What are the responsibilities and job description for the Adoption Counselor (Lifesaving Specialist) position at Williamson County?
Actively engages with the public, as positive representation of the shelter
Gains knowledge of animals and interacts with potential adopters to facilitate matches
Expands knowledge of animal behavior issues and remedies, improving probability of successful adoptions
Provides high-quality customer service, adoption assistance, and information about animal care and behavior
Reviews adoption applications and performs conversational interviews of potential adopters
Determines and professionally communicates adoption approval or rejection statuses
Maintains daily activities log and submits weekly to supervisor
Transports animals, cages, and other equipment to and from off-site events and storefront locations
Performs event set-up, provides care and cleaning of animals, transportation equipment, and paperwork for events and storefront adoption centers
Recruits and schedules foster participation in events and offsite programs
Monitors the health of animals, identifies medical or behavioral conditions, and immediately reports to the Animal Health Supervisor, Animal Health Technician and/or Behavioral Coordinator
Exhibits a humane, caring attitude toward all animals, and advocates for their welfare
Identifies unique demeanor, behaviors, and special needs of individual animals
Works diligently at off-site events with minimal supervision and direction
Follows all safety measures and policies, including proper animal restraints and reading animal behavioral cues, and promptly reports any safety incidents to leadership
Works closely with shelter staff to determine animals’ priority foster care needs
Communicates animal needs to foster community
Schedules transfer of animals to/from foster homes
Utilizes social media sites used by the foster program
Performs special duties as assigned
ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS
Reports directly to – Foster Program Supervisor
Direct Reports – No
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Position involves prolonged standing, walking, twisting, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and other fine motor repetitive motions
Position requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine motor coordination
Position involves lifting and carrying of animals and equipment weighing up to fifty (50) pounds, or up to one hundred (100) pounds with assistance, and exertion of up to twenty-five (25) pounds of force to move objects
Position involves hearing and/or seeing alert cues regarding animal and staff security
Position involves maintaining composure in a high-stress environment
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Work tasks are conducted indoors and frequently outdoors
May work outside in inclement weather, including extreme heat, cold and wet conditions
Frequent handling of animals, including contact with waste and blood
Exposure to unpleasant smells and a noisy and wet environment associated with a shelter
Frequent exposure animals that are agitated or injured that may attempt to bite or scratch
Regular travel between work sites is required
Position involves working in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
Position involves working with distressed individuals
IRREGULAR HOURS
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays is a schedule requirement
May be deemed essential personnel for emergency situations, at discretion of Director
Regular attendance is required
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.
High school diploma and one (1) year of customer service or community outreach experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as in a team environment
Knowledge of the humane care, feeding, handling and restraint of animals
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required within thirty (30) days of employment
Valid driver’s license
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Six (6) months experience and/or training working with animals in an animal hospital, shelter, or related animal facility
Knowledge of dog and cat body language cues
Bilingual (Spanish)
EMPLOYMENT TESTING
Employment is contingent on passing any post-offer pre-employment screening as listed below:
Criminal background check: Yes
Motor Vehicle Record check: Yes
Drug screening: Yes
Physical exam: No
Psychological exam: No
Additional: N/A
A Williamson County online application (resumes alone are not sufficient) must be received before the position is closed. Positions are open until filled, subject to close at any time after five (5) business days. The Human Resources Department is located at 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown, TX 78626. Phone (512) 943-1533 or visit our website at www.wilcotx.gov/469/Human-Resources.
Williamson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please request assistance from the Human Resources Department.
TOBACCO FREE WORKPLACE POLICY
Williamson County is a tobacco free workplace. The use of tobacco products (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, chew, etc.) and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) (e.g., vapor, e-cigarettes, etc.) is prohibited on all Williamson County premises. Employees who violate this policy are subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.
Salary : $41,523
