Position Summary:

The Adoption Counselor’s position is responsible for greeting and assisting shelter visitors, volunteers and potential adopters in addition to helping with office duties including answering phones. Adoption Counselors work directly with the public and help interested individuals through the application, screening and adoption process. This position requires extensive knowledge of SASF’s animals. The ideal candidate will be outgoing, friendly and can provide a positive experience for all shelter visitors and staff. All Adoptions Counselors are always expected to exhibit a positive and professional attitude.

Responsibilities & Duties:

Greet and assist visitors with impeccable customer service. As the first point of contact, you are expected to be a welcoming, upbeat and friendly ambassador of the shelter.

Provide information on SASF policies, values, mission, programs and events, to the public.

Process intake of stray and surrender animals, as well as output and return to owners.

Coordinate surrenders with Behavior Training Department.

Willing and able to learn about animal behavior, common challenges and ways to deal with challenges to match adopters with animals.

Impart accurate information regarding the animals to potential adopters.

Provide behavior information and shelter approved training techniques to adopters.

Follow adoption guidelines and protocols in accordance with SASF policies and procedures.

Work effectively with Adoption team and all other departments.

Assist with answering phones and animal database record keeping.

Update animal records.

Prepare management reports as requested.

Give kennel tours, meet-and-greets with animals and provide knowledge of the animals to potential adopters.

Manage and schedule, with the input of the training department, interactions of potential adopters with their animals.

Assist in walking, cleaning and socialization of animals if needed.

Capture photos of all animals at the time of intake.

Responsible for the entire adoption process, including but not limited to promoting pets, shelter pet matchmaking, application review, interviewing potential adopters and using sound judgement to place the pet in the best and most appropriate home.

Other related duties.

Experience & Requirements:

High School Diploma or equivalent.

2 years’ experience in customer service, animal-related, and/or non-profit settings preferred.

Must be able to work Wednesday through Saturday.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.

Experience with Chameleon, ShelterLuv or other similar databases a plus.

Flexible under pressure with ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Maintain a positive attitude: Be friendly, courteous and treat everyone with respect.

Detail oriented, organized and thorough in completing work tasks.

Active Listener: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, and asking questions as appropriate.

Possesses a passion for animals.

Salary based on experience. Hours require working on weekends and some holidays. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred, but not required. All are encouraged to apply. Visit our website at sasf.org.