Purpose of Position: Adoption Coordinators counsel potential adopters on the needs of available animals with the goal of finding a pet that is well suited for their home and lifestyle.

Title: Adoption Coordinator

Departments: Animal Placement

This position reports to: Adoption Supervisor

Hours: Full-time; 36 hours/week

Schedule #1: Monday, Tuesday 10:30am-7:30pm, Friday 12:00pm-7:30pm, Saturday, Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm (Wed-Thurs off)

Schedule #2: Monday 12:00pm-7:30pm, Thursday 10:30am-7:30pm, Friday 12:00pm-7:30pm, Saturday 8:30am-5:00pm, Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm (Tue-Wed off)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees are required to follow any other job related duties assigned by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, and does not alter the "at-will" relationship.

• Review adoption applications, interview prospective adopters, discuss animals' behavioral and medical records, and make appropriate placements.
• Advise and educate potential adopters on responsible pet ownership and management of common behavioral issues to help ensure successful and permanent placements.
• Utilize shelter software program (Chameleon) to generate reports, navigate and edit animals' profiles, and perform file checks for cruelty and/or neglect of potential adopters.
• Prepare report cards and other adoption materials for available animals.
• Coordinate with local PetSmart partners and transport animals to their stores for adoption.
• Review applications with management to determine approval, if necessary.
• Assist with resolving post-adoption customer concerns.
• Assist in selecting animals to be taken to off-site adoption events and attend events as needed.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with the public, co-workers, volunteers, and management at all times.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Business Operations.

Position Qualifications: Education, Experience, Certification, and Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to safely and comfortably handle animals of all sizes, breeds, and species.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, professionally, and courteously with a culturally diverse staff and community.
• Knowledge regarding responsible pet ownership.
• Affection and compassion for animals, concern for their welfare, and willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace.
• Good judgment and effective problem solving/decision-making skills.
• Ability to remain calm and work effectively in a high-stress, fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to resolve difficult adoption situations including unsuitable matches and denials of applicants.
• Self-motivated and proven ability to work efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to handle the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment, including the use of euthanasia.

Desired

• Experience working with animals in a behavior/training/care capacity.
• General understanding of common behavioral issues with pets and humane approaches to resolve such issues using positive reinforcement.
• Demonstrated knowledge of canine/feline body language and communicative signals.
• Adaptable to different work circumstances or challenges.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel; capable of learning shelter system database.
• Valid driver's license

Work Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions within the work environment.

• The noise level in the office environment is usually quiet, though barking or whining of animals may be escalated at certain times in certain areas of the building.
• High exposure to animals whose reactions to the shelter environment cannot be predicted.
• Temperatures in the shelter environment are varied, though usually moderate, and dependent on the season.
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases and hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to work around animals without severe allergic reactions.

The Nebraska Humane Society provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, status as a veteran, or any other protected category, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.