-exempt, Hourly

SUMMARY

The Adoption Specialist provides for the general care and maintenance of shelter animals and provides client service and animal adoption counseling at the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV).

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

A highly motivated, out-going, polite individual with a professional manner with the public, both in person and on the phone. A team player, able to work in a fast-pace environment and handle several tasks at once. Basic computer skills in a Windows environment. Knowledge of animal breeds and behavior helpful. Sincere interest in animal welfare and the mission of the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Adoption Counseling and Support Services

• Represents HSHV in a professional and courteous manner at all times
• Cultivates positive client relationships by ensuring they receive accurate and useful information consistent with HSHV policies regarding responsible pet ownership
• Facilitates client/animal interactions to ensure a safe and pleasant experience
• Informs clients of adoption processes and animal availability
• Discusses animal medical and behavioral history
• Relays information regarding behavior modification, when applicable
• Promotes positive reinforcement training techniques
• Supplies potential adopters with educational materials
• Develops relationships with donors and repeat clients
• Achieves excellent client service and a positive experience for our clients by practicing principles of HSHV Ten Principles of Great Customer Service
• Identifies and recommends HSHV resources and services including Tiny Lions Cat Café, Dog Training Classes, Humane Education Programs, and Veterinary Clinic
• Actively promotes HSHV’s mission, services, programs, and events.

Client Service and Reception

• Welcomes and directs visiting clients
• Answers and directs incoming phones calls and emails
• Maintains an accurate database
• Accurately and efficiently processes adoption paperwork
• Maintains a clean, organized and well-stocked workspace
• Administrative duties as assigned

Paws to Shop Retail Store

• Assists clients in Paws to Shop Retail Store by providing product information
• Fits pets for collars and Easy Walk/Freedom harnesses
• Restock retail items as needed

Animal Care

• Treats animals humanely and with respect
• Provides adequate food and water to shelter animals daily
• Adheres to effective disease control practices
• Reports health or behavior abnormalities to supervisor
• Participates in stress reduction efforts through purposeful handling and placement of animals in the shelter environment
• Participates in animal enrichment efforts
• Assists Behavior Department with behavior modification efforts

Kennel Operations and Shelter Maintenance

• Cleans, disinfects, and maintains shelter kennels and cages daily
• Cleans crates, cages, and animal items/equipment following standard operating procedures
• Restocks animal areas with supplies and equipment; maintains clean and well stocked work space
• Assists with opening and closing duties in animal areas
• Trains and works cooperatively with volunteers to ensure animals receive quality and timely care
• Operates sanitizer and distributes clean products and supplies throughout shelter
• Operates laundry machines and organizes laundry used in shelter; distributes bedding throughout shelter
• Distributes HSHV in-kind donations for shelter use
• Performs special projects as assigned

Staff Support and Training

• Actively supports employees, volunteers, and the development of skills related to the advancement of HSHV goals and mission
• Provides quality service to clients, volunteers, and colleagues recognizing their individual contributions to the success of our organization
• Attends and participates in HSHV training programs as assigned

Safety

• Follows all safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment
• Takes immediate action to address any safety concern or noncompliance of safety rules that could put an employee, volunteer, client, animal or the organization at risk

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed in an animal kennel environment and office environment. Exposure to animals and cleaning agents at all times. Subject to animal bites and scratches while handling animals. Daily lifting of up to 50 pounds with assistance. Ten-hour shifts spent sitting, standing, walking, bending, twisting, and lifting.

MENTAL DEMANDS

While performing this job, you will be regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; observe and interpret situations; analyze and solve problems; learn and apply new information and skills; perform repetitive work on multiple, concurrent tasks; interact with staff, the public, volunteers and others encountered in the course of work

Please note: This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Humane Society of Huron Valley is an at-will employer.