Foster Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

STATUS: Non-Exempt, full-time

REPORTS TO: Foster Care Manager

BENEFITS:

• Health, dental, vision and more
• 3 weeks paid time off + 10 paid holidays

• 403(b) with employer match
• Check out our full list of benefits and perks  HERE

Position Summary:

The foster program is responsible for placing eligible animals into foster homes and overseeing their care while in foster, impacting about 2500 animals each year. The role is comprised of administrative tasks and hands-on work with the animals. Foster Coordinators work with all species accepted into Seattle Humane (cats, dogs, and small animals), requiring a wide array of knowledge. This role also works with the public through coordination of our SPOT program. This is an expanding program with the goal of increasing the number of large dogs successfully placed into foster homes. Foster Coordinators value working with both people and animals and thrive in fast-paced environments. Emotional resiliency and ability to prioritize self-care are key to being effective in this role long-term.

KEY OR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

• Operates as case manager for pets in foster. 

• Facilitates veterinary appointments for foster pets, including administering medication or vaccines. Must be comfortable with handling needles.
• Schedules all appointments, including surgery, for foster pets.

• Finds appropriate foster homes for pets with foster requested.  

• Respond to community members who are seeking SPOT placement for their pet(s).

• Gathers required information regarding animals’ history and behavior and makes determination about a pet’s suitability for SPOT program.

• Follows administrative and legal process for SPOT Program participation, return to owner, and surrender.

• Promotes pets for foster using various forms of communications.

• Updates pet database with necessary medical and behavioral information.

• Prepares supplies for foster parents.

• Facilitates dog-dog introductions when necessary for dogs going to foster.

• Audits pet records to ensure foster pets are progressing as needed.

• Provides hands-on training and verbal coaching of new skills to foster parents.

• Supports skill development by connecting foster parents with training opportunities.

• Triages pet emergencies and communicates to other teams as appropriate.

• Participates in pet population communications including rounds and meetings.

Secondary Functions:   

• Follows Seattle Humane Standard Operating Procedures and suggests changes as needed.

• Promotes and positive, supportive, and cooperative work environment based on mutual respect and open communication.

• Reports any health, behavior, safety, or security concerns to a supervisor in a timely manner.

• Attends department and full staff meetings as requested and participates with ideas and suggestions designed to improve shelter services program and working conditions.

• Performs opening and closing tasks for department.

• Provides on-campus bottle feeding to orphaned neonatal kittens who are awaiting foster pick up.

• Maintains appropriate files and records; Adheres to the files and records retention policy and procedures 

• Other duties as assigned.
• Embodies and models Seattle Humane's Core Values:
  • Collaboration
  • Compassion
  • Accessibility
  • Respect
  • Adaptability

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:   

• Staff: No staff supervision 

• Volunteers: Indirect supervision of all foster parents and Remote Foster Admin Volunteers.  Direct supervision of Foster Support Volunteers and Onsite Foster Admin Volunteers.  

COMMUNICATION/INTERPERSONAL CONTACT:  

• Daily communication with Foster Manager and direct team members.

• Daily close collaboration and communication with staff from Shelter Care, Behavior, Veterinary Services, Admissions, Adoptions, Volunteer Services and Marketing.

• Constant communication with foster parents and volunteers that support the foster program.  

• Represents Seattle Humane in a professional manner.

• Commits to valuing diversity and contributes to an inclusive working environment that is sensitive to other opinions, culture, and perspectives.
  

COMPLEXITY:

A high degree of independent judgment is required.  The nature of the job will vary. Must be able to coordinate volunteers and remain focused on the program goals and objectives.  A strong attention to detail and the ability to respond to unexpected questions, comments or requests from other divisions or the public is required. Must be able to maintain concentration on a task or series of tasks while dealing with frequent interruptions. Must be able to work well without direct supervision. The ability to motivate, negotiate and mediate is important when handling a variety of personalities and emotions. Coordinators who are open to learning, receiving feedback, and deepening their analysis of the complex systems present in animal welfare are desired. 

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION OR TRAINING:  

• Active Registered Veterinary Medication Clerk (RVMC) license in WA or ability to obtain in the first 90 days.
• High school graduate or GED required
• One year employment at an animal shelter or related professional experience handling animals is preferred 
• Must have basic knowledge of animal health, behavior and nutrition 
• Must have excellent communication and problem-solving skills   

• Must be able to write clearly and listen effectively 

• Must possess the organizational and planning skills to determine work priorities 

• Must be proficient in Word and Excel 

• Must be able to complete Mental First Aid Certification 

• Experience with Outlook email is preferred 

• Customer Service experience is preferred  

• Experience with animal tracking databases/data entry preferred (Seattle Humane uses PetPoint)

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:  

• Produces accurate work despite frequent interruptions 

• Is sensitive to other opinions, perspectives and cultures 

• Can have difficult conversations with staff and volunteers regarding placement and euthanasia in a sensitive manner

• Comfortable in dealing with angry, confused, distraught and/or irrational people

• Exhibits initiative and motivation in performing all duties

• With or without accommodation:
  • Has good senses of hearing, vision, and smell (to distinguish between various odors)

• • Able to stand for long periods of time and walks quickly 

• • Has good dex­terity and reflexes especially when restraining or moving an animal 

• • May lift and carry at least 50 pounds; crouch and bend at the waist and kneel; must be able to control dogs up to 130 pounds when on a leash  

WORKING CONDITIONS:  

General office and animal shelter environment.  When handling animals, there is a potential of animal bites, exposure to zoonotic diseases, animal dander and noise.  Potential for working with angry or emotional customers. Involves entering and leaving work areas alone before sunrise and after sunset. 

• Equipment Use:  Personal computer and printer, applicable software, office supplies, multi-lined telephone, copier, safety boots, hearing protection, eye protection, respirators, gloves, animal leashes, clothes washer and dryer, broom, mop, hoses and nozzle, sprayers, scrapers, squeegees and animal dryers.

• Work Hours:  Full-time non-exempt position. 40 hours per week scheduled as four 10-hour shifts. Schedule may vary depending on coverage by other department staff or holidays

LOCATION:  

The position works onsite at the Bellevue, WA campus

Equal Opportunity   

As an equal opportunity employer, Seattle Humane is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.