Humane Society of South Mississippi
Adoption Counselor

Department: Adoptions/Retail Associate

Classification: Hourly, non-exempt

Job Relationships: Reports to the Adoptions Manager

Position Summary: Responsible for facilitating adoption of HSSM animals and assisting with the care of HSSM animals in the adoption area. Responsible for maintaining a clean and organized work space as well as tracking correct inventory in HSSM’s Bow-Wow-Meow Boutique. Must be able to handle difficult customers in a compassionate and professional manner.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Must be a team player, able to work in a fast paced environment. Excellent communications, customer service, organization, leadership, and multitasking skills. Customer service and/or retail experience is required. Ability to read and write English is required. Knowledge of animal breeds and behavior helpful; with the ability to make decisions regarding the welfare of animals. Must able to work on weekends. Basic computer skills in a Windows environment required, Committed to the mission of the HSSM.

Qualifications: Must be 18 years or older; able to lift 50 lbs.; able to stand, bed and perform duties as assigned.

RESPONSIBILITIES

MEASUREMENTS

• Current knowledge of animals in facility. Assists potential adopters by matching animals and owners.
• Assists and circulates among potential adopters.
• Answers all HSSM inquiries in a polite and courteous manner.
• Enters correct adoption data into computer.
• Adoption records are accurate and current.
• Dog walking in heat, rain, cold, etc.
• Cleans, disinfects and maintains sanitary animal holding areas of adoption mall areas at all times.
• Adoption areas are clean and free of debris and waste.
• Assists in cleaning Hydrant Pod in the morning.
• Photographs adoptable animals and writes biographies for the website
• Processes return of slumber party foster animals.
• Return records are accurate and current.
• Monitors and reports health or behavior concerns to supervisor.
• Health or behavior concerns are immediately addressed.
• Maintains a safe working environment in compliance with local and state regulations as well as OSHA standards.
• Works with and oversees the duties of assigned volunteers.
• Maintains a profession and cordial attitude with fellow employees and public.
• Represents HSSM and the mission in a professional and courteous manner at all times
• Assists new staff and volunteers
• Rotates schedule of cleaning offsite cat kennels.
• Goes to Petco and other offsite partners to clean kennels on time and as assigned.
• Processes customer transactions.
• Facilitates transactions in a courteous and timely manner.
• Organizes and cleans Retail store area.
• Retail store is clear of clutter and debris; Counter is clean and well- organized; Retail store is presentable to public.
• Processes deliveries and stocks merchandise.
• Merchandise is easy to find and organized and up-stock is available to customers when needed.
• Maintains presence in Retail area.
• Physically present in Retail store during public hours.
• Greets customers entering Retail/Adoption lobby in an appropriate and friendly manner.
• Guides customers to adoption mall or elsewhere as appropriate in a timely manner.
• Researches and identifies venders and products.
• Follows up on customer feedback.
• Answers telephone.
• Provides timely, accurate and informative responses.
• Replies to adoptions e-mails.
• Provides timely, accurate and informative responses.
• Supports other shelter activities as needed.
• Enthusiastically responds to requests.
• Knowledge of products carried in the store- including use of animal age appropriateness.
• Able to suggest products to help with customer problems and upsell when needed.
• Participates fully in Pet Store Pro.
• Meets deadlines when they are due.
• Available for offsite sales/adoption events when needed.
• Merchandise products in a creative and appropriate way so that products are presented to customers in a way that maximizes sales.
• Responsible for pricing, placement and sale of merchandise.
• Data entry of donations/daily logs
• Responsible for the opening, closing, and daily operation of the Retail Register and Register computer.
• All other duties as assigned.

General Expectations:

• Is flexible with scheduling and is available when away from the facility as needed to meet the needs of the organization.
• Creates, promotes, and follows safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment. Takes immediate action to address any safety concern or non-compliance with OSHA safety rules that could put an employee, volunteer, client, animal and organization at risk.
• Promotes integration and engagement of volunteers.
• Promotes communication and cooperation between HSSM departments.
• Actively solicits donations and promotes retail sales.
• Willing to become euthanasia certified. Performs euthanasia if necessary.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in a retail/kennel clinic setting. Exposure to high noise levels and cleaning agents when in kennel area. Subject to animal bites and scratches. Able to handle animals of questionable health and temperament. Lifting of up to 50 pounds with reasonable accommodation. Standing, bending and stretching for 8-10 hours per day. Computer usage. Exposure to Zoonotic disease.

I have read the above description and understand that adherence to these expectations is a requirement for employment at the Humane Society of South Mississippi.

Signed ____________________________________________________ Date ______________________

Print Name ___________________________________________________________________________

EMPLOYMENT DISCLAIMER: This job description is not a contract. Management reserves the rgith to change its contents at any time. This organization complies with the guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam ara. This organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $11.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Application Question(s):

• The schedule is Tuesday-Saturday from 8:30AM-5:30PM. Can you accommodate this schedule?

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person