General Definition of Work
This position performs intermediate professional and administrative work and is responsible for finding appropriate placement for shelter animals through adoption and/or transfer. This is accomplished by assisting the public and overseeing the coordination of shelter animals for adoptions, transfers of shelter animals into rescue or transfer programs, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the Assistant Animal Services Director. The normal work schedule for this position is Tuesday through Friday from 7:30am-6:00pm and an occasional weekend day to assist with adoptions, adoption events, transfers, holiday coverage or staffing issues that will be determined by a rotating schedule.

Essential Functions
Conducts behavioral assessment and evaluation of animals to determine eligibility for adoption, and/or transfer to rescue program.

Prepares and maintains required paperwork for the adoption or transfer of animals.

Verifies animals are ready and qualified to be placed in adoption/transfer status, including verifying stray/owner surrender requirements have been properly completed, vaccinations are up-to-date, appropriate evaluations have been completed, applicable behavior/medical waivers are in place, prescriptions are in place, and all memos are complete and correct.

Socializes and evaluates at-risk animals to assess placement and care needs.

Creates and disseminates promotional publicity for social media channels to promote the adoption of animals.

Performs adoption counseling at the shelter, screens individuals wanting to adopt animals and reviews adoption paperwork to ensure animals are placed in suitable homes.

Schedules adoptable animals for vaccines, preventative care, and health check-ups.

Conducts all post-adoption activities and follow-ups.

Coordinates special adoption events.

Collaborates with the Shelter Veterinary staff, Shelter Supervisor and Animal Services Specialist - Volunteer & Foster Care on a routine basis.

Builds and maintains highly effective relationships with rescue groups.

Maintains and organizes rescue group lists.

Coordinates the Barn Cat program.

As part of a team environment may occasionally be required to assists with other Animal Services operations when staffing issues arise

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Excellent communication skills, including both written and oral communication, Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and be responsive to requests, Must have excellent interpersonal skills, General knowledge of modern and complex principles and practices of animal care. Advanced knowledge of animal handling and behavior utilizing fear free methods. Working knowledge of common health problems, medical care and treatment of companion pets. A working understanding of common vocabulary used shelter veterinary medicine. Working knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations. General knowledge of local community resources regarding animal rescue efforts. Ability to coordinate projects, set priorities, and quickly, calmly, and efficiently adapt to changing priorities. Ability to maintain detailed records, and effectively communicate animal needs in effort to secure appropriate placement. Ability to meet deadlines, juggle multiple and competing priorities, and maintain a positive, engaging atmosphere, Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with staff, volunteers, and the general public. Ability to make sound judgments and work independently and in a team setting in a fast-paced environment Ability to use sound judgment when dealing with confidential information. Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel. Experience with animal shelter software helpful.

Education and Experience
High School Diploma or GED and 1-3 years' experience in animal services, animal health, or animal care and welfare. Experience working with rescues organizations and/or adoption of animals preferred but not required. Associates Degree in Marketing or Communications preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements
This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently requires standing, walking, sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms and lifting and occasionally requires climbing or balancing, tasting or smelling, pushing or pulling and repetitive motions; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data; work regularly requires Animal Hair and Dander and Potentially Aggressive Animals, frequently requires exposure to wet, humid conditions (non-weather) and occasionally requires working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, exposure to outdoor weather conditions and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment; work is generally in a loud noise location (e.g. grounds maintenance, heavy traffic).

Special Requirements
Valid Driver's License
North Carolina Certified Rabies Vaccinator within 6 months of hire.
Dogs Playing for Life training completed within 6 months of hire.
ASPCA Safer Certification within 1 year of hire. RACE Fear Free Certification within 1 year of hire.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Cleveland County application must be submitted to the Cleveland County Human Resources Department at www.clevelandcounty.com.

SELECTION PROCESS:
Selection will be by structured interview. Applications will be reviewed to select the best qualified applicants for admission to a structured interview.

Cleveland County is a Equal Opportunity Employer.