SUMMARY

The Animal Welfare Counselor position is responsible for ensuring both animals and customers get the care they need. Working with the team, this position assists the general public with both the adoption and admission processes. Animal Welfare Counselors help to place animals into loving homes, talking with potential adopters about the needs of the animal to ensure a good fit. Counselors also help to bring in animals that are stray, lost, or otherwise in need of temporary shelter.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Uphold the mission of Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP) throughout all responsibilities of the position.
• Understand and support the Open Door Philosophy of HARP.
• Assist customers with the selection of adoptable cats and dogs or other animals in the care of HARP, providing customers with background information (when known), advice and counseling on breed and species selection and basic information and referral for common pet care questions.
• Assist customers over the telephone with questions specifically related to adoptions and admissions, but also be able to answer general questions regarding the basic services provided by HARP or refer callers to the appropriate departments.
• Assist all customers, whether over the telephone, in person or via electronic means in a professional, courteous, and efficient manner with empathy and compassion while withholding judgment.
• Assist with inbound/outbound transfers of pets from/to other HARP locations, rescue groups or shelter facilities.
• Maintain positive relationships with co-workers, managers, directors, clients, and stakeholders.
• Become familiar with all animals in the shelter so that accurate information regarding the animals (including but not limited to: history, behavior concerns, placement recommendations, health issues, etc.) can be accurately passed on to potential new owners.
• Work cooperatively with all employees who are involved in off-site adoption locations, as well as the Volunteer Manager.
• Report any observed medical problems to the Medical Department, via the animals electronic record.
• Ensure that the cash register is opened and closed daily and that all monetary transactions are handled according to existing policies and procedures.
• Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and completeness of the animal file following each admission or adoption.
• Maintain awareness of available kennel space and work within set guidelines to ensure intake does not exceed humane capacity for care.
• Work closely with the Marketing/Events staff to ensure that off-site adoptions at events run smoothly. This includes (but is not limited to) identifying potential candidates for off-site adoption events, assisting with setup and breakdown of events, transporting animals and equipment to and from events, and facilitating adoptions at events by reviewing the adoption process with potential adopters, finalizing paperwork, and taking adoption donations.
• Utilize Fear Free techniques when handling any animal in our care.
• Ensure all public areas are maintained in a clean, sanitary, and comfortable manner reporting issues to the manager immediately.
• Perform other duties as assigned by a supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Passion for animals and animal welfare.
• Previous animal handling experience a plus.
• Valid PA drivers license with acceptable driving record.
• The ability to make rational decisions and be professional in an emotional environment/situation.
• Must be able to work all shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Basic computer/keyboarding skills and experience with Microsoft Office and web browsers.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have excellent customer service skills.
• Must have good math and organizational skills.
• Be able to handle the physical demands of the job to accomplish requirements of the job, which includes being able to lift 50 lbs.
• Be able to stand 4 to 6 hours.