Transfer & Foster Program Specialist

Foster And Transfer Program Coordinator

Assists the Foster and Transfer Program Coordinators in ensuring that animals move efficiently and effectively through the shelter process; including placement with foster care providers and transfer partners (Paw Partners), by providing exceptional service and support to both people and animals. Supports the Transfer and Foster Team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Promotes the welfare of all animals: working closely with the medical and behavioral teams to assess the needs of each animal, and making educated decisions on behalf of The Animal Foundation's and animals' best interests.
• Supports the Foster and Transfer Team in the information gathering for selected animals, gathering photos, videos and behavioral information firsthand, and populating that information into a format to send to both fosters and transfer partners.
• Assists with the placement of animals with transfer partners (Paw Partners) and foster care providers according to The Animal Foundation policies and procedures.
• Help to ensure that all approved Transfer partners (Paw Partners) and fosters care providers have proper and current paperwork on file.
• Lead team members and volunteers during scheduled Foster Events, assisting to place and outcome animals, scheduling returns and educating foster parents.
• Provides foster care providers with the appropriate information and/or training, ongoing assistance, and support, to allow for a successful and enjoyable fostering experience.
• Facilitates Field Trip appointments and walk-ins in the adoption building, assisting guests on finding the appropriate animal for their situation, handling treatments needed for animals to leave, and providing proper counseling on Field Trip procedures.
• Facilitates walk-in fosters in the clinic, with an emphasis on neonatal kitten placement. Assisting guests on finding the appropriate animal for the situation, handling treatments needed for animals to leave, providing proper counseling on correct procedures for the animals unique situations, Provides return exams on kittens returning to the shelter for adoption.
• Performs administrative/clerical duties in a timely fashion, including but not limited to: monitoring department reports; communicating with internal departments/community members in person, by telephone, and through email; etc.
• Provides information and assistance to internal colleagues as well as best-in-class customer service to internal and external guests.
• Builds strong, positive relationships in the community based on trust, respect, and care for both pets and people.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization's service to its guests by offering suggestions and participating as an active member of a work team.
• Provides responsive, meaningful, and compassionate service to all guests.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Equivalent to a high school diploma
• One (1) year of experience in an animal welfare or animal shelter setting, preferred.
• Equivalent combination of formal education and appropriate related experience may be considered.

License & Certification Requirements:

• The Incumbent must hold a valid driver's license for a minimum of three (3) years and maintain an acceptable driving history.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge of:

• General knowledge of companion animal care, welfare, behavior, breeds, and species.
• Animal health, nutrition, and humane care.
• Principles and practices of guest service.
• Effective soft skills or interpersonal skills for dealing with team members, volunteers, and the public, in person, in writing, and over the telephone.
• Correct understanding, speaking, and writing of business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Skill in:

• Adhering to all established guidelines, protocols, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's)
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives, and activities.
• Fostering public relations beneficial to the organization and its programs.
• Demonstrating concern for the welfare of people and animals and treating all of them with respect.
• Dealing tactfully and effectively with team members, volunteers, and the general public, and communicating effectively in oral and written forms
• Working calmly and efficiently under pressure and without close supervision
• Advanced animal handling abilities, particularly in cat and dogs
• Gathering, compiling, and maintaining accurate information and records.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

Physical ability and mobility to work in a typical office environment. Strength to lift and/or move materials weighing up to 50 pounds frequently, and 75 pounds occasionally. Vision to read printed materials. Stamina to sit and work with a computer for an extended period of time. Hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. Accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

Team Members are continuously exposed to animals, animal waste, pet dander, peanut butter, cleaning chemicals, high noise and potentially hazardous conditions, including the risk of animal bites and occasional work outdoors for extended periods of time while exposed to cold and extremely hot temperatures.

All Team Members work in a culture of continuous improvement and are expected to support our mission. Team Members must be able to clearly articulate our goals, actively participate in outstanding guest service, and accept responsibility for maintaining our culture of philanthropy. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work expected of this position.

This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive listing or description of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of incumbents in the job.