Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: $22.00 / hour
Position Summary:
The Adoption Advisor I is responsible for matching Seattle Humane pets with families by facilitating all aspects of
our adoption process including meet and greets and dog introductions. The Adoption Advisor I provides a friendly,
welcoming, and judgment-free experience for all visitors to the Adoption Lobby and efficiently handles incoming
inquiries to the department. Advisors utilize a conversation-based approach to understand client needs and
shares medical and behavior history for each pet in order to aid in matchmaking. The Adoption Advisor I supports
the mission, goals, and philosophy of Seattle Humane and adheres to the Team Charter.
KEY OR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Promotes a friendly, welcoming, and non-judgmental atmosphere for all guests entering our Adoption
Lobby - Helps visitors get oriented with our adoption process and animal viewing spaces
- Guides clients through the adoption advising process by utilizing a conversation-based approach to help
match their family with a pet- Provides all relevant behavior and medical history during each advisin
- Facilitates meets between pets and potential adopters
- Provides relevant resources and advice to assist with questions and concerns
- Refers for 2nd advising or other internal support as directed and/or needed
- Assists with dog-to-dog introductions as outlined in Seattle Humane guidelines
- Performs adoption outcome processes accurately and efficiently
- Ensures all contracts and waivers are reviewed and signed
- Collects and processes payment and donation information
- Provides all relevant animal history and adoption support documentation at time of adoption
- Ensures that owner has secure method for transporting pet home
- Answers incoming inquiries into the department with high standards of customer service and returns
voicemails messages and emails promptly and professionally - Proactively supports retail sales goals by encouraging purchases at time of adoption and accurately
entering receipt line items - Actively solicits donations to support agency and department fundraising goals
- Works closely with volunteers working in the department and related programs; builds rapport, actively
engages with, and provides support, training, and guidance as needed - Performs shelter cleaning procedures in department workspaces and perimeter areas to keep public and
staff areas clean and orderly - Restocks food, cleaning, and office supplies for the department and informs supervisor when supplies are
low - Completes and files all paperwork and other records accurately, while adhering to the files and records
retention policy and procedures - Monitors supply and demand of departments retail needs
- Engages regularly with cross-functional teams, helping foster an environment of respect and partnership across
departments
Secondary Functions:
- Adheres to Seattle Humane Standard Operating Procedures
- Promotes a positive, supportive, cooperative work environment based on mutual respect and open
communication - Reports any health, behavior, safety or security concerns to a supervisor in a timely manner
- Attends department and full staff meetings as requested and participates with ideas and suggestions
designed to improve shelter services, programs, and working conditions - Provides assistance, support, and coverage (including, cleaning, care, and movement) to other
departments as requested by supervisor - Ensures the available animal population moves through the adoption process quickly and efficiently
- Performs opening and closing procedures for department
- Demonstrates ability to be on time and fulfill obligations of a schedule
- Completes other duties as assigned
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
Provides training support to volunteers and staff as directed by leadership
COMMUNICATION/INTERPERSONAL CONTACT:
- Daily communication with staff and volunteers in person and through email, written procedures,
monitoring sheets, company database(s) - Regular contact with clients in person, over the telephone, through email or direct mail
- Regular contact with other animal welfare agencies and veterinary clinics
- Regular contact with administrative staff
COMPLEXITY:
A high degree of independent judgment is required. Duties vary on a daily basis, and flexibility throughout the shift
is required. Formal policies and procedures are followed or developed as needed. Needs high level of attention todetail and must be able to respond to unexpected questions, comments or requests from the public, volunteers
and other staff. Must be able to maintain concentration on a task or series of tasks while dealing with frequent
interruptions. Must be able to work well without direct supervision. Must be able to communicate effectively and
display cultural competency with many people with varying backgrounds. Requires excellent customer service
skills. Must work well within a team setting.
KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION OR TRAINING:
- Animal handling experience preferred
- Animal behavior/health/training background helpful
- Customer service experience required
- Experience working compassionately with people in high-stress situations preferred
- Must have excellent oral communication skills
- Must be able to write clearly and listen effectively
- Regular and reliable attendance required
- Basic knowledge of computers is required
- Bilingual abilities are a plus
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
- High school graduate or GED preferred
- Capable of being certified in CPR and human first aid
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
- Requires the ability to safely handle cats and dogs regularly
- Requires the ability to solve problems and make clear decisions quickly
- Must have good attention to detail
- Must be able to concentrate and produce accurate work despite frequent interruptions
- Must possess the ability to be sensitive to other opinions, perspectives, or cultures
- Must be able to offer excellent customer service (internal and external)
- Must be able to have difficult conversations with customers in a sensitive manner
- Must exhibit initiative and motivation in performing all duties
- Must have good dexterity and reflexes, especially when restraining or moving an animal
- Must be able to lift and carry at least 50 pounds with or without accommodation; crouch and bend at the
waist and kneel; must be able to control dogs up to 200 pounds when on a leash
WORKING CONDITIONS:
General office and animal shelter environment. When handling animals, there is a potential for animal bites,
exposure to zoonotic diseases, animal dander and noise. Potential for working with angry or irate
customers. Involves entering and leaving work areas alone and at night.
Equipment Use: Desktop computer and printer, general office supplies, multi-lined telephone, copier,
calculator, credit card machine, microchip scanner, nail trimmers, safety boots, hearing protection, eye
protection, respirators, gloves, animal leashes/collars, animal carriers, clothes washer and dryer, broom,
mop, vacuum, hoses and nozzles, sprayers, scrapers, squeegees. Occasional use of syringes, animal
restraint equipment, muzzles, dog fight equipment.
Chemical Interaction: A wide variety of cleaners, disinfectants, detergents and medical products are used on
a daily basis. Each position at Seattle Humane will likely encounter these chemicals during the routine
performance of their duties. Specific instructions will be provided by a staff member for the safe and proper
use of these chemicals. If there are any questions regarding this information, copies of our chemical MSDS
sheets are available for review. If asked to use a product that is unfamiliar, contact your supervisor for proper
instructions.
Work Hours: full-time hours, including both weekend days and evenings. Schedule may vary depending on
coverage needs due to staff PTO, holidays, or emergencies.
LOCATION:
The position works in an onsite capacity, located in the Bellevue, WA office.
SEATTLE HUMANE CORE VALUES:
Candidate should be committed to Seattle Humanes Core Values:
Compassion
Accessibility
Innovation
Responsibility
Teamwork
Who we are:
Seattle Humane is more than a shelter, we are a community resource center. We're meeting the increasing need for pet owner support services, so that families don't have to choose between an overdue bill and a beloved family member. We're training the next generation of veterinarians in our state-of-the-art medical center. We're building a community of animal advocates through our volunteer and youth education programs. The impact of Seattle Humane is life-changing, for the animals in our care and the people who love them. Our top priority is to connect animals in need of rescue with the people who will love them. Through our outreach, advocacy, and services, we strive to ensure that animal companionship is accessible to all.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
As an equal opportunity employer, Seattle Humane is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
The Benefits:
At Seattle Humane, we believe in investing in our people, you'll receive competitive benefits and perks, including full health & wellness coverage, generous paid time off starting at three weeks, 10 paid holidays, an employer matching retirement plan, personal pet allowance, employee sabbaticals, discounts, and you get to work around cute animals!
Check out ourLISTof benefits and perksHERE
Sound like something you want to be a part of? Then apply today!