Counselor - Second Shift, Part Time

Admissions counselors are a public face for Animal Friends, working with members of the community both onsite and from afar. This position requires a person with flexibility and public relations augmented by a compassionate spirit. It is essential that the incumbent have communication and organizational skills, computer knowledge and a sincere interest in serving both people and animals. The candidate must also be knowledgeable about Animal Friends and enhance the programs and mission of the organization. Admissions counselors are responsible for managing daily intake of animals into our facility, while offering resources and alternatives to the community in an effort to promote pet retention.

Assist the public in all phases of the admissions process (including but not limited to reviewing applications, supplying resources, scheduling appointments, the admissions appointment, helping the Shelter Medicine Team, etc.)

Assist in organizing transfers from other shelters and animal control facilities by identifying our needs in regard to open spaces, kennel population and diversity through consistent and cooperative communication. Assists with the conducting of preliminary behavior assessments on animals seeking admission to Animal Friends in order to determine suitability and approval

Provides resources and referrals to the client if the animal is not able to be admitted and/or those who wish to keep their pets to encourage pet retention

In an effort to keep pets in homes, educate the public on proper animal handling techniques, basic medical care and behavior training options

Support clients who have lost their pet or who have found a pet by providing information on other shelters, animal control facilities and websites whose goal is to reunite animals with their families

Compile daily records required by Animal Friends through use of ShelterLuv software

Participate in training seminars, including animal handling and other seminars as assigned

Maintain admissions applications and assist in calling applicants to bring in animals as openings from adoptions occur

Help to maintain the Emergency Board Program and those animals who have been admitted through it

Maintaining the Home2Home Program, offering pet guardians the option to utilize the program, help to prepare their animals for rehoming, and ensuring their animals are posted on the Animal Friends platforms

Work with the Intake and Pathways Manager to understand and create a pathway for each animal that comes to Animal Friends

Leverage volunteer talent by engaging their assistance within the department, thereby helping us to further our mission and vision and to achieve the organization's expectation of 100% integration of volunteers into our programs

High school diploma required and must be 18 years of age

Previous customer service and/or public relations experience required

Animal handling experience preferred

Basic knowledge of animal behavior issues and a general understanding of animal health-related concerns preferred

Must possess excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills, computer literacy, organizational ability and time management skills

Must have access to dependable transportation and openness to local travel. Flexible work availability preferred; organization is a 24hr operation, which may require individuals to work evenings, weekends, holidays and/or special events at times, including Black Tie & Tails

Must have a sincere interest in the vision, mission, and culture of Animal Friends

Must be able to walk 2 dog walking shifts a week

Customer / Client Focus- Actively seeks out ways to aide Animal Friends guests and/or volunteers to ensure the best possible customer service is provided

Diversity and Inclusion Ability to welcome, support and value individuals with similarities and differences that may vary from your own

Animal Friends