Job Overview:
Adoption and Admissions Counselors are the most public face of Animal Friends, setting the tone for our clients’ experiences at the resource center.  This position requires a person with flexibility and public relations augmented by a compassionate spirit.  It is essential that the incumbent have communication and organizational skills, computer knowledge and a sincere interest in serving both people and animals.  The candidate must also be knowledgeable about Animal Friends and enhance the programs and mission of the organization.Job Overview:

Responsibilities: 
The primary function of the Adoption and Admissions Counselor is to assist the public in all phases of the adoption process starting with admitting animals and ending with adoption follow-ups.  

Participate in the adoption process, including:

1) admitting animals to animal friends according to the admissions policies and procedures; 2)proactively assisting prospective owners in the selection of animals while promoting animals to the adopting public; 3) preparing adoption applications and contracts; and 4) advising new owners of Animal Friends’ contractual requirements, including medical care, lost pet procedures and change of address notification.  5)  contacting adopters to follow up with them following adoption and providing supportive resources and counseling as appropriate.

Maintain daily working knowledge and understanding of kennel availability within the shelter to appropriately communicate current admissions restrictions to the public. 

Professionally communicates admission guidelines to all requests in a timely manner offering alternative resources when needed.

Assist in maintaining a list of animals awaiting admittance to the shelter.

Educate the public on proper animal handling techniques, basic medical care and training options 

Implement foster programs.

Maintain a familiarity with all shelter animals including animals available for adoption, foster care and also available for home-to-home placement.

Assist with off-site adoption events.  Assist in maintaining a list of prospective pet owners, contacting them when the desired type of pet is available.

Review shelter records to identify owners of lost pets.  Maintain lost and found department. 

Compile daily records required by Animal Friends through use of Chameleon software.          

Lobby greeter duties as assigned when coverage is needed. 

Participate in customer service and other seminars as assigned.

Maintain a clean and organized environment including sweeping, mopping, glass-cleaning and other light duties as assigned. 

Maintain a professional, courteous demeanor with clients, volunteers and employees at all times.
         

Relationships: 
Reports directly to the Senior Operations Coordinator.
Actively engages with the Animal Care, Medical, and Behavior Departments.
Works with Volunteer Coordinator and volunteers. 

Qualifications:    High school diploma required and must be 18 years of age.

Previous customer service and/or public relations experience required.

Must be a team player but also able to handle difficult situations independently.

Must have animal handling experience.

Must have a basic knowledge of animal behavior issues and a general understanding of animal health-related concerns.

Must possess excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills, computer literacy, organizational ability and time management skills.

Must have access to dependable transportation and openness to local travel.  Valid driver’s license preferred.

Must be able to work flexible hours, including weekends and some holidays.

Must be able to work special events including, but not limited to, Bark in the Park and Black Tie & Tails.

Must be able to push, pull, lift and/or carry up to 50 lbs.  Shelter work can be physically demanding.

Must have a sincere interest in the work, programs and mission of Animal Friends, Inc. 

To apply, send a resume and cover letter to Ann Ensminger at aensminger@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org. No phone calls, please.

 

Animal Caregiver

Reports To: 
Kennel Supervisor

Status: 
Part-time, Hourly Position

Job Overview: 
The Animal Caregiver’s primary duties involve direct care of the shelter animals.  This care involves feeding and medication of the animals and cleaning of the cages, as well as general cleaning of the entire shelter and office areas.  Animal Caregivers are in direct contact with the public, volunteers and other shelter staff and thus a positive, friendly attitude and ability to work with others are essential components of this position.  The candidate must also embrace the programs and mission of Animal Friends.

Responsibilities: 
To care for the shelter’s animals, the Animal Caregiver will:

(1) Keep cages clean at all times, scrubbing daily and disinfecting as directed;
(2) Feed and water animals;
(3) Keep work areas in the kennel clean and well-organized;
(4) Exercise and walk animals as needed.

To assist in veterinary care of the shelter’s animals, the Animal Caregiver will:

(1) Assist veterinary technicians with treatments and exams;
(2) Brush, bathe and treat animals for external parasites as needed at the medical department’s direction;
(3) Collect stool and urine specimens as directed;
(4) Medicate animals as directed;
(5) Report any behavioral or health problems to the Kennel Supervisor or veterinary technicians;
(6) Assist in transporting animals to veterinary hospitals as needed.

To assist in building maintenance, the Animal Caregiver will:

(1) Clean office areas and bathrooms;
(2) Remove snow from the public sidewalks of the shelter and its property;
(3) Do laundry;
(4) Collect and bag garbage;
(5) Perform routine maintenance tasks as directed;
(6) Notify the Kennel Supervisor when repairs are needed or supplies need to be reordered.

The Animal Caregiver will maintain a professional, courteous demeanor with customers, volunteers and staff at all times.

Relationships: 
Reports directly to the Kennel Supervisor.

Actively engages with the Adoption, Medical, Volunteer and Behavior/Obedience Training Departments.

Qualifications: 

High school diploma or GED required.

Must have access to dependable transportation and openness to local travel.  Valid driver’s license preferred.

Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and some holidays.

Must be able to work special events including, but not limited to, Bark in the Park and Black Tie & Tails.

Must be able to push, pull, lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.  Shelter work can be physically demanding.

Must have a sincere interest in the work, programs and mission of Animal Friends, Inc.

Full-Time or Part-Time Veterinary Technician/Assistant

Reports to: 
Medical Coordinator

Status: 
Part-Time and Full-Time Opportunities

Job Overview: 
The Veterinary Technician/Assistant is responsible for providing high-quality animal care while maintaining the highest standards of medical care.  The Veterinary Technician/ Assistant must ensure a humane environment for all the animals entrusted to the organization’s care.  The Veterinary Technician/Assistant, with guidance from the organization’s Medical Coordinator and veterinarians, administers and coordinates the activities of the Medical Department in collaboration with the departments of Animal Care, Adoption, Behavior, Foster and Volunteer.  It is the responsibility of the Veterinary Technician/ Assistant to support and carry out the organization’s mission statement, goals, and objectives.

Responsibilities: 
Medical and Administrative Activities:

Conduct daily rounds of all areas of the shelter to ensure a humane environment for all the animals entrusted to the organization’s care.

Administer daily medical treatment and perform examinations as prescribed by the organization’s veterinarian and keep accurate records of treatment and progress.

Assists in surgical procedures as appropriate, especially spay/neuter surgeries.

Assist other support staff and animal caregivers with examination and treatments of animals and associated record keeping.

Oversee the cleanliness of medical animal care areas, as necessary, to ensure a safe and sanitary environment.

Participate in organization facility cleaning.

Assist in training Kennel Operations personnel in recognizing common diseases, abnormalities and treatment protocols.

Ensure that all Medical Department activities are carried out in compliance with local, state and federal regulations and laws governing non-profit entities.

Assist with other medical-related duties as requested.

Relationships: 
Reports directly to the Medical Coordinator.  Works collaboratively with the departments of Animal Care, Adoption, Behavior, Foster and Volunteer.

Qualifications: 
High school diploma required or GED required.  Veterinary Technician/Assistant Degree Preferred.
 
 Must possess a minimum of three years’ prior work experience in animal care/welfare or veterinary clinic.

 Must be proficient in venipuncture, stool sample reading, record keeping and animal restraint.  Surgical experience preferred.

 Must possess excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills, computer literacy, organizational ability, and time management skills.

 Must have access to dependable transportation, and openness to local travel.  Valid driver’s license preferred.

 Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays.

 Must be able to work special events including, but not limited to, Bark in the Park and Black Tie & Tails.

 Must be able to push, pull, lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.  Shelter work can be physically demanding.