Veterinary Receptionist

Veterinary Receptionist

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. The Emma and Georgina Bloomberg Veterinary Center is one of those resources that provides urgent and secondary care to clients that come to us by referral. It's not just a clinic - it's a new model for accessible care in New York City.

Summary

The Emma and Georgina Bloomberg Veterinary Center was built to keep families and pets together-even when barriers keep traditional clinics out of reach. This is a medical-first, mission-based model: we treat urgent, treatable conditions like urinary blockages and dental disease at reduced cost or through referral, fueled by grant and public support.

You'll be the friendly, organized face of this new clinic-greeting clients and pets in our sleek, modern space; guiding them through check-in and check-out, and helping them feel supported. You'll bridge our clients with veterinarians, LVTs, and social workers - all while ensuring smooth flow, accurate records, and excellent service in our bright, purpose-built environment. At patient discharge, you'll help set both the animal and their family up for lasting success by applying the One Health approach - recognizing that the health of people, animals, and the environment are deeply connected, and working collaboratively to support that shared well-being.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 6-12 months of customer service or veterinary-related experience required.
• Computer literacy a must.
• You connect easily with people and pets.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.

Benefits

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 use this link for more details on our benefits package.

Essential Job Functions:

• Optimization of the client and patient experience.
• Triage calls, schedule appointments, and contribute to the efficient flow of patient care.
• Process invoices and reconciliation of end-of-day transactions.

Other Responsibilities:

• Greet and admit clients and pets warmly, guide them to rooms, and help them feel confident and cared for.
• Answer multi-line phones, triage inquiries (emergency vs. referral), and respond empathetically.
• Schedule and confirm appointments, manage calendars, and prepare exam and surgery paperwork.
• Create and update medical records and client profiles; transmit lab results or referrals when needed.
• Assist with patient intake, discharge, prescription refills, and basic client education on care products or assistance programs.
• Keep the lobby, workstations, and waiting areas clean, stocked, and inviting.
• Support team communication-ensuring follow-up messages, callbacks, and continuity from one department to the next.
• Triage incoming client requests to vet nurses or veterinarians as appropriate.
• Collect and process grant or personal payments when needed.
• Reconcile end-of-day reports and follow clinic protocols for financial accuracy.
• Provide emotional support, resource referrals, and coordinate with veterinary, nursing, and social work teams to address client and patient needs holistically.
• Handle emotionally charged or challenging interactions with empathy and professionalism.
• Fear Free certification within 30 days of hire.
• Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Preferred Qualifications:

• College degree preferred.
• Compassionate communicator and comfortable using basic veterinary terminology.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English or others) is a plus.
• You connect easily with people and pets.
• You're calm under pressure, organized, and eager to be part of a mission-driven healthcare team.
• You pay attention to detail and support team success.
• You maintain flexibility to jump into other roles when needed. This is a small team; we all help each other out.

Work Environment

The Emma and Georgina Bloomberg Veterinary Center operates in the same building as our animal shelters but in a dedicated wing of the building. At ACC it's all hands-on deck, we work together as a team. As a busy clinic in one of the biggest cities in the world it can get noisy inside. Employees should have the ability to remain calm yet professional in stressful situations involving animals of various temperaments and/or clients. Working in an animal clinic will include exposure to fur, odors, potential zoonotic diseases and other airborne particles in abundance.

Reports To: Practice Manager

Overtime: This is an hourly position and is eligible for overtime.