Adoption Associate

Description

Department:
Community Programs
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt

Organizational Relationships
This position is supervised by:
Adoptions Manager

Responsible for providing assistance to visitors and clients with AWLA-related business including, but not limited to adoption counseling, completing retail transactions and purchases by customers; answering phones; issuing licenses; receiving surrendered animals. Current schedule is Sunday thru Thursday 9am - 5:30pm.

• Use customer service skills to facilitate potential adoptions in a positive manner in support of the AWLA's mission and Core Values
• Provide a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment for all visitors to the facility
• Assist the public in making appropriate adoption matches
• Explain AWLA adoption policies and procedures to potential adopters
• Answer questions from potential adopters regarding adoptable animals
• Show available animals to potential adopters
• Facilitate safe meetings between adoptable dogs and potential adopters’ dogs.
• Conduct adoption and behavior consultations
• Maintain a complete and accurate file regarding all actions associated with the adoption
• Ensure that all required actions are completed prior to releasing the animal to their new home

• Coordinate the intake of stray, injured and owner-relinquished animals into our facility
• Gather all necessary information regarding the intake, properly document paperwork, and enter all information into the Chameleon database.

• Ensure that paperwork and records are maintained accurately and that Chameleon information is updated
• Learn and use the descriptive identification used by the AWLA, and develop a current working knowledge of commonly seen dog and cat breeds.
• Develop a basic working knowledge of the AWLA's procedures, guidelines, and protocols for the safe handling of animals:
• Legal and statistical reporting procedures, and veterinary protocols
• Federal and Commonwealth of Virginia substance regulations, and Commonwealth of Virginia and municipal animal regulations
• Understand and follow AWLA Adoption Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Accurately complete all animal intake paperwork
• Retrieve general voice mail messages and respond to calls and/or forward them to the appropriate department
• Accurately complete the daily tracking for lost and found including matching lost reports with any stray animals in the AWLA's care
• Contact potential owners when a stray animal matches their description of their lost pet

• Sell Spay/Neuter vouchers and process licenses, accurately completing all paperwork and input into database
• Accept monetary and in-kind donations from the public, thank the donor and forward notices of donation to the Development department
• Accurately process cash, check and credit card transactions, adhering to AWLA accounting policies
• Assist clients with retail item purchases, maintain inventory and ensure displays are stocked and orderly.

• Safely handling animals according to AWLA protocol and following Fear Free and other best practices to limit stress in shelter animals
• Assist in keeping all public areas of the building organized and clean
• Communicate regularly with supervisors and coworkers to ensure that they are aware of any issues pertinent to their areas of responsibility
• Participate in staff meetings to share ideas and suggestions for improving animal care and the quality of the organization as a whole
• Communicating regularly with supervisors to ensure that they are aware of any issues pertinent to their areas of responsibility
• Keep the lobby neat and tidy
• Participate and attend community outreach events in support of AWLA mission
• Perform other duties as requested to ensure the internal and external well-being of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

• Spanish fluency required
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Current driver’s license
• Proven ability to handle multiple tasks in a busy workplace environment
• Ability to accurately perform basic mathematical calculation
• Understanding of humane care and treatment of animals
• Experience in customer…