Intake-to-Placement Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

About the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)

For more than 150 years, the Humane Rescue Alliance has championed the protection of animals, support for people, and service to the community. With campuses in the District of Columbia and New Jersey, along with the nation’s leading pet transport initiative, it stands as the largest and most comprehensive animal services provider in the region. Each year, HRA transforms the lives of tens of thousands of animals through rescue and adoption, humane protection, access to medical care, innovative community programs, and legislative leadership. Its broad reach and deep expertise enable HRA to reimagine traditional sheltering and address the most complex challenges facing animals and the people who love them.  

Job Summary

The Intake to Placement Coordinator oversees the daily operations of animal admissions, transport relationships, and transfer partnerships. This role is responsible for ensuring that every animal entering the facility receives a timely assessment and a clear "pathway plan" to minimize their length of stay and maximize lifesaving outcomes. 

Core Responsibilities 

• Admissions & Intake Coordinator: Managing the intake of owner surrenders, transport partnerships, and transfers to other campuses. This often includes scheduling appointments to ensure the shelter stays within its Capacity of Care.
• Initial Assessments: Organizing medical and behavioral evaluations upon arrival to determine an animal's immediate needs and long-term adoptability.
• Pathway Planning: Deciding the most appropriate next step for an animal, whether that is immediate adoption, a specialized foster home for medical/behavioral recovery, or transfer to a breed-specific rescue.
• Foster & Transport Management: Coordinating with programs that move animals out of the physical shelter building, such as coordinating with foster volunteers or arranging transport to partner organizations.
• Data & Logistics: Maintaining accurate records in shelter software (Petpoint) to track an animal's progress and reporting on "live release" statistics.

The Role: What You’ll Do

Admissions & Intake Management

• Coordinate all incoming animal traffic, including owner surrenders, and transfers from partner agencies.
• Manage shelter capacity by scheduling intake appointments and utilizing diversion programs to keep pets with their owners when possible. 
• Oversee initial processing, ensuring all animals are microchipped, photographed, and entered accurately into shelter software (PetPoint).  

Animal Logistics & Pathway Planning

• Lead "Rounds" discussions with medical and behavior teams to determine the best outcome for each animal (e.g., adoption, foster, or transfer). 
• Monitor Length of Stay (LOS) data and implement strategies to move animals through the system more efficiently. 
• Supervise the Transfer Program building relationships with source shelters and rescue partners to move animals in or out based on resource availability.  

Program & Team Leadership

• Oversee transport and placement programs by building partner relationships and expanding incoming and outgoing transport and transfer networks. 
• Monitor animal population levels by establishing pathways for animals at the DC campus within 24–48 hours of intake. 
• Maintain compliance with local and state regulations and other applicable mandates. 

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and handle animals of all sizes and temperaments.
• Stamina to stand for long periods and work in high-noise, high-emotion environments. 
• Must be comfortable working with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish, and wildlife.
• Daily strenuous physical activity including lifting, bending, stooping, and crouching.
• Exposure to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; zoonotic diseases; allergens; and unpleasant noises, odors, or sights.
• Regular use of computer, phone, and office equipment.

About You: Skills & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in animal science,business management, or a related field is preferred, though significant relevant experience may be accepted. 
• Experience: 3–5 years of experience in animal shelter operations, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership capacity. 
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in shelter management software (e.g., PetPoint, ClinicHQ) and Microsoft Office. 
• Certifications: Fear Free Shelter Certification is often required within the first 60 days of employment. Euthanasia certification may also be required depending on the facility. 

Qualifications – Education & Experience

• Minimum of 18 years of age.
• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum of one year paid clinical experience and/or shelter experience.

Benefits Overview: Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)

At the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA), we are committed to supporting the well-being of our employees so they can continue making a meaningful impact for animals and the community. We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.

Benefits include:

• $0-Cost Medical Plan Option: Access to a no-cost employee-only medical plan through CareFirst, making healthcare more accessible and affordable
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Multiple plan options available to meet individual and family needs
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax options to help manage healthcare and dependent care expenses
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Support: Administered through Empower, with tools and resources to help you plan for your future
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation, sick leave, and holidays to support rest and work-life balance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential resources to support mental health, wellness, and life challenges
• Commuter Benefits (WMATA SmartBenefits): Pre-tax transit benefits for metro, bus, and eligible commuting expenses
• Professional Development & Training Opportunities: Including Fear Free Certification and ongoing learning initiatives to support career growth
• Flexible Work Environment (Role-Dependent): Opportunities for hybrid or flexible scheduling based on position and operational needs
• Employee Discounts & Perks: Discounts on pet adoptions, veterinary products, and partner offerings

Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing.

HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.