Admissions Counselor

Position Title: Admissions Counselor

Reporting To: Admission and Placement Manager

Compensation: $17.50-$20/hour DOE

Employment Type: Full-time, Non-Exempt

An hourly pay differential allowance of $.50 per hour may be paid to bilingual incumbents fluent in Spanish.

Are you looking for a job where you can make a difference? Do you want to join a team of people who are passionate about their work? Does your dream job include helping people and animals? Would you prefer a 4-day work week and better work/life balance? If you answered yes, then the Admissions Counselor position may be right for you!

Job Description

The Humane Society of Utah’s Admissions Counselors are responsible for working with pet guardians to find the most appropriate solution for their pets. Admissions Counselors are empathetic, non-judgemental, and able to problem solve in challenging situations. Admissions Counselors assess individual situations and are able to offer support and resources to keep pets in their current homes, or find alternative options if retention is not possible. When working with clients during consultations or intake, Admissions Counselors are responsible for the initial behavioral and medical assessment of animals, and providing a plan for next steps.

Under the direction of the Admissions and Pet Resources Manager in all activities and responsibilities, the Admissions Counselors serve all external and internal customers in a professional, friendly, expedient, and courteous manner as the primary point of contact for all Admissions clients.

Work Schedule

Admissions Counselors work four 10-hour shifts, with shifts starting at 9am
Position includes weekday, weekend and holiday hours requiring a flexible work schedule depending on needs.
Hours and days are subject to change based on department demands.

Required Skills/Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent. Some college-level classes preferred.
Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, especially active listening, de-escalation, and empathetic speaking; exceptional grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Must have strong interpersonal skills and cultural competency to interact with diverse populations.
Must be able to work with people experiencing crises who may be in heightened emotional states.
Must be self-motivated, able to work in a fast paced environment, problem solve, and be flexible with shifts in priorities.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, make appropriate decisions, and manage ambiguous situations effectively.
Proficiency in Excel, Gmail, Google Sheets/Docs, and other computer skills that include the ability to prepare reports and maintain an efficient records system.
Valid Utah driver’s license and insurable driving record.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications

Training in social work/communications.
Professional experience in animal welfare/working with animals.
Knowledge of veterinary care/animal health.
Experience providing high level of service to customers.
Familiar and experienced with Shelterluv (shelter management database system).
Bilingual (Spanish) speaking and writing fluency.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb and manipulate (lift, carry, move) up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work outdoors in varying temperatures and climates.
Ability to work with animals of varying temperament in noisy conditions.
Ability to work with cleaning materials.
Ability to use strength and agility while working with active animals.
Responsible for presenting a neat and professional appearance to the public at all times.

Primary Responsibilities

Deliver high-level customer service to the HSU’s patrons.
Provide daily animal relinquishment and evaluation services.
Maintain current knowledge of resources and retention options available, and discuss possible solutions with pet guardians.
Provide end-of-life care for animals at their owner’s request.
Interview patrons to gather information to create animal records in Shelterluv database.
Manage emotionally difficult situations with strong communication skills.
Manage appointment calendar and scheduling system.
Provide information about HSU resources and programs.
Prepare and reconcile statements of daily financial transactions.
Safely handle, restrain, and move animals. This includes coordination and movement to address contagion concerns.
Perform initial behavior and health evaluations to determine path of animal.
Administer vaccinations and preventative medications.
Collaborate with the other departments to execute pathway planning, minimize length of stay, make the most sound placement decisions, and achieve goals of the organization.
Maintain basic understanding of other department functions and processes, and assist with other departments’ job duties when necessary.
Contribute to and lead initiatives to improve processes and procedures.
Clean and sanitize evaluation and intake areas.
Treat all animals humanely, properly, and with compassion at all times, regardless of the situation or circumstance; promote a humane and caring attitude toward all animals at all times.
Maintain positive relationships with co-workers, managers, executive staff, community pet owners, adopters, volunteers and other stakeholders.
Cheerfully acknowledge the presence of customers in all public areas, and interact with the public in a polite, professional, non-judgmental manner at all times.
Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director, Resource Center Director, or the Admissions and Placement Manager.

How to Apply

Please email a resume and cover letter to [email protected] and reference “Admissions Counselor” in the Subject Line of your email. No phone calls, please. The position is open until filled.