Cat Foster Coordinator

Cat Foster Coordinator

The Cat Foster Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the shelter foster cat program, including the daily care of kittens housed in the shelter. This role supports the vaccination and basic routine medical care of foster cats, the implementation of the kitten Foster to Adopt (FTA) program, and the general coordination and counseling of fosters caring for shelter cats and kittens.

This represents a list of essential job duties. Other duties or special projects may be assigned as needed.

Uphold the standards and values of LifeLine Animal Project:

Save Lives -- Build Community -- Be Exceptional Stewards -- Be Courageous -- Be Compassionate -- Take Responsibility -- Respect, Embrace and Celebrate Diversity

Customer Service and Administrative Responsibilities:

• Provide excellent customer service and communications to clients, coworkers, fosters, and volunteers. Welcome visitors with a friendly and professional demeanor.
• Respect, embrace and celebrate diversity by always operating with a judgement-free mindset when greeting and working with visitors.
• Maintain the foster module in the shelter database to keep track of foster pets housed outside of the shelter.
• Assist the Foster to Adopt (FTA) kitten adoptions by supporting follow up care and related needs up to the point of finalizing the adoption.
• Coordinate with adoptions for scheduling surgery for FTA kittens to help advance LifeLine's mission to save lives.
• Work with Veterinary staff to schedule vaccines, surgery, appointments, follow-up appointments, and reschedules as needed.
• Implement programs to enhance cat and kitten adoptions and foster placement.
• Collaborate with relevant staff and departments to address specific behavior needs and support cats in foster and to address any issues or concerns that arise.
• Prepare reports as needed.

Animal Behavior and Care Responsibilities:

• Administer dewormer and vaccinations to foster animals per medical protocol.
• Monitor the care of kittens in the nursery.
• Train fosters, volunteers and employees on the proper care of cats and kittens of all ages and proper enrichment techniques.
• Be willing to work flexible hours and be on call if needed for foster emergencies.
• Work with Veterinary staff on medical treatment of cats and kittens in foster care.
• Counsel fosters. Answer questions, provide additional training and support as needed. Stay connected to short- and long-term fosters with follow-up phone calls, emails and visits. Maintain connection even when fosters are not housing an animal.

General Responsibilities:

• Provide back up as needed to other foster roles within the department.
• Have a shelter presence to handle onsite foster customer service experiences and assist in tasks relating to cat foster placements such as matchmaking, introductions, behavior and medical consults, and handoffs.
• Maintain a general understanding of all shelter operations, including animal care, adoption policies, volunteer opportunities, foster programs and any other operational processes.
• Stay informed about current animals in the shelter, including their needs, personalities, and status.
• Support and engage the volunteers who aid the placement teams.
• Participate in LifeLine's 40-hour annual training requirement.
• Maintain a clean and tidy work area.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Compassion for animals and the people who love and care for them.
• Passion for animal welfare and a strong understanding of animal care.
• Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse groups.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications and experience with database systems is a plus.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and to bend and reach to perform assigned work activities.
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Comfortable working with dogs and cats of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and handle challenging situations with calmness and professionalism.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple departments to ensure efficient shelter operations.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and remain composed under pressure.
• Ability to handle seeing and dealing with animals that have been abused, neglected or treated cruelly.
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and varying shifts based on shelter needs.
• Must have a means of travel that ensures prompt arrival for work shifts.
• Must pass a background check.

Education and/or Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent; college degree or relevant coursework preferred.

18 years or older required, 23 years or older preferred for the purposes of being added to group vehicle insurance policy.

One or more years' experience in animal related field or animal sheltering preferred.

Previous experience in customer service, hospitality, or a similar role is highly desirable.

Fear Free Sheltering preferred.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to unpleasant kennel smells. May have to handle dogs and cats that are stray, injured, diseased or vicious.