idealist.org

Are you a cat enthusiast, have experience working with people and animals, and a passion to help animals in need? Do you live or work near the Portland Airport or Cascade Station?

Cat Adoption Team is recruiting volunteer Adoption Counselors at our Cascade Station adoption center and we need your help!

Please read the volunteer job description below.

Volunteer Job Description: Matchmaker (Adoption Counselor)

Reports to: Shelter Manager

Purpose of Position: The Matchmaker builds a relationship with potential adopters and assists in helping them find cats that are a good match for their home and lifestyle.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Get to know as many cats as possible in adoption center and at shelter.
• Work with potential adopters on finding the right cat to fit their household.
• Know and adhere to CAT’s guidelines on adoptions, including educating potential adopters on the rationale for those guidelines
• Once a smaller selection is narrowed down, become familiar with cat’s paperwork, attitude and behavioral problems, if any; know what kind of environment cat needs to live in, whether cat is on medications or a special diet.
• Educate potential adopters on socialization, behavioral problems and general care of cats
• Make periodic follow-up calls to make sure the adoption was successful and/or help with any problems that may arise after the adoption

Qualifications:
• “People skills,” e.g. the ability to relate to people and educate them; general knowledge of cats; ability to handle cats safely and humanely; ability to make independent decisions within established policies and guidelines; at least 18 years of age
• Ability to handle cats safely and compassionately; ability to take and seek direction; work independently; self-motivated work ethic
• Ability to read cat behavior and safely work with animals and public at the shelter
• Able to squat, bend, twist, lift, use a step ladder (to reach top kennels) or stand for long periods when working directly with the animals

Training Requirements: All volunteers are required to attend a volunteer orientation. Adoption Counselors are trained in all aspects of the adoption process and also attend a training orientation tailored to Adoption Counseling. Adoption counselors-in- training then shadow an experienced adoption counselor, who serves as a mentor, until the new counselor is ready to counsel adoptions independently.

Time Commitment: Minimum of eight hours per month; shifts last four hours. Shifts are available on Saturdays or Sundays between 12-4 at the Cascade Station PetSmart.

Benefits to Volunteer: The rewards from adoption counseling are considerable and long-term: there is joy in helping once homeless cats find loving homes. Adoption Counseling is also an excellent opportunity to talk “cats” with different people, as well as an opportunity to educate the public regarding issues such as cat behavior and general issues such as pet overpopulation.

If you are interested to sign up, please fill out a Volunteer Application on our website at www.catadoptionteam.org.