OVERVIEW:

The Adoption Specialist is responsible for representing our organization and being the main point of contact for our community for adoption services. The right candidate for this role should have a positive attitude towards all people and pets and will enjoy a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

CLIENT SERVICES

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  Treat all clients with respect and courtesy, regardless of the reason they are seeking services.
  
• Respond to inquiries in person, in writing and over the phone in a professional manner.
  
• Provide clear and accurate information to clients regarding municipal, county, and state animal ordinances, and PIN programs, services and policies.

ADOPTION COUNSELING

• Become familiar with adoptable animals in the shelter and in foster homes.
  

• Take adoption photos and write appealing pet profiles to attract adopters.
• Work hands-on with the animals to conduct meet-and-greets with adopters.
  

• Facilitate adoptions by matchmaking animals with prospective adopters using a conversation-based approach with the goal of finding the best possible outcome for the person and the animal.

• Clearly and concisely inform adopters of an animal’s behavioral and medical history.

VOLUNTEER LIAISON

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  Serve as a point person for matchmaker volunteers and photography volunteers, answering questions and providing assistance when needed.
  

• Collaborate with matchmaker volunteers to facilitate meet-and-greets with adopters.

• Track animals that need photos to create a list for photography volunteers.

MISC

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  Assist with foster, behavior, medical, animal care, and programs departments when appropriate.
  

• Other duties as assigned by the Adoptions and Volunteer Manager.

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong interpersonal skills. The ideal person for this position would be personable, outgoing, patient, professional, and able to get along well with a variety of people.
  

• Excellent written and oral communications skills.

• Ability to handle animals of all sizes, ages, and temperaments, including those with behavioral challenges.

• Ability to work with minimal supervision and direction.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong computer skills, fast data entry, and familiarity with Microsoft applications.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior work experience related to the animal care, veterinary and/or behavior.
  

• Understands and utilizes positive reinforcement and Fear Free Sheltering.

• Spanish bilingual skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

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  Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
  

• Frequently sitting.

• Often standing and walking.

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.

• Ability to handle large animals weighing up to 90 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

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  Must be available to work holidays and weekends.
  

• Works on-site and outdoors in various settings and weather within the community.

• Ability to travel between the Redwood City and Palo Alto shelter locations.

• Working with potentially dangerous and fractious animals.