Animal Adoption Counsellor

The Oakville & Milton Humane Society (OMHS) is an independent, non-profit charitable organization funded by donations, who are dedicated to protecting and making life better for animals and connecting the communities that care about them in Oakville and Milton. We value compassion, progressiveness, community engagement and being a trusted partner. By giving a voice to those who can’t speak for themselves, OMHS continues to raise awareness to the challenges our animals face and deliver programs and services that help inform the community why its support for animal welfare is so critical.

We are currently recruiting for a Permanent, Full Time Adoption Counsellor. This is a 70-hour biweekly position, scheduled as Tuesday to Friday, 10 am - 6pm, Saturday, 9am - 5pm.

Reporting to the Customer Care Supervisor, the Adoption Counsellor is responsible for meeting with perspective adopters to discuss the suitability of the animal they have expressed interest in. Key responsibilities of this role include managing a high volume of calls and emails from the public, reviewing adoption contracts, animal medical history, and other pertinent information with prospective adopters. Knowledge of, or willingness to learn about different animal behaviors is key.

This position will also be “on camera” for various television appearances to highlight animals that are up for adoption. These duties include marketing of our animals via social media channels and being comfortable presenting to the public, in person, virtually, or through various media outlets (i.e., CHCH monthly on a rotational basis, radio stations, etc.). Exceptional customer service skills, with a passion for people as well as animals is critical.

Responsibilities:

• Assisting the public with their questions and choice of pet
• Meeting with prospective adopters to discuss the suitability of the animal they wish to adopt
• Observing interactions between pets and potential adopters
• Screening potential adopters, reviewing applications, filing paperwork
• Educating owners about proper pet care
• Answering phone calls including speaking with veterinarians, landlords and recent adopters
• Responding to inquires as they pertain to Adoptions via email, phone or fax
• Processing adoption paperwork; including contracts & fees
• Training on other Customer Care duties;
• Lost & Found duties, including entering animals, tracing identification, taking lost & found reports, matching animals to their respective owners
• Front Reception duties including (but not limited to) answering the phones, directing the public
• Manage customer complaints and provide appropriate solutions in a timely manner
• Perform nail trims for cats as scheduled by members of the public
• Work closely with the other departments in the shelter to provide excellent customer service
• Other Duties as requested and/or assigned

Qualifications/Experience

• Education: Post Secondary diploma in Business or similar field an asset
• Previous experience working within a customer service environment
• Experience working directly with animals an asset
• Reliable and flexible with the ability to work all shifts, including weekends and holidays
• A clear criminal background check
• Valid G license with a clear Drivers Abstract and access to a vehicle

Skills & Knowledge

• Comfortable handling animals of varying temperaments
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Excellent presentation and customer service skills; including Excellent written & oral communication/interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work with varying personalities and disabilities
• Ability to foster and maintain good public relations and customer service with the general public
• Ability to work independently and take initiative, but consults with Manager when necessary
• Diplomacy, tact, and discretion when dealing with all matters
• Excellent organizational and time management skills are required
• Ability to work within a fast paced, stressful environment
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment
• Flexible and adaptable approach to changing situations
• Compassion towards people as well as animals

The Oakville & Milton Humane Society values diversity and accessibility. We aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of background, feels respected and valued. We celebrate our differences and strive to ensure equal opportunities for all, embracing unique perspectives and abilities. If you need accommodations during the hiring process, please inform our HR Manager for fair consideration. All accommodation requests will be handled confidentially.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $18.54 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Discounted or free food
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Store discount
• Vision care

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Holidays
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Customer service: 1 year (preferred)
• dog and cat related: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-01-30