Shire Jobs

Admissions Counselor

Who We Are

ACC is one of the nation’s largest open-admission animal shelters, whose mission is to End Animal Homelessness in NYC. We touch the lives of nearly 30,000 animals each year. ACC is more than an animal shelter; we are a resource to the community, always seeking ways to keep the human-animal bond intact. With a 90% placement rate, our progressive, life-saving initiatives contribute to the successful placement of our animals. We strive to find loving homes for homeless and abandoned cats, dogs, guinea pigs and rabbits, both by adopting animals directly to the public and by partnering with more than 200 dedicated animal placement organizations (our New Hope partners). We also help keep NYC communities safe and rescue animals in need, responding to emergencies that involve animals as well as keeping our doors open 24/7 for people and animals in need.

Summary

The Admissions Counselor is a key member of the ACC team, ensuring that animals entering our centers are set up for the best possible outcomes from the very first interaction. By providing safe, supportive environments free of judgment, the Admissions Counselor allows owners and finders of animals to seek assistance without fear or embarrassment. The Admissions Counselor spends time with each client working to understand the true nature of the situation and provides appropriate resources ranging from surrender prevention options, alternatives to shelter relinquishment, and acceptance of the animal into our programs. ACC never turns away an animal, but we do seek to work collaboratively with each client to ensure their animal has the best opportunities provided to them. For animals entering the centers, the Admissions Counselor helps determine placement pathways by documenting key information about the animal’s history, known behavior, and habits. They take great, flattering photos of each pet, and communicate with a variety of departments to ensure everyone has what they need to help our animals succeed.

Essential Job Functions :

• Provide a low-stress experience by using fear-free practices when handling the intake of animals that may be ill, injured, and/or behaviorally challenging.

• Assist clients in the admittance of animals through comprehensive interviews and completion of all necessary paperwork. Provide appropriate counseling based on circumstances while providing empathy and compassionate support to clients experiencing challenges related to their pets. Through counseling, determine if prevention or deferment of admission is possible with additional support. 


• Accurately record all information provided by the pet owner or guardian regarding the animal’s history, health, and behavior. Accurately and completely enter this information utilizing our shelter software.

  Salary and Benefits:

  $1 9.57/ Hour

  ACC values work/life balance and offers a generous paid-time-off (PTO) package that includes vacation time, birthdays off, personal days and sick pay. We also value physical and mental health by offering a great open access Cigna medical, dental and vision insurance at a low premium to our employees as well as 401K and Pension, Life Insurance. We also have on-the-job training for 2-4 weeks, periodic all staff trainings to include safety, DEI, cross training, and other growth opportunities.

  Because ACC is a nonprofit, employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness, cancellation, and/or consolidation under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF). Created under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, PSLF allows borrowers who work full time for nonprofits and government agencies to have their outstanding debt forgiven tax-free on Federal Direct Loans, after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan.

  Please see the attached Job Description and Benefits Flyer for more details.

  Qualifications:

  Ability to excel in a fast-paced, often high stress environment; treats animals and people with respect. Able to be discreet and confidential in a variety of situations; Must be able to lift between 50 Lbs - 75 Lbs; is an expert communicator; is a people person and a team player; available to modify schedule and work location as needed to meet the needs of the organization, including with little notice; possesses a love of animals; bilingual preferred.

  Education and Work Experience:

  This is an entry level position. While previous animal care experience is a plus, all that is required is a positive, compassionate attitude and a willingness to handle animals of all kinds with proper training.