Admissions and Placement Specialist

Overview

Join our Adoption Center team as an Admissions and Placement Specialist to make a direct and meaningful impact on the vulnerable animals and owners who need us most.

Are you a positive, engaging people person? Do you thrive in a fast‑paced environment with lots of changing needs and priorities? If so – and you love animals – you should consider the role of Admissions and Placement Specialist at the ASPCA Adoption Center & Kitten Nursery.

The Adoption Center & Kitten Nursery is dedicated to helping animals by engaging community members directly in the care of animals. The role of Admissions and Placement Specialist is crucial for creating a positive impression on visitors, volunteers, and potential adopters. They help animals prepare for new homes, ensure their welfare, guide adopters to the right match, and counsel adopters on care and preparation.

If a pet owner is surrendering their animal, the Specialist explores alternatives and supports a humane solution.

Admissions and Placement Specialists are part of a high‑performing team that provides care for up to 3,000 at‑risk pets per year. They collaborate internally and externally to ensure visitors receive prompt, exceptional customer service. The Center currently provides shelter and adoption for these groups of animals:

• Animal victims of cruelty and neglect brought by the NYPD
• Animals brought through the Community Engagement team
• Underage kittens and other medically compromised stray animals
• Animals surrendered by their owners awaiting adoption to new homes
• Animals transferred in from shelter/rescue partners

Specialists report to the Manager of Admissions and Placement and are located at the 92nd Street location in NYC.

This role is located at our 92nd Street location and requires a flexible schedule: 4‑10 hour days, including a weekend day, nights, and holidays as needed.

The target hiring salary range is $23.33 – $24.77 per hour. The maximum is for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience, and may be adjusted for performance.

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer‑paid dental, and optional vision coverage.
• Flexible paid time off: vacation, personal, sick, bereavement, parental leave, and 10 company holidays.
• Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings, including a 401(k) plan with matching contributions.
• Robust professional development: classes, on‑the‑job training, coaching and mentorship with industry peers, and internal mobility opportunities.

• Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals, staff, and clients using low‑stress handling techniques.
• Assist potential adopters and guide them toward animals that are the best match.
• Develop adopter expectations through a conversation‑based, empathetic approach.
• Approve appropriate matches and decline mismatches, explaining reasons and finding alternatives when possible.
• Counsel adopters on the medical and behavioral care their animal has received and coach on post‑adoption care.
• Coach potential adopters in socialization and training of interested animals.
• Be familiar with all available dogs and cats, including attributes and challenges, and present them enthusiastically.
• Check each animal’s health and welfare status daily using shelter management software and update volunteers accordingly.
• Assist with onboarding, coaching, and supervision of volunteers on the Adopter survey, adoption process, and Fear Free philosophy.
• Conduct adoptions onsite and using audio/video technology, processing paperwork and financial transactions.
• Create and maintain animal records, including documentation of matchmaking conversations.
• Cross‑reference adopters in the animal abuser registry as required by New York regulations.
• Shadow or deploy with Community Engagement, Community Medicine, Relocation, National Response Team, or another ASPCA department once per year.

• Assist the public surrendering or rehoming pets by providing intake support and exploring alternatives to surrender.
• Teach the public about animal care,…