Adoptions and Matchmaking Counselor

Summary: The Adoptions & Matchmaking Counselor assists with all aspects of the adoption program for the League focusing on counseling the public on pet ownership to inspire a more humane community. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment and enjoys collaborating with both people and animals. 

Responsibilities include the following however other duties may be assigned:

• Facilitate the adoption process virtually and on site at AWLA. Offer adoption consultations on behavior, training and health.
• Assist the public with adoption choices in an approachable, respectful and courteous manner using the open adoption model. Counsel potential adopters applying to adopt cats, dogs, and small companion animals.
• Resolve issues and provide support concerning adoptions either pre or post adoption via email, phone and in person. Manage operational protocols for tracking adoption follow-ups
• Assist in all adoption related administrative tasks such as restocking supplies and supportive materials, filing contracts, creating adoption folders, taking photos of animals, PetPoint data entry, and other programs
• Oversee retail inventory, maintain, order and stay within budget
• Interact with, train, and engage volunteers on a daily basis; provide training focusing on retention and safety
• Show available pets to potential adopters
• Organize adoption paperwork
• Create kennel cards, website profiles and update as needed to portray our available pets in a fun and engaging way
• Update and review as needed, document and update results, stages, memos and/or holds based on results
• As requested, track statistics and submit to supervisor
• Maintain a clean and safe environment for the animals and public
• Participate in ongoing educational opportunities for staff, volunteers and the community, including kid’s camp
• Assist in managing operational protocols for tracking adoption follow-ups
• Write articles on department related news for organization newsletters as requested
• Transport animals to groomers, vet appointments, special events, TV segments, etc. as needed
• Assist and cross train in other departments
• Assist with planning of activities for and at adoption events

Supervisory Responsibilities: None. This role regularly interacts with volunteers and may assist with basic training, engagement, and educational activities alongside staff.

Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Genuine interest in animal welfare and supporting successful adoptions
• Comfort working hands-on with animals and following established safety and care protocols
• Strong customer service skills and a friendly, professional communication style
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and take initiative when working independently
• Willingness to learn animal behavior, body language, and adoption best practices (training provided)
• Knowledge of basic office tools and computer skills; some experience with data management is required.
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and compassionate in emotionally sensitive situations
• Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and some non-standard hours as needed

Preferred (Not Required)

• Bilingual English/Spanish
• Previous experience with animals (shelter, rescue, clinic, pet care, or volunteer experience)
• Familiarity with dogs, cats, or small companion animals

Typical physical & mental demands: Requires frequent bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, walking/standing, eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, telephone, photocopier, calculator and other equipment or machinery. Will have exposure to injured and deceased animals, disinfectant solutions, and variable indoor and outdoor temperatures. May assist in animal restraint and deal with distressed or dangerous animals, and could be subject to bites and scratches. Requires manual dexterity to keep a strong animal on leash or operating a door while holding a strong animal on leash simultaneously. May be required to lift heavy items or animals (upwards of 50 lbs) and be otherwise physically active. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to communicate with the public, volunteers, staff, and animals. Also requires flexibility and adaptability to work with frequent interruptions. Must be comfortable around dogs, cats, small companion animals, reptiles, amphibians and wildlife.

Vaccination requirement: Upon hire, employees will be required to receive rabies prophylaxis and tetanus vaccinations.