Adoption Counselor

Brandywine Valley SPCA, in collaboration with DC Health, is transitioning to provide animal sheltering and control services in Washington, DC. This expansion brings our expertise to a new region, with DC Health as a valued partner in establishing a strong foundation and local impact. Join our dedicated team and help us make a positive impact in the lives of DC’s animals and residents.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Adoption and Customer Service Staff is responsible for greeting customers, answering phone calls, executing the adoption process, and providing customers with an excellent Brandywine Valley SPCA experience.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Customer Service

· All Brandywine Valley SPCA employees are responsible for providing excellent customer service to customers, animals, fellow staff, donor and all persons a Brandywine Valley SPCA staff member comes into contact with when working.

· Promote the Brandywine Valley SPCA in a positive manner.

· Communicate with others with respect.

· Create a positive work environment by limiting negativity.

· Be efficient, a team player, positive and proactive in problem solving.

Animal Care

• Maintain and create patient records by accurately recording adoptions, return to owner, and transfers on PetPoint software.
• Assist with keeping inventory and ordering supplies.
• Create and take payments with accuracy.
• Ask for and obtain donations from customers.
• Inform and educate customers politely and without judgment.
• Answer customer questions in a polite and accurate manner.
• De-escalate situations when needed and solve problems when necessary. Keep management within the loop. Follow protocols.
• Assist fellow staff when needed. This includes intakes, volunteers, veterinary center, kennel attendants and other staff.
• Use and maintain software. Create records accurately and efficiently. Maintain paperwork and files accordingly.
• Follow shelter protocol. Clean and maintain the cleanliness and organization of facility and work areas.
• Assist in preventing shelter disease transmission.
• Observe animals for any sign of illness or behavior issues and report it accordingly.
• Upon occasion, show animals for visiting customers and assist with adoptions.
• Take in, sort and put away donations. Assist customers by answering questions.
• Maintain the organization and cleanliness of the shelter.
• Assist with different programs including TNR, enrichment, fostering, pet food pantry and others.
• Other duties as assigned.

Diversity and Inclusiveness

• Work effectively with individuals and colleagues from diverse communities and cultures.

Safety

• Ensure a safe work environment; following all safety guidelines and modeling safe work practice.
• Take immediate action to address any safety concerns that could put a staff member, volunteer, client, animal, or the organization at risk.
• Maintain a clean, healthy, and sanitary work area; follow all pest and rodent control protocols.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A high school education or equivalent.
• Ability to lift 50lbs.
• Ability to multitask under high-pressure situations.
• Work in loud environments on hard surfaces.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in a shelter setting
• Frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, and standing for long periods of time.
• Regular sitting at a computer workstation 2-4 hours per day to input adoption data.
• Subject to animal bites and scratches while handling animals.
• Repeated lifting and carrying of animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Consistent exposure to animals and animal allergens under conditions with limited alternatives available.

PAY RATE

• $20.50
• $160 monthly incentive for good attendance

The Brandywine Valley SPCA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued and respected. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply and look forward to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $20.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21