Placement Counselor (Part-Time Opportunities Available)

Status: Part-Time / Full-Time
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Location: On-site (Pittsburgh, PA)
Schedule: Requires availability for evenings, weekends, and select holidays/events
Starting Pay Range: $15

Who We Are

For more than 80 years, Animal Friends has continually set – and raised – the bar for humane programming in the Pittsburgh region. Our 75-acre campus serves as a center of compassion and hope for thousands of homeless pets annually. As a full-service companion animal resource community, Animal Friends supports the region by providing tens of thousands of affordable services and impacting more than 200,000 lives through humane education, pet behavior classes, pet therapy and our pet food bank each year.

Animal Friends is proud to continue to save lives — simply put, because it’s what we do.

At Animal Friends, we believe caring for animals and caring for people go hand in hand. We strive to create a compassionate, humane, inclusive, and healthy workplace where team members feel supported, valued, and connected to our mission.

Position Summary

The Placement Counselor plays a vital role in supporting Animal Friends’ mission by connecting animals with the right people through thoughtful, compassionate matchmaking. This position works closely with adopters, fosters, volunteers, and team members to ensure every animal is placed into a safe, appropriate, and loving home.

As one of the most public-facing roles in Lifesaving Operations, the Placement Counselor delivers an exceptional, low-barrier experience that builds trust, educates the community, and strengthens the human-animal bond.

Key Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, individualized matchmaking for adopters and foster families
• Facilitate safe, positive introductions between animals and people (and resident pets, when applicable)
• Educate adopters and foster caregivers on animal history, behavior, medical needs, and ongoing support resources
• Support the placement process from initial inquiry through follow-up
• Promote adoptable animals through conversations, events, and written bios
• Participate in adoption promotions, outreach events, and community engagement opportunities
• Assist in foster placement coordination, including education, onboarding, and ongoing support
• Handle animals of varying species, sizes, and temperaments safely and humanely

Operational & Administrative Duties

• Respond to calls, emails, and inquiries; schedule appointments and maintain documentation
• Support reporting, recordkeeping, and adoption paperwork
• Maintain familiarity with all adoptable and foster animals
• Assist in maintaining a clean, safe, and organized environment

Team & Organizational Support

• Collaborate across departments to ensure positive outcomes for animals and people
• Engage and support volunteers within the department
• Participate in training, team meetings, and organizational initiatives
• Represent Animal Friends professionally with the public and media, as needed

Other Duties

• Perform other responsibilities as assigned to support organizational needs

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (for eligible employees)
• Paid time off, holidays, and birthday pay
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Program
• Continuing education and professional development opportunities
• Pet care discounts and on-site clinic benefits
• Casual dress and Animal Friends gear
• A mission-driven team and meaningful work that makes a real impact

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Animal Friends is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We value the unique contributions and lived experiences of all team members and encourage applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to apply. Do you have a passion for animal welfare? Are you a good communicator with a sincere desire to help animals find their forever homes? Then, we may have a job for you. Animal Friends is seeking part-time placement counselors to help find loving homes for dogs, cats, and rabbits in need.

Required Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent; must be at least 18 years of age
• Experience: Customer service, public-facing, or client support experience required
• Skills and Abilities: 
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
  • Ability to manage sensitive or high-stress situations with professionalism and empathy
  • Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel)
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Availability: Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events
• Comfortable working with dogs, cats, rabbits, and animals of varying sizes, temperaments, and needs
• Ability to safely handle animals and complete required training within 60 days of hire
• Reliable transportation required; valid driver’s license preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in animal care, sheltering, or welfare environments
• Knowledge of animal behavior and basic health concepts
• Experience supporting foster or adoption programs
• Experience in community engagement, events, or social media promotion

Physical, Environmental & Emotional Demands

This position:

• Requires standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds (frequent lifting up to 35 pounds)
• Involves exposure to animals, noise, cleaning agents, and indoor/outdoor environments
• May involve emotionally challenging situations related to animal welfare
• Requires appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable laws.