Adoption Advocate (Animal Rescue)

Pawmetto Lifeline is a private not for profit organization. We are an animal advocacy organization offering educational and medical programs for pets with a focus on pet retention. Our goal is to ensure pets are never homeless by supporting pet owners in need of our services with the hopes that their pet never enters a shelter. Rescue work is 24/7. The work environment can be very stressful as we are dealing with people and animals in crisis.

These are the perfect qualifications for any position at Pawmetto Lifeline: strong work ethic, belief in our mission, animal rescue work and improving community outcomes are your passion and that you thrive in a stressful, unpredictable environment. If you meet these qualifications, please review the following openings at Pawmetto Lifeline.

Pawmetto Lifeline is a non-profit rescue organization that strives toward the goal of a no-kill community and state through adoption, pet retention, rescue partnerships, and medical services. The employees are the passion within the organization and work diligently to help every animal in the community and believe that no pet should die simply because they are homeless.

We seek team members that have a passion for animals and want to continue to help every animal reach tomorrow. Excellent employment opportunities are available for individuals who are hardworking, energetic, customer- focused and enjoys a fast-paced and rewarding work environment.

Pawmetto Lifeline offers a benefits package to full time employees:

• Medical (Health & Dental)
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Leave & Sick Time
• Discounted rates for their pet’s vaccines, veterinarian care and medications

The Adoption Advocate will be responsible for matching pre-approved adopters with dogs and cats at the facility while creating a positive experience for the adopter(s).

Schedule:

Pawmetto Lifeline Adoptions Department is open five days a week. The work schedule is Tuesday - Saturday, 9:30am-6:30pm.

Responsibilities include:

· Actively reaching out to and interacting with the public, specifically talking with prospective adopters to find out what they are looking for in a pet.

· Interacting with/getting to know the animals and talking with prospective adopters about them to make the best possible match.

· Providing exceptional quality customer service to people who visit, email or call Pawmetto Lifeline.

· Guiding people through the adoption process, sharing information about animal care and behavior, reviewing adoption applications, interviewing applicants in a conversational way, making decisions to finalize or deny an adoption, and communicating with the applicant in such a manner that maintains a courteous and friendly attitude even when declining a request.

· Willingness and ability to learn the PetPoint computer program we use to track animals in the facility.

· Willingness and ability to learn about cat and dog behavior, common issues, and ways to address them to make good adoption matches and to keep animals in homes.

· Treating all animals humanely, properly, and with compassion always, regardless of the situation or circumstance and promoting a humane and caring attitude toward all animals.

· Maintaining a friendly demeanor and providing good customer service while assisting with adoptions.

· Working courteously and cooperatively with other staff members.

· Filling in for other areas and performing other tasks/functions as needed, including helping at special events.

Specific Job Skills:

· Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

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

· Excellent written and oral communications skills.

· Affection for animals, concern for their welfare, and a willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace.

· Ability and initiative, working with minimal supervision and direction.

· Maturity, good judgment, and a professional personal appearance.

· Ability to read, write and understand English.

· Flexibility, ability to manage multiple tasks.

· The ability to remain pleasant and calm even in stressful situations.

· The ability to ask appropriate questions to gather information along with the ability to feel and show empathy for others.

· The ability to turn people down, firmly when necessary, without becoming aggressive or unpleasant.

· The ability to learn about and understanding each dog or cat as an individual with his or her own personality, bad habits, past experiences, etc.

· Familiarity with animals, knowledge of animal behavior or experience volunteering or working with a rescue group, humane society, foster care involvement or other animal welfare agency are a plus.

· Comfort and ability to work with animals of unknown disposition and those who may exhibit medical and other problems, as well as aggressive tendencies.

Physical Requirements:

· Physical ability to walk and/or stand on your feet throughout a normal workday required.

· Physical ability to lift 50lbs occasionally.

· Allergic conditions, which would be aggravated when handling or working with animals, may be a disqualification.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• No nights

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Microsoft Excel: 1 year (Required)
• Customer service: 2 years (Required)
• Animal welfare/shelter: 1 year (Preferred)
• Computer skills: 2 years (Required)
• Data entry: 2 years (Required)
• Administrative: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Columbia, SC 29212 (Required)

Work Location: In person