Intake Counselor

Part-Time| 24 - 32 hours per week (Fridays and Saturdays, other days are flexible. Hours are 8am - 4:30pm)

York, PA
$17-18/hr

Make a difference in the lives of animals and the people who love them.

About Us

At the York County SPCA, we believe in second chances—for animals and for the people who love them. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to animal welfare, compassionate care, and community education. Through adoption programs, cruelty investigations, and proactive support services, we work every day to keep pets safe and with the families who love them.

We live by our CIRCLE Values:
Compassion – for pets and people
Integrity – doing the right thing, always
Resilience – bouncing back stronger
Collaboration – working together to save lives
Lifesaving – it's what we do
Excellence – not a goal, but our standard

Position Summary

As an Intake Counselor, you are the first and most critical connection between animals in need and the shelter. Whether it’s a stray animal, a pet whose family is in crisis, or a case involving law enforcement, you’ll compassionately guide every intake decision and be the voice for animals who can’t speak for themselves.

You’ll provide emotional support and resources to the public, evaluate animals upon arrival, process paperwork, administer initial treatments (vaccinations and medications), and help reunite lost pets with their families. Intake Counselors are detectives, problem solvers, and compassionate counselors—often all in one interaction.

Responsibilities

Client Services & Counseling

• Serve as the main point of contact for animal surrenders, stray drop-offs, and agency intakes (animal control, police, etc.)
• Provide diversion counseling and explore options to help owners keep their pets
• Offer rehoming guidance, pet pantry access, and emergency referrals
• Educate the public on responsible pet ownership, behavior basics, and local ordinances

Animal Intake & Processing

• Conduct initial behavioral and health assessments
• Administer vaccines and preventatives upon intake
• Scan animals for microchips and gather essential information
• Complete accurate intake records and lost/found reports in our database (Shelterluv)
• Process admissions and provide compassionate, respectful customer service

Shelter Operations Support

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of intake and lobby area
• Safely handle and move animals of various species, sizes and temperaments
• Cross trained to support other departments (adoptions, customer service, and animal care) as needed

Professionalism & Teamwork

• Represent the YCSPCA with empathy, professionalism, and respect
• Handle emotionally challenging or sensitive situations with composure
• Able to deescalate tense situations
• Participate in community outreach and assist with special programs such as Safe Pet

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum one year of customer service experience in a fast-paced setting
• Minimum one year of professional animal handling (vet clinic, shelter, etc.)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record

Preferred:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Experience using Shelterluv or similar software
• Training or experience in animal behavior and intake procedures
• Veterinary assistant or technician experience (especially venipuncture, vaccine and medication administration)

Physical & Schedule Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs, and stand or walk for extended periods
• Must be comfortable handling large, fearful, or fractious animals
• Work schedule includes weekends and holidays (minimum of three shifts per year)
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals, animal waste, loud environments, and emotional situations

What We’re Looking For

You are someone who thrives in a fast-paced, emotionally charged, mission-driven environment. You’re compassionate, calm under pressure, and eager to help both pets and people. You’re detail-oriented, organized, and not afraid to get your hands dirty. You want your work to matter—and it will.

Why Join the York County SPCA?

• Meaningful, life-changing work every day
• Opportunity to grow your skills in animal care, crisis counseling, and public service
• A supportive team environment committed to saving lives