Employment

Job Title:               Adoption Specialist

Department:           Adoption and Alternative Services

FLSA Status:           Non-Exempt

Reports To:            Adoption and Help Center Program Manager

General Scope:

An adoption specialist is responsible for creating positive experiences for adopters, ensuring high-quality and compassionate customer service, and matching cats and dogs with good homes.

Major Responsibilities:

• Engaging with the public and providing high-quality customer service
• Making good matches for both people and pets
• Answering phones, operating the cash register, and assisting with administrative tasks
• Cleaning animal areas, front office, and equipment as needed
• Accurate record-keeping and database use

Specific Qualities and Job Skills:

• Excellent communication skills; personable and diplomatic
• Great active listening skills
• Ability to navigate conflict and deal with high-stress situations calmly
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Compassion and empathy for people and pets
• Strong initiative and ability to work with minimal supervision and direction
• Maturity, good judgment, and a professional attitude
• Ability to learn and work with a variety of technology, including the SICSA phone system, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and shelter software (ShelterLuv)
• Enthusiastic about teamwork; ability to work well with staff, volunteers, fosters, donors, and the general public to promote SICSA's philosophy and goals

Education and/or Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Experience in customer service, animal care, or a related field is a plus
• Experience humanely handling dogs and cats with varying temperaments and sizes or a willingness to learn

Other Requirements

• Physical ability to walk and/or stand on your feet throughout a normal workday and move strong animals and heavy goods required
• Availability: SICSA is open Monday-Saturday, and weekend availability may be required
• Ability to read, write, and understand English
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check

Must have a philosophy that is consistent with the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of the organization.

Email your resume to: Eryn Carper at ecarper@sicsa.org

• Performs 7,000+ spay/neuter surgeries
• Serves 4,500+ pets through lower-cost veterinary services
• Expands access to care through programs like Community Veterinary Care (CVC)

• 4-day work week (4x10s) – consistent, predictable schedule
• Limited weekends and strong work-life balance
• High surgical volume – build and strengthen anesthesia skills quickly
• Mission-driven work – improve access to care for underserved pets and families
• Fear-Free approach – we prioritize minimizing stress and handling animals with compassion whenever possible
• Team-based environment – collaborative, supportive, and purpose-driven

• Provide surgical and anesthesia support, including induction, monitoring, and recovery
• Assist veterinarians with diagnostics, treatments, and patient care
• Perform dental prophylaxis, lab work, and medication management
• Maintain accurate medical records and controlled substance logs
• Support infectious disease management and clinic operations
• Provide low-stress, compassionate handling aligned with fear-free principles whenever possible
• Deliver respectful, empathetic service to clients from a wide range of backgrounds
• Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and fosters to support SICSA’s mission

• Enjoy surgery and anesthesia and want to build your skills
• Work well in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Value compassionate, low-stress handling and patient-centered care
• Are motivated by helping people and pets who may not otherwise receive care
• Are adaptable, team-oriented, and proactive
• Want to be part of an organization committed to continuous improvement and best practices

• Starting pay: $24/hour+ (based on experience)
• 4x10 schedule with consistent weekly structure
• 2 weeks vacation + sick + personal time
• 7 paid holidays annually
• Health, dental, and vision insurance available
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Licensed Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in Ohio
• Comfortable working with a variety of animals, temperaments, and sizes
• Ability to work some weekends (limited)
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Commitment to SICSA’s mission and values