Job Description

Animal Adoption Assistant

Pet Central Helps!

Pet Central Helps! (PCH!) is a progressive animal sheltering organization located in Normal, Illinois. PCH! performs over 2300 dog and cat adoptions every year. We recommend that you view our website for details about how PCH is unique in addition to our mission, vision, and values at: www.petcentralhelps.org.

Position Summary:

The Adoptions Assistant will facilitate cat and dog adoptions to increase the potential for the best family match for each adoptable animal. They evaluate applications, educate potential adopters, keep our Shelterluv software and spreadsheets up to date, supervise and train adoption counselors, collect animal information from foster parents and employees, compose animal biographies, keep all animal listings current, and perform conversational adoptions.

PCH! is ideally looking for a long-term employee interested in helping the organization grow, and to benefit animals and the community. Optional full-time employment may be offered at a later date.

Principal Duties:

Review and evaluate adoption applications in accordance with PCH policies Educate potential adopters about companion animal care and animal health requirements Facilitate cat and dog adoptions using conversational adoption counseling in a fair and non-judgmental manner Create positive interactions with potential adopters, the public, volunteers, and staff with a focus on excellent customer service Keep Shelterluv, spreadsheets, and animal information up to date Assist the public in person, online, and by telephone in a manner which demonstrates Pet Central Helps! interest, care and concern for the public & animals we serve Work in tandem with the volunteer team to prepare for and supervise adoption events as needed to complete adoptions Help promote PCH! adoptable animals and programs within the animal welfare community and at special events Work toward constant improvement of PCH! adoption procedures and practices within the framework of our mission Promote a humane and caring attitude toward all animals Follow established procedures governing work practices that assure the safety of oneself and others Treat people and animals with respect, contribute to effective teamwork, promote staff cooperation, and foster public relations beneficial to PCH! Assist at the front desk and with clients as needed. Perform other duties as assigned

Physical/Environmental Requirements:

Work environment includes constant exposure to animals and animal allergens Push, pull, or lift objects and animals weighing up to 40 pounds for short distances and to humanely restrain animals when necessary Kneel, bend, stoop, squat, reach above and below shoulder level, grasp and turn objects, stand, and/or walk frequently as needed Assess medical and behavior changes in animals using a variety of techniques including, but not limited to, visually and audibly Dexterity to handle animals and small objects Sit for long and short periods of time using a computer

Educational Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent certification. College education a plus.

Experience, Abilities and Qualities Required:

One year of public contact work experience with a customer-focus. Must have excellent communication, writing, and customer service skills Cheerful, outgoing personality Extremely organized Knowledge of various dog and cat breeds, behavior, and current general care and training practices. Experience within a progressive rescue or veterinary facility is a plus Computer proficient with Word and Excel; ability to learn new programs as required. Internet savvy Detail-oriented and organized with ability and initiative to work with minimal supervision and direction Ability to handle multiple tasks and work well under pressure Strong team player Affection for animals, concern for their welfare and a willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace Ability to communicate with the public, volunteers, and co-workers in a pleasant, courteous, and tactful manner Demonstrate maturity, good judgment, professionalism, and overall flexibility Show comfort and skill in working with diverse staff, volunteers, and community members Completely support our mission, vision, and values. Please review our website at www.petcentralhelps.org*

Hours:

This position is 30-32 hours per week. The usual schedule is Sunday 9-4 (offsite adoption event), Monday 10-2, Wednesday 9-5, Thursday 9-5, and Saturday 8-3 (offsite adoption event). Daily reporting hours and days of the week may vary occasionally according to the needs of the organization.

Pay & Benefits:

Pay from $15.50 per hour. Benefits include discounts on vet care for personal pets, discounted dog & cat adoptions, and paid time off. You'll be part of a strong team in a positive work environment!

PCH! 2025

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $15.50 per hour

Expected hours: 32 per week

Benefits:

Employee assistance program Paid time off Retirement plan
Schedule:

8 hour shift
Ability to Relocate:

Normal, IL 61761: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person