Animal Services Adoptions & Events Coordinator (Management Aide)

Anne Arundel County Animal Services is dedicated to promoting the humane treatment of animals and ensuring safe human-animal interactions. Animal Services is responsible for enforcing local and state laws, responding to animal-related complaints, conducting investigations regarding animal cruelty, investigating public safety concerns pertaining to animals and providing temporary housing for animals for a variety of reasons. As the central location in Anne Arundel County for stray domestic animals, it annually reunites hundreds of lost pets with their owners. More than 2,000 pets of many species are either adopted from the shelter or leave with one of its rescue partners every year. This posting is for a full-time, permanent, safety-sensitive Animal Services Adoptions & Events Coordinator (Management Aide) position in the Department of Animal Services. This position is responsible for planning and coordinating events and leading the adoptions program. This position will also be responsible for marketing animals, following up with adopters, and some adoptions counseling. Work involves acting as administrator for the department's social media presence and interactions with animals. NATURE OF AND VARIETY OF WORK A distinguishing characteristic of this class is that an employee in this class utilizes knowledge of subject-matter administrative areas or program functions, or regulations and procedures in carrying out a variety of related support activities in one or more programs. Assignments involve the use of office automation equipment and appropriate software applications. The employee independently plans and carries out work, obtains necessary data or information, and selects appropriate methods and procedures to accomplish work. Problems encountered in carrying out assignments are resolved in accordance with office policies and accepted practices. The employee uses judgment in locating, selecting, and applying guidelines, references, and procedures to fit specific situations and exercises resourcefulness in adapting operating procedures to accommodate changes or special conditions. The work involves a range of repetitive issues requiring the employee to identify and analyze a variety of conditions and factors that impact the accuracy, reliability, or acceptability of further program processes or program activities. This role offers a dynamic work environment that balances essential office-based administrative responsibilities with hands-on engagement. The position requires both focused time at a workstation and some active, physical interaction with animals in our care, which may involve occasional strenuous activity or challenging situations common in a shelter environment. (Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of all positions in the class.) Manage the adoptions program by preparing/ assisting with documentation, training staff and volunteers, and marketing animals. Utilizing an open adoption model, this role provides non-judgmental counseling and follow-up support to help potential adopters find appropriate matches. Plan and coordinate the department's special events and attendance to special events to increase connection to the community; boost department image; raise awareness within the community. Perform administrative duties essential for the efficient operation of the Department. Includes preparation of a variety of documents to include; correspondence; reports; logs; training manuals; SOPs. Analyzes, evaluates, and makes recommendations intended to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity of programs. Performs data entry and uses computer and applicable software applications to prepare records, documents, notices, reports, tables, and correspondence. Performs administrative tasks to facilitate the operation to include database applications, reviewing documentation for accuracy/completeness and preparing correspondence. Provides administrative and technical staff support to boards and committees, applicants, and other agencies, and responds to inquiries from the general public to define, interpret, and/or explain regulations and requirements. Tracks and/or monitors the status of a client population in support of program activities. Manage the department’s social media presence to enhance community engagement, promote departmental initiatives, and increase public awareness of animal services and adoption programs. Establishes and maintains files and records in support of the program. Performs related duties as required. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of the program area associated with the department/agency to which the position is assigned. Knowledge of County policies and procedures, supervisory principles and practices, and office methods and procedures. Ability to operate computers and applicable software; automated office equipment and other related equipment necessary to efficiently accomplish work. Ability to obtain the necessary data and information needed to accomplish required work assignments; analyze data from various sources to compile reports and other work products; prepare reports; and maintain accurate filing/records systems. Ability to operate computer equipment and software applications related to program assignment. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally, and in writing. Ability to deal tactfully, effectively, and equitably with people. Completion of an associate degree from an accredited college and two (2) or more years of administrative experience supporting an animal shelter. NOTE: Completion of an associate degree from an accredited college may be substituted on a year-for-year basis with up to two (2) years of administrative experience supporting an animal shelter, for a total of four (4) or more years of administrative experience supporting an animal shelter. NOTE: This is a Safety Sensitive position and employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing. NOTE: The selection process includes a comprehensive background investigation. NOTE: Longevity pay is available based on years of service. NOTE: Ability to work weeknights, weekends, holidays as needed. Preference will be given to candidates with the following: At least two (2) years of animal shelter experience focused on adoptions. Proven background in direct animal handling and work experience in direct animal interaction. Strong understanding of domestic animal behavior, key behavioral traits, and indicators of stress. Proven track record of planning and coordinating special events. Demonstrated success using social media channels to engage community members, promote department initiatives, and market animals. Proficiency in maintaining data and records within an animal management database system. Government work experience. #J-18808-Ljbffr Anne Arundel County