Adoption & Intake Coordinator - Pei Humane Society

**Adoption Intake Coordinator - Permanent, Full Time**

The Adoption Intake Coordinator reports to the Animal Care Manager

**Essential Duties and Primary Job Purpose**

The Adoption Intake Coordinator is responsible for facilitating the adoption of dogs, cats and other animals from the PEIHS into suitable homes while creating a positive educational experience for the public. Additionally, you will advise people who are having problems with their pet, who may be considering surrendering to the PEIHS, excluding veterinary advice.

The Adoption Intake Coordinator will take a lead role in the behaviour assessment and humane dog training program with the Animal Care Manager.

**Tasks and Responsibilities**

**Adoption of Companion Animals**
- Ensuring communication internally and externally is appropriate regarding each animal considered for adoption including availability, suitability, status and outcome
- Provide follow-up to adopters regarding training, pet care, nutrition and support to ensure successful adoptions
- Support adopters to communicate any issues back to the PEIHS, particularly if the adoption is not going to work in order to ensure an appropriate and safe alternative
- Provide adoption stories and photos for social media use and obtain any necessary permissions
- Screen potential adopters and keep a records of those not approved for adoption from the PEIHS

**Intake and Surrenders**
- Provide a respectful, private approach to the difficult task of surrendering a companion animal, offering education and assistance to owners considering surrendering their pets, including training options and possible appropriate alternatives
- Obtain all pertinent information from owners surrendering a companion animal to assist with potential re-homing and relay it to the animal care team.
- Ensure owners are aware the PEIHS will do medical and behavioural assessments and it may become necessary, as a last resort, to euthanize the animal(s) which are not suitable for adoption

**Animal Behaviour and Assessment**
- Ensuring information is gathered on the needs of animals coming into or leaving the shelter to ensure the best possible outcome
- Working with the appropriate team members (Management, the Shelter Veterinarian, Animal Care Attendants, Trainers, AVC, Volunteers, APO, community vets and owners) to gather information and to assess the needs and potential adoptability of animals
- Working with the appropriate team to develop a plan for addressing any areas of concern from assessments and the resulting suitability for adoption.
- Ensuring time is taken to fully assess and determine the best course of action on an case by case basis

**Related Duties**
- Preparing reports, keeping accurate and up to date records and communicating changes within the PEIHS in a timely manner
- Ensuring activities are logged in to PetPoint and communicating necessary information to the correct department
- Assisting with Reception and Foster care program as required
- Assisting with public education programs, fundraising activities and special events (such as adoption events) as required
- Other duties as assigned by management

**Qualifications**

**Specific Job Skills**
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to deal with emotional and sometimes volatile situations
- Excellent written and oral communication skills with the public, with colleagues and peers, particularly empathic listening
- Sound decision making skills with good judgement requiring mínimal supervision
- Ability to work at a fast pace, managing details and competing priorities
- Concern for the welfare of animals and a willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace are essential
- Knowledge of animal health, behaviour, care and assessment tools for determining risks/needs
- Knowledge and practice of safe handling with companion animals of unknown disposition, which may include medical issues or aggressive tendencies

**Education**

A post secondary education with two years of experience in a related field or a combination of high school and three to five years of experience in an animal care facility. Training in public relations or animal related fields would be considered a strong asset.

**Physical Requirements**
- Physical ability to walk and/or stand on your feet throughout a normal workday is required
- Physical ability to safely train and handle animals of various sizes, energy levels and temperaments
- Ability to lift animals and/or supplies up to 30 lbs in weight

**Additional Requirements**
- Must have reliable transportation
- Must be willing to provide proof of rabies vaccination, be willing to obtain vaccination or be willing to sign a waiver acknowledging lack of vaccination
- The PEI Humane Society operates seven days a week, as animals need daily care. Availability and a willingness to work a flexible schedule are an important aspect of this position. Daily reporting hours and days of the week may vary according to the needs of the organ