Adoption Counselor-Spanish Speaker

Adoption Counselor – Spanish Speaker Schedule Wednesday and Thursday 11:30am‑8pm, Friday 11am‑7:30pm, Saturday 10am‑6:30pm, Sunday 9:30am‑6pm; Monday and Tuesday off. 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 20,000 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 must provide superior customer service skills and be willing to answer a wide variety of questions regarding animal husbandry. Required Qualifications High School Diploma or GED. At least one year of customer service experience. Ability to handle different breeds and sizes of dogs. Treat animals and people with respect and employ humane handling techniques whenever possible. Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. Responsibilities Provide exemplary customer service to adopters by effectively communicating and guiding them through the adoption process, helping find a good match and supplying information and resources during counseling sessions. Socialize and interact with dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. Process adoption paperwork, ensuring it is filed and organized according to policy; process payments, close records, enter rabies/dog license information, and use ShelterBuddy database. Escort clients to view available animals, explain kennel cards, and assess their preferences. Review adoption applications, interview prospective adopters, and make decisions on adoption outcomes. Perform reference checks as needed. Respond to emails on the shared adoption account. Attend offsite adoption events and participate in community outreach. Answer phones and check voicemails promptly. Provide post‑adoption follow‑up to address questions or challenges. Interact with and get to know available animals to provide information and facilitate the best matches. Handle animal‑adopter interactions, ensuring safety and positive experiences. Prepare animals for departure by fitting dogs with collars/harnesses and placing cats, rabbits, guinea pigs into carriers using low‑stress techniques. Conduct and write rabbit evaluations to promote their adoptions. Create bios and take photos to increase adaptability. Photograph and track positive adoption stories (“Happy Tails”) to share within the organization. Clean and organize adoption areas. Obtain Fear Free Shelter certification within 30 days of hire. Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor. Preferred Qualifications Prior experience with Microsoft Office Suite. Prior animal handling experience with dogs, cats, and small animals. Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, high‑stress environment. Customer‑driven and focused on providing a positive, upbeat experience for all clients. High attention to detail, strong work ethic, thrive in a busy environment. Work well independently as well as in a team. Work Environment Employees may be asked to help with tasks that involve working outside in all sorts of weather. The shelter operates in a busy city environment; noise, fur, odors, and airborne particles may be present. Employees should remain calm yet professional in stressful situations involving animals and/or the public. Benefits ACC offers a generous paid‑time‑off package, including vacation time, birthdays off, personal days, and sick pay. Physical and mental health benefits are provided through Cigna medical, dental, and vision insurance at low premiums, and employees receive 401(k), pension, and life insurance. Training includes 2‑4 weeks of on‑the‑job training, periodic staff trainings in safety, DEI, cross‑training, and growth opportunities. As a nonprofit, employees may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness under the PSLF program. Reports to Adoptions Manager Overtime This is a non‑union hourly position and is eligible for overtime. #J-18808-Ljbffr Animal Care Center of NYC