The Foster Coordinator/ Adoption Counselor position is primarily responsible for coordinating the movement of shelter animals into foster care, reception activities, screening/reviewing applications and facilitating the adoption process. This individual must demonstrate a passion for companion animal welfare, team spirit, strong customer service skills, professionalism, time management skills, and personal development. This position does not have direct reports. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Foster coordinator responsibilities a. Recruits and trains foster care volunteers b. Coordinates movement of shelter animals into foster care c. Monitors health and behavior of animals in foster care and reports findings to appropriate staff; dog behavioral issues to Sr. Kennel Manager, medical issues to veterinary staff, and all issues reportable to the Manager/Director d. Manages foster care activities and reports status update to management on a routine basis (e.g., monthly) and more frequently upon request e. Keeps relevant team members informed regarding status of animals moving to foster care, in foster care, and returning from foster care 2. Pet adoption counseling activities a. Screens potential adopters, reviews applications, files paperwork, observes interactions between pets and potential adopters, educates owners about proper pet care, sets up appointments for veterinary procedures, and processes adoption fees. b. Assist with a variety of other duties at the shelter such as processing donations, answering phones, updating records, filling out cage cards, ordering supplies, assist with walking dogs or cleaning cat cages, when required. c. Other duties, as assigned 3. Personal Development Expectations a. Be receptive to feedback and coaching b. Learn new techniques, skills, & strategies c. Attend related training conferences/seminars (in person and online) d. Share and implement new ideas, strategies, etc. Specific Job Skills: a. Compassion and empathy for animals and humans b. Strong interpersonal communication skills c. Strong customer service skills, particularly with a variety of client situations d. Ability to remain calm and empathetic in stressful situations e. Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated, organized, innovative, and team oriented f. Shows maturity, good judgment and performs duties in a timely and professional manner g. Knowledge of State and Federal laws, ordinances and regulations relating to animal care and OSHA compliance h. Safe/humane handling of animals of varying sizes, temperaments, and strengths i. Knowledge of various breed of dogs, cats and other domestic animals, various kinds of animal behavior, and illness identification Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. a. Dealing with possible unruly, aggressive, sick, injured, and dangerous animals and impounding the same safely and humanely. b. This position is regularly required to use hands and fingers, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk and talk and hear. c. Requires the ability to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel or crouch. The position holder must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift, push, and/or move up to 100 lb or more. d. While performing the duties of this job this position may be exposed to animal odors, airborne particles, parasites, and infectious diseases. e. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. f. Exposure to all types of weather conditions. Training, Education, Licenses or Certificates: • High School diploma or GED (Associates or Bachelor’s degree desirable) • Valid driver’s license Experience: • Minimum of 1 year experience in animal sheltering, kennel, or veterinary environment (preferred) • Previous foster care coordinator experience or equivalent work experience desirable • Ability to operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices and operations of vehicle under all types of weather and road conditions. Must maintain insurability to operate agency vehicles as a condition of employment
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.50 - $27.84 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Work Location: In person