Adoption Counselor and Community Support Specialist

About Us: Humane Society of Greater Miami is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of animals in need. Our mission is to provide compassionate care, advocacy, and support for animals, while also educating the community about responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.

Our Culture Statement & Responsibility: Our culture shapes our ethos in every aspect of our operations. We prioritize attitude over aptitude, emphasizing kindness as a core discipline essential to our culture. It is the foundation of how we communicate and interact internally, guiding our approach to change, decision-making, and execution of tasks.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF POSITION:

Please note that due to the nature of this position, the applicant must be 100% bilingual and fluent in English and Spanish.

The Adoption Counselor and Community Engagement Specialist plays a pivotal role in our mission to find loving homes for animals in need. This role involves working directly with prospective pet adopters, providing exceptional customer service, and ensuring that both animals and adopters have a positive and fulfilling experience. The ideal candidate will be passionate about animal welfare, have strong interpersonal skills, and possess the ability to educate and guide potential adopters through the adoption process. Additionally, this role includes elements of sales and fundraising to support the organization’s ongoing efforts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Customer Service:
• Greet and assist visitors and prospective adopters, ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment.
• Respond promptly to inquiries via phone, email, and in-person.
• Provide detailed information about the adoption process, animal care, and the responsibilities of pet ownership.
• Adoption Counseling:
• Conduct thorough adoption interviews to match animals with suitable adopters.
• Educate adopters on the specific needs, behaviors, and health of animals available for adoption.
• Assist adopters in selecting pets that match their lifestyle and preferences.
• Animal Admissions Oversight:
• Oversee the intake process for new animals in our limited admission facility.
• Conduct initial assessments of incoming animals to determine their suitability for adoption.
• Work with staff and volunteers to ensure a smooth transition for animals entering the facility.
• Manage space and resources effectively to accommodate incoming animals while maintaining a high standard of care.
• Documentation and Record-Keeping:
• Maintain accurate records of all adoptions and interactions with adopters.
• Ensure that all adoption paperwork is completed thoroughly and correctly.
• Update animal profiles and adoption databases as needed.
• Community Engagement:
• Participate in outreach and education programs to promote adoption and responsible pet ownership.
• Represent the organization at adoption events and community fairs.
• Foster relationships with local businesses and community groups to support adoption efforts.
• Team Collaboration:
• Work closely with other staff and volunteers to achieve the organization’s adoption goals.
• Provide training and support to new staff and volunteers as needed.
• Contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Pet Resources and Community Support:
• Provide pet resources, including distributing pet pantry items to community members in need.
• Assist in triaging community pet support requests, connecting pet owners with necessary resources and services.
• Offer guidance on pet care, health, and behavior to support pet owners in maintaining their pets' well-being.
• Sales and Fundraising:
• Promote and sell pet-related products and services to adopters and visitors.
• Actively seek donations and contributions to support the organization's programs and initiatives.
• Inform adopters and visitors about the organization's needs and encourage financial support.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional education in animal science, veterinary technology, or a related field is a plus.
• Previous experience in animal welfare, customer service, or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Passion for animal welfare and a commitment to the organization’s mission.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Basic computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management.
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School or equivalent education, and an Associates or Bachelor's degree preferred
• Experience in planning, judgment, implementation, communication, staff development, interpersonal skills and cost containment

BENEFITS

• Yearly performance review and increase based on review.
• Overtime opportunities and cross training.
• Holiday pay and/or Floating holidays granted for Federal Holidays HSGM observes.
• Paid Time off (PTO) and 403(b) plan (effective after 90-day introductory period).
• Health Insurance, Dental and Vision Insurance and Life Insurance (effective after 90-day introductory period).
• Pet Owner Benefits: complimentary preventative care and other services at no cost or reduced price.
• Reduced adoption fees available after 90-day introductory period.
• Hands-on experience in the operations of a non-profit animal shelter.
• Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals in the field of animal welfare.
• Networking opportunities with staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of animals in need and contribute to the mission of Humane Society of Greater Miami.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• The need to lift and carry animals and equipment weighing in excess of 50 pounds.
• Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Customer service: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• North Miami Beach, FL 33160 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• North Miami Beach, FL 33160: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17