SUMMARY OF ROLE

The Adoption Counselor 1 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.

PRIMARY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS    

• 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, 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 database 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.

QUALIFICATIONS  

Education, Skills and Work Experience 

• 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.
• Ability to read and write English, but Spanish speaking is preferred
• Able to talk, listen and speak clearly on telephone

Physical Demands 

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• This position requires some repetitive motion regarding the computer; some standing and walking, reaching and bending, in addition to the ability to regularly move & transport up to 60 pounds
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards
• Must be able to lift and carry animals up to 70 lbs., and assist others as needed for larger animals
• Tolerating odor, noise, allergens and cleaning chemicals (including but not limited to Stabilized hydrogen peroxide,
• bleach, quaternary ammonium cleaning solutions and other cleaning and sanitizing products) is essential to this job
• Ability to safely handle animals of varying temperaments including but not limited to fractious or under socialized animals (additional training will be provided)