Admissions Counselor

ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL OF NYC • New York, NY

3h • Onsite

About The Position

The Admissions Counselor is a key member of the ACC team, helping animals entering its centers get the best possible outcomes from their first interaction. The counselor creates a safe, supportive, nonjudgmental environment for owners and finders seeking help. They work with each client to understand the situation and offer appropriate resources, including surrender-prevention options, alternatives to relinquishment, or admission into ACC programs. ACC does not turn away animals, but works collaboratively with clients to identify the best opportunities for each animal.

For animals admitted to the centers, the counselor documents their history, known behavior, and habits, takes photos, and communicates with other departments to support successful outcomes. The role includes counseling clients, completing admission paperwork, recording information in shelter software, preliminary behavior and medical assessments, and handling animals, including pets of clients requesting euthanasia and animals that arrive deceased. The counselor works a Friday–Tuesday schedule, 11:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m., with Wednesday and Thursday off, and reports to the Admissions Supervisor.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least one year of customer service experience.
• Bilingual Spanish skills.
• Positive, compassionate attitude and good computer skills.
• Treat animals and people with respect, viewing individuals as collaborators.
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to clearly document conversations and interactions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for more than eight hours.
• Fear Free certification required within 30 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant coursework in animal care or a related field.
• Certification in animal handling or fear-free practices.
• Experience volunteering at animal shelters or other service organizations.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
• Attention to detail and efficient task performance.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Team-oriented and friendly demeanor.
• Availability to modify schedule with little notice.
• Passion for animals and ability to interact calmly.

Responsibilities

• Provide low-stress intake experiences using fear-free practices when handling animals who may be ill, injured, or behaviorally challenging.
• Interview clients and complete required paperwork for animal admissions, offering empathetic counseling and determining whether admission prevention or deferment is possible with additional support.
• Accurately record information provided by owners or guardians about an animal’s history, health, and behavior, and enter it completely into shelter software.
• Manage use of surrender-prevention support resources as directed by the supervisor.
• Collaborate with partner organizations to provide support beyond ACC’s resources.
• Work with adoption and New Hope departments on pathway planning, intake diversion, or reducing length of stay for deferred intakes.
• Conduct preliminary behavior and medical assessments and share findings with relevant departments for pathway planning.
• Check voicemail and email accounts and promptly respond to relinquishment inquiries.
• Maintain the surrender appointment schedule.
• Keep the supervisor informed about support-resource supplies and needs.
• Assist clients requesting euthanasia and handle their pets.
• Handle animals that arrive deceased and take paw prints.
• Take flattering photos of pets and communicate with departments to support their placement and care.
• Complete Fear Free certification within 30 days of hire.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including vacation time, birthdays off, personal days, and sick pay.
• Cigna medical, dental, and vision insurance with low employee premiums.
• 401(k) and pension.
• Life insurance.
• On-the-job training for two to four weeks.
• Periodic staff training, including safety, DEI, cross-training, and other growth opportunities.
• Employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED