Adoption Specialist

Position Summary: 

The ideal Adoption Specialist thrives on engaging with people and the public, to inspire and support families in creating lasting bonds with pets in need of loving homes. This role joyfully connects potential adopters to suitable dogs and cats. They also provide education on responsible pet ownership and facilitate the adoption process to ensure a successful transition for both the pet and the new owner.

You are encouraged to apply if you have a passion for the human-animal bond, strong customer service skills, enjoy speaking with members of the public, and are quick to develop new skills for being an excellent matchmaker.  

Job Description: 

• Customer Interaction: 

• Proactively assist potential adopters in understanding the adoption process. 
• Help prospective adopters understand the responsibilities and requirements of pet guardianship. 
• Provide information on specific animals available for adoption, including their history, behavior, and medical status. 
• Provide superior customer service by creating positive interactions with potential adopters. 

• Matchmaking: 

• Assess the needs and lifestyles of potential adopters to make suitable recommendations for compatible animals. 
• Facilitate meet-and-greet sessions between potential adopters and animals to ensure a good match. 
• Learn about the personalities of all available animals to ensure good matches. 
• Guide adopters through the application and screening process. 

• Animal Care and Handling: 

• Help ensure the well-being of animals in the facility, including walking and sometimes cleaning animal condos. 
• Monitor and report any signs of illness or behavioral issues using various techniques, including visual and audible. 
• Follow established procedures governing safe work practices to perform duties that ensure the safety of oneself and others. 

• Community Outreach: 

• Participate in onsite and off-site adoption events, community outreach programs, and educational activities.

• Record Keeping: 

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all adoptions, including adoption agreements, medical records, and follow-up information.  

• Maintain confidentiality of all information shared. 
• Detail-oriented tasks with the ability to work with minimal supervision and direction. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and learning new programs is required. Internet savvy. 

• Collaboration: 

• Work closely with other staff members, including veterinarians, trainers, animal care technicians, and volunteers, to ensure the well-being of animals and the success of the adoption program. 
• Always treat people and animals respectfully, contribute to effective teamwork, promote staff cooperation, and foster public relations beneficial to Joybound. 
• Thrive in and enjoy a fast-paced environment. 
• Be flexible and supportive of team members and maintain a positive work ethic.

• Boutique: 

• Process adoption paperwork and collect fees using Shopify in our retail store. Assist with keeping our small onsite store and storeroom presentable at all times.  
• Encourage Joybound contributions and business wholeheartedly. 
• Take the lead in the Boutique when needed. 

• Other: 

• Perform other related duties as assigned. 
• Pre-employment background screening is required. 
• Demonstrate maturity, good judgment, and professional personal appearance. 
• Comfortable and skilled in working with diverse staff, volunteers, and community. 
• Tetanus and rabies inoculations are required or must be waived. 

Required Qualifications: 

• A high school diploma and a background in animal science and behavior are a plus.
• One year of customer service and/or retail sales skills.
• Knowledge of various dog and cat breeds and general care practices.
• One year of previous experience in animal care and/or animal handling is preferred. The ability to share an understanding of animal behavior is a plus.
• Driver's License and ability to drive large vehicles to transport cats and dogs on and off-site preferred
• Pre-employment background check required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with members of the public, potential adopters, and team members effectively. 
• Compassion: A genuine love for animals and a commitment to their welfare are required. Affection for animals, concern for their well-being, and the ability to accommodate animals in the workplace are also required.  
• Problem-solving: Able to handle challenging situations, such as matching animals with appropriate adopters and addressing potential conflicts. Must be able to work well under pressure. Must work well independently and as a team in a group setting. The ability to remain flexible and calm is important. Assist with data tracking and analysis. 
• Organization: Strong organizational skills to manage paperwork, schedules, and events. 

Physical Requirements:

• Able to work in an environment with constant exposure to animals and animal allergens.
• Able to handle and care for animals, including walking, lifting animals up to 50 pounds, and cleaning up after them. 
• Humanely restrain animals when necessary. 
• Walk dogs up to 130 pounds in a variety of weather conditions.
• Able to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, reach above and below shoulder level, grasp and turn objects, and/or walk frequently and repeatedly throughout each shift. 

An Adoption Specialist is crucial in creating successful and lasting matches between animals and their adoptive families while promoting responsible pet ownership. 

Hours: Full-time position of 40 hours per week. Daily reporting hours and days of the week may vary according to the department's needs. Weekend and evening work will be required; must be available to work during Joybound’s adoption days/hours.