Adoptions Counselor (Part-Time)

Adoption Counselor

Schedule: Saturday (9am-5pm) and Sunday (10am-5pm)

Pay Rate: $17.00 per hour

Spanish-speaking differential: Additional $1.00 per hour for employees who demonstrate and maintain Spanish language proficiency and are willing to use this skill for Wayside Waifs' business purposes.

Position Summary

Seeking an enthusiastic people oriented candidate, who exemplifies a passion for delivering excellent customer service to community members utilizing Wayside Waifs services. This candidate will work one-on-one with potential adopters, assisting them in choosing a companion animal, while maintaining the highest standards of care for animals in the shelter. Adoption Counselors play a crucial role in reducing animal homelessness and promoting responsible pet ownership.

People Oriented

People are the key to fulfilling our mission. Making the needs of community members a primary focus is expected in all situations. This position interacts with and collaborates with employees at all levels of the organization. Communication occurs through face-to-face, telephone, and electronically, and will also include contact with the general public. Communication and contact must be clear, understandable, cooperative, professional, inclusive, and respectful in all circumstances. Employees are expected to actively support a positive team environment, directly address conflict, and appropriately express concerns.

Responsibilities

1. Responsible for all aspects of customer service including greeting and directing customers, matchmaking, adoption counseling, at times, and sales in our retail boutique Whiskers & Wags.

2. Providing outstanding customer service and ensuring smooth and efficient operations of all adoptions through:

• Properly and promptly greeting all customers and assisting them throughout their visit.
• Introducing guests to shelter animals, explaining the adoption process, completing the counseling session (making detailed notes), and processing the adoption.
• Ensuring that adopters who aren't finding matches are given alternatives (website, pet finder alert on our website) and are engaged before leaving Wayside.
• Maintaining a high level of communication with Manager and other Team members.

3. Being knowledgeable of available animals and providing adopters with accurate information on dogs, cats, and small mammals that are available. (Training provided.)

4. Attending all assigned training and seeking additional training made available to improve your skills, knowledge, and ability to grow and succeed in your career.

5. Assisting other departments with needs such as, but not limited to, walking dogs, socializing cats, helping with large play groups with dogs, and animal care duties.

6. Ensuring compliance with all regulations, safety, security and operational standards related to animal care with respect to the adoptions process.

7. Cross-training in additional customer roles across the shelter, including Guest Services, Retail, and Pet Memorial Services.

8. Assisting in returning stray animals to rightful owners through "Return to Owner" process.

9. Acquiring confidence working as a counselor for all animals, along with selling retail products, services such as training classes, medications, and asking for donations at the time of adoption.

Essential Functions/ Key Competencies

• Flexibility - Must have the ability to be flexible and open-minded with a willingness to consider different ideas and perspectives, embracing the Wayside Waifs Workplace Culture and our philosophy pertaining to adoptions.
• Teamwork Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment, effectively problem solving alongside team members throughout the organization.
• Task Management - Demonstrate the ability to prioritize tasks, multi-task and manage time wisely as required for success in the position.
• Communication Communicate professionally with co-workers, management and public at all times, demonstrating an upbeat, team-oriented, and positive attitude.
• Compliance Compliance with all Wayside Waifs policies, standards, and best practices, including a high standard of dependability for promptness and attendance.
• Cooperation - Establish and ensure effective working relationships with co-workers, including managers, other staff, veterinarians and vet technicians, as well as business office staff and Wayside volunteers.
• Self-Motivated Ability to complete work without close supervision.

Requirements

Professional:

• One year of experience in customer service-related field preferred.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• A passion for the mission of Wayside Waifs.
• Experience with Windows-based computer programs preferred.

Physical/Environmental:

• Must be able to lift 50lbs to waist-height.
• Repetitive bending, kneeling, stooping, and similar movements are also required.
• Must be able to physically restrain dogs weighing up to and including 100lbs.
• Exposure to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions.
• Significant amount of standing during a typical day, exposure to fumes, animal smells, airborne particles, and hot and cool temperatures.
• The noise level is moderate to high.
• Will be working with and exposed to a variety of animals and animal waste.

Education/Miscellaneous:

• High school graduate or equivalent required
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred but not required