Nature and Variety of Work

The Prince George's County Government Department of the Environment is seeking qualified applicants to fill an Adoption Counselor position, grade A05-A07, within its Animal Services Division.

About the Position:
This is an entry level Adoption Counselor position working in the area of animal management with the primary responsibility of facilitating adoptions of animals. Work assignments are performed under the general supervision of a higher-level administrative manager.

Examples of Work

What You'll Do:

• Counsels adopters on best practices for caring for each individual animal based on species, temperament, history, any noted medical conditions, and the individual needs of the adopter.
• Assists adopters with questionnaire and contracts when they wish to adopt an animal; provides and reviews with the adopter any available medical records, including vaccine and spay/neuter certificates.
• Accurately enters all pertinent information pertaining to pending adoptions in the computer.
• Becomes familiar with the animals at the shelter to select possible candidates for adoption by walking the kennels and interacting with the animals. Removes animals from their cages and releases them into the custody of approved adopters.
• Greets visitors as they arrive at the shelter in a professional manner.
• Assists, as necessary, with the PetSmart Adoption program.
• Answers telephone in a polite and courteous manner.
• Notifies applicants of the final disposition of animals in a timely and professional manner.
• Assists the public at the front counter by answering questions about animals in the facility and the adoption process; walk adopters through the facility to see available pets; and facilitate interactions between potential adopters and pets.
• Ensures that the animals are brought in for necessary vaccinations and spay/neuter.
• Works with the foster agent and foster coordinator to facilitate the adoption of animals in the foster program.
• Ensures that all paperwork is complete and accurate.
• Willingly and cooperatively performs tasks and duties assigned which may not be specifically listed in position description but are within the general occupational category and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's class of work.

Qualifications

What You'll Need:

• Completion of the tenth (10th) school grade.
• Residence in the geographic area of work assignment.
• Demonstrated interest in animal welfare.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED
• Experience working with animals in a professional or voluntary capacity.

Additional Information

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Basic knowledge of animal care and handling.
• Basic knowledge of PGASD’s adoption policies.
• Ability to keep accurate retrievable records.
• Ability to deal courteously and effectively with others.
• Ability to drive a passenger type vehicle.

LOCATION: 3750 Brown Station Road Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

EXAMINATION: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be administered an online examination to demonstrate proficiency in administrative duties and computer software programs. Applicants must pass the online proficiency examination in order to be considered for this position.

DURATION OF ELIGIBILITY: Applicants will be selected from a temporary register of eligible candidates, which will become effective approximately four (4) weeks after the closing date. Once a selection has been made, the register will expire.

ELIGIBILITY TO WORK:

• Basic knowledge of economic and social characteristics of low-income neighborhoods.
• Basic knowledge of acceptable kinds of behavior necessary for successful working with residents and groups in low-income areas.
• Ability to keep accurate retrievable records.
• Ability to deal courteously and effectively with others.
• Ability to drive a passenger type vehicle.

Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, an employer is required to hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. Applicants who are selected for employment will be required to show and verify authorization to work in the United States.

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S., only after an offer has been accepted and the Form I-9 is completed. For information on E-Verify, or if you believe the County has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 888-897-7781 or visit their website at dhs.gov/e-verify.

Internal Applicants: If you are a current Prince George's County Government employee and seeking a promotion, in accordance with Section 16-200 of the Personnel Law, you have the right to appeal a not qualified rating within five (5) working days of receiving a rejection notice. Union employees should refer to their respective collective bargaining agreement and/or union representative for their grievance procedure.
ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.