Adoption Counselor (Part-time)

Description

Since 1984, Asheville Humane Society has dedicated itself to ensuring every animal has the quality of life they deserve—a life worth living.

Now, we go beyond our walls to help create a more humane community for pets and the people who love them. As the only open-intake animal shelter in Buncombe County, we're always here for the animals in our community.

Position Summary

The Adoption Counselor works with potential adopters to find available animals a suitable home and complete and process the necessary paperwork for adoptions. The Adoption Counselor will provide prescribed behavioral and medical protocols to assigned animals and work collaboratively with other staff to ensure a high quality of care for animals housed at the Adoption Center.

Schedule: The Adoption Counselor is a part-time position (24 hours/week) that primarily works in the AHS Adoption Center. This position has fluctuating working hours depending on scheduling and organizational needs, and will require weekend availability.

Compensation & Benefits: The compensation for the Adoption Counselor starts at $17.00/hour. AHS is pleased to offer a benefits package to part-time employees that includes: 30 hours of PTO in the first year, access to our Employee Assistance Network, pet prescription discounts, and more!

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for providing information to the general public and counseling adopters regarding open adoption policies and available animals in the Adoption Center.
• Complete and process the necessary adoption paperwork.
• Process associated retail transactions as necessary.
• Maintain a working knowledge of all animals in the Adoption Center.
• Demonstrate proper animal handling and care.
• Carry out various aspects of animal care, including cleaning, feeding, watering, and walking as needed.
• Report and document animal temperament and medical/health concerns.
• Administer medications to animals in the Adoption Center.
• Carry out all behavior protocols assigned by the Director of Behavior and Training.
• Responsible for following AHS’s protocols involving the movement of animals.
• Responsible for ensuring that the Adoption Center is presentable, tidy, and organized in public and staff areas.
• Collaborate with volunteers to support AHS goals, ensuring clear communication, guidance, and shared responsibility in executing tasks and projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Previous experience working with animals is highly preferred
• Ability to apply proper animal handling skills and knowledge of individual animal temperament.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and communication skills.
• Ability to work with volunteers and co-workers in a professional manner.

This position requires standing for long periods. It requires the ability to stoop, bend, reach, and lift items weighing up to 50 pounds to a level of 4 feet high and handle dogs weighing up to 150 lbs.