Part Time Counselor Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary :
Admissions Counselors are a public face for Animal Friends, working with members of the community both onsite and from afar. 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 Admissions counselors are responsible for managing daily intake of animals into our facility, while offering resources and alternatives to the community in an effort to promote pet retention.
Essential Functions :
• Assist the public in all phases of the admissions process (including but not limited to reviewing applications, supplying resources, scheduling appointments, the admissions appointment, helping the Shelter Medicine Team, etc.)
• Maintain daily working knowledge and understanding of the kennel population within the shelter and in foster in order to appropriately communicate current admissions needs to the public
• Professionally communicate admissions guidelines to all requests in a timely manner offering alternative resources when needed
• Assist in organizing transfers from other shelters and animal control facilities by identifying our needs in regard to open spaces, kennel population and diversity through consistent and cooperative communication. This includes any duties or tasks deemed necessary for safe and successful transfers
• Assists with the conducting of preliminary behavior assessments on animals seeking admission to Animal Friends in order to determine suitability and approval
• Provides resources and referrals to the client if the animal is not able to be admitted and/or those who wish to keep their pets to encourage pet retention
• In an effort to keep pets in homes, educate the public on proper animal handling techniques, basic medical care and behavior training options
• Support clients who have lost their pet or who have found a pet by providing information on other shelters, animal control facilities and websites whose goal is to reunite animals with their families
• Maintain the lost and found reports, following up with those posted on a regular basis
• Compile daily records required by Animal Friends through use of ShelterLuv software
• Participate in training seminars, including animal handling and other seminars as assigned
• Maintain admissions applications and assist in calling applicants to bring in animals as openings from adoptions occur
• Help to maintain the Emergency Board Program and those animals who have been admitted through it
• Maintaining the Home2Home Program, offering pet guardians the option to utilize the program, help to prepare their animals for rehoming, and ensuring their animals are posted on the Animal Friends platforms
• Work with the Intake and Pathways Manager to understand and create a pathway for each animal that comes to Animal Friends
• Maintain a clean and organized environment including sweeping, mopping, and other light duties as needed or assigned
• Maintain a professional, courteous demeanor with clients, volunteers and employees at all times
• Leverage volunteer talent by engaging their assistance within the department, thereby helping us to further our mission and vision and to achieve the organization's expectation of 100% integration of volunteers into our programs
• Performs other duties as assigned
Requirements
Qualifications and Experience :
• 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
• Animal handling experience preferred
• Basic knowledge of animal behavior issues and a general understanding of animal health-related concerns 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
• Flexible work availability preferred; organization is a 24hr operation, which may require individuals to work evenings, weekends, holidays and/or special events at times, including 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 vision, mission, and culture of Animal Friends
• Must be able to walk 2 dog walking shifts a week
• Must meet essential functions within 60 days of hire
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :
• Communication Proficiency - Ability to orally express information and ideas to others when speaking
• Customer / Client Focus- Actively seeks out ways to aide Animal Friends guests and/or volunteers to ensure the best possible customer service is provided
• Diversity and Inclusion - Ability to welcome, support and value individuals with similarities and differences that may vary from your own
• Stress Management - Ability to maintain baseline behavior / composure during stressful situations
• Teamwork Orientation - Ability to work with others to accomplish likeminded goals and tasks for the organization