Adoption Counselor Schedule: The Adoption Counselor will work Saturday through Wednesday with Thursdays and Fridays off. Saturday 9:30AM - 6PM, Sunday 10AM -6:30PM, Monday 11AM -7:30PM, Tuesday 10:30AM - 7PM, and Wednesday 10:30AM - 7PM 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 Adoption Program at ACC has a goal that is simple and powerful: we are looking to help end animal homelessness in New York City by connecting people and pets for adoption. ACC employs an open adoption approach where we understand that there is no such thing as the “perfect home” and we welcome all clients as potential adopters. Using an “open adoptions” approach, the adoption process is conversation based and non-judgmental. Our focus is on matching pets with people and providing resources to continue assisting these new families post adoption. Adoption Counselors are the voice of the homeless pet population and work to promote their adoptions. They will need to provide superior customer service skills and must be willing and prepared to answer a wide variety of questions regarding animal husbandry. Essential Job Functions:
Provide exemplary customer service to our adopters by effectively communicating and guiding them through the adoption process which includes helping them find a good match for their families and supplying them with the information and resources during counseling sessions to set them up for success.
Routinely socialize and interact with dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs.
Process adoption paperwork; ensuring that it is filed and organized accordingly to policy as well as process payments. This includes closing animal records, entering rabies/dog license information, processing payments and donations in our Shelterbuddy database.
Salary and Benefits:
$21.00/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 training 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:
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, often high-stress, ever changing environment. Customer-driven and focused on providing a positive, upbeat experience for all clients. High attention to detail, Strong work ethic, and thrive working in a busy environment. The ability to handle different breeds and sizes of dogs. Treating animals and people with respect and employing humane handling techniques whenever possible. Work well independently but also function seamlessly as a member of a team.
Education and Work Experience:
High School Diploma or GED required. This is an entry-level position. At least six months of customer service experience is required. Prior animal handling experience preferred.