Pet Placement Specialist (Adoption and Foster)

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Foster & Adoption Manager, the Placement Specialist position is focused on ensuring positive outcomes for all animals entering our shelter. This includes supporting the Foster, Adoption and Diversion programs. This position requires an outgoing, people-oriented person with strong animal handling skills. The Placement Specialist must excel at collaboration and communication with both internal and external audiences.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Foster & Adoption Program

• Work closely with Adoption and Foster Manager, Cat Coordinator & Development and Marketing Manager to identify and implement foster and adopter recruitment to drive traffic to walk-in adoption hours.
• Assist with onboarding, training and managing of foster parents.
• Communicate with fosters and adopters via phone, text, and email.
• Coordinate foster and adoption matchmaking, oversee meet-and-greets, handoffs, and the completion of foster and adoption paperwork.
• Independently facilitate dog playgroups and dog to cat introductions in an effort to gain as much information about each pet for matchmaking purposes.
• Lead the placement team in reviewing, updating, and auditing adoption profiles to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Ensure foster surveys are sent promptly to gather essential information on foster pets.
• Assist and oversee the lead volunteer to manage and enhance the Slumber Pawty and Temporary Foster programs.
• Oversee the volunteer managing the distribution of postcards to fosters following the adoption of their foster pet.
• Oversee the volunteer leading the Foster Mentorship Program while managing and ensuring the program's success.
• Oversee and update the foster and adoption boards.
• Participate in daily Shelter Rounds to understand placement priorities.
• Clean and organize Foster Supply Room, Photography Room, and Adoption Meet and Greet Rooms (including cat adoption room) as needed.
• Collaborate with Development Team to increase marketing of adoptables via social media, email blasts, collateral, etc.
• Proactively leverage and engage volunteers in identified volunteer opportunities.
• Participate in outside GPG adoption events.
• Participate in large GPG events as needed, sharing responsibilities with other members of the management team.
• Set a positive tone that welcomes, engages and appreciates fosters, adopters & volunteers.
• Be an active participant in the rotation for managing the Medical and Behavior Foster Hotline.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Schedule

Tuesday-Friday: 10:30am-7:00pm (w/ 30 minute lunch break)

Saturday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (w/ 30 minute lunch break)

*hours subject to change based on business needs

Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred, High School Diploma or GED required
• 3 years experience in animal welfare, veterinary office, volunteer management, or related field
• Strong understanding and belief in the Humane Society of the United States Adopter’s Welcome approach and philosophy
• Strong animal handling experience- must be able to walk dogs of sizes, temperaments and energy levels
• Exceptional collaboration skills and ability to positively influence others to achieve results
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work well under pressure in a dynamic, team environment
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite (Google Docs/Sheets/Drive/Calendars), and technological proficiency
• Passion for animals, animal welfare and the No Kill mission.
• Must be able to stand for long periods, able to lift 50 lbs.
• Will require some nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays

Personal Characteristics

The Placement Specialist should demonstrate competence in all of the following:

• Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behavior and business practices, and ensure that own behavior and the behavior of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization
• Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.
• Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
• Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the organization and to create new opportunities.
• Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization.
• Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.
• Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and activities.
• Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.
• Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.
• Embrace Change: Believe that change is good. Seek to understand the big picture and the why behind the changes.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $38,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $38,000