PALS Program Coordinator

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Founded in 1980, Urban Resource Institute (URI) is the nation’s largest provider of domestic violence shelter services and a leader in supporting homeless families. Operating 24 shelters across New York City, URI provides 3,700 beds nightly in purpose-built shelters that offer trauma-informed services including counseling, childcare, case management, and more. URI’s Justice Initiatives extend support beyond shelter, offering programs in economic empowerment, legal advocacy, youth prevention, and abusive partner intervention. URI also develops permanent affordable housing as part of its long-term commitment to safety, stability, and healing.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The position supports families participating in the PALS program by assessing and addressing animal welfare needs throughout their shelter stay. Responsibilities include coordinating veterinary and behavioral services, providing pet welfare education, assisting clients with pet-friendly resources and housing options, and collaborating with shelter staff and community partners.

Salary: $49,000

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct comprehensive assessments for families seeking shelter and participation in PALS and offer ongoing support to ensure animal welfare issues are addressed, including assisting with safety planning, ensuring access to appropriate pet supplies, addressing medical needs, and overseeing the discharge planning process.
• Work closely with shelter staff and community partners to coordinate timely access to veterinary care for pets, including a vet exam, spay/neuter, vaccinations, micro-chipping, basic care, and treatment related to animal abuse.
• Conduct preliminary pet assessments for animal behavior concerns and coordinate access to behavior therapy, where appropriate. Provide ongoing pet welfare education to clients, including an initial PALS orientation, case conferences and individual and group counseling, to support the continuum of care for adults, children and pets residing in shelter.
• Assist clients to identify and access “pet friendly” practices, including obtaining orders of protections for pets, exploring suitable temporary or permanent housing options, and addressing pet ownership issues.
• Identify, secure and monitor all necessary pet supplies and products related to PALS and oversee the inventory management process.
• In partnership with other PALS team members, coordinate and/or facilitate staff training related to animal welfare safety, including identifying signs of animal abuse, proper pet care and handling, and accessing appropriate community resources.
• Work closely with animal welfare partners to coordinate fostering, boarding and animal surrender, where appropriate.
• Represent URI at coalitions, taskforces and committees to ensure the continuation of solid collaborative approaches.
• Other duties as requested based on department, program and/or organizational needs.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• College Degree a plus
• Driver’s license, a plus

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Commitment to the vision and mission of Urban Resource Institute.
• Demonstrated sensitivity and experience with and/or knowledge of domestic violence within and against disenfranchised communities, including individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or HIV-affected, the elderly, and individuals with mental health issues.
• Experience working with the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) is a plus.
• Strong commitment to equity and social justice, including a focus on self-awareness and engagement of continuous learning around issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Must possess a demonstrated ability in delivering client services, including communication, and listening skills, understanding of human interaction and personality development, writing, and recording case documentation.
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong organizational skills that reflect an ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly and adaptable to various competing demands.
• Experience with animal sheltering and/or knowledge of companion animal welfare required.
• Knowledge of basic handling of animals, signs of animal abuse/cruelty and common animal illnesses.
• Knowledge of and interest in the link between domestic violence and animal abuse, and strong desire to be a bridge between the human welfare and animal welfare communities.
• Strong organization, engagement and inter/intra agency collaborative skills.
• Strong clinical skills, including assessment, intervention, referral and advocacy.
• Must be self-directed and able to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Must be extremely comfortable working with Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience in program development and implementation, a plus.
• Bilingual English/Spanish, a plus.
• Occasional lifting (up to 35 pounds) and travel required.
• Acknowledge and application of self-care and work-life balance for self and others.
• Must have the ability to be flexible with work schedule due to program needs.

At URI we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. We actively seek a diverse candidate pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. At URI we offer equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.