Foster Coordinator

Thursday, July 9, 2020

Applications are being accepted now through the end of July 2020.

JOB SUMMARY 
The Foster Coordinator is responsible for using Friends of Strays policies and procedures to find temporary appropriate homes for our animals in need of foster. Foster Coordinator is also responsible for handling Return to Field program, front desk/reception needs, aiding the public on adoption related concerns, basic animal behavior, resources for surrender, pet owner reunification and community support programs. The position is not limited to the front desk or foster duties but will assist with all shelter needs this includes Medical/Clinic, Intake, Adoptions and Animal Care.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS 
Works directly with animal care and medical to ensure proper placement of foster animals. Works closely with the adoptions team. Reports directly to the Shelter Director.
 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS       

  • Recruits and trains foster care volunteers
  • Coordinates movement of shelter animals into foster care
  • Works directly with the Medical Team to monitor health and behavior of animals in foster
  • Clinic Duties
    • Answering calls, making appointments, handling client needs.
  • Assists the public in making appropriate adoption matches through:
    • Conversations with potential adopters to understand family dynamics and lifestyle to make the best adoption match.
    • Having the ability to review applications and feel comfortable discussing key points and any sensitive topics (for example adoption fees, declawing statement, and indoor only policy).
    • Obtaining knowledge of our shelter animals and their personality traits and preferences to provide the public with the best match for their household.
    • Explaining FOS adoption policies and processes to potential adopters (for example dog to dog intros, home checks).
    • Using strong customer service skills to approve and deny applications in a positive, firm and non-threatening manner before adopters leave the shelter.
    • Having the ability to remain calm in stressful situations with the public.
    • Gaining overall knowledge of:
      • Available animals
      • Possible restrictions (example: age restrictions or only pet home)
      • Declawed cats
      • Breed specifications
      • Length of stay

  • Review all pertinent information on the adoption application.
    • Potential meets- dog to dog
    • Go over declaw policy
    • Importance of having a plan for animals in an emergency.
    • Go over any medical or behavior notes with adopter.
    • Verify microchip in adopted animal and information for microchip registration.

  • Documentation
    • Enter all adopter information into PetPoint.
    • Memo reasons for denial.
    • Memo follow up calls and adopter complaints.
    • Track adopter info for events and Hills Program.
    • Enter all financial transactions into PetPoint.
    • Provide all necessary documents to adopters at time of adoption.
    • Make sure the animals file has the necessary forms from intake to adoption.
    • File animal records in the appropriate place.

  • Administrative support
    • Gain a thorough understanding of departmental Standard Operating Procedures.
    • Become proficient in Microsoft Office and Pet Point Software.
    • Retrieve voicemails and forward to other departments as necessary.
    • Return calls and emails promptly.
    • Alert leadership to any supplies needs.
    • Place necessary signs on animal cages.
      • Sponsored
      • On hold
      • Special Needs
    • Clock in and out when scheduled.

  • Intake responsibilities
    • Provide Finders and Surrendering Owners with the appropriate forms and contracts.
    • Enter new pets into Pet Point as directed.
    • Memo history
    • Document any personality traits

  • Other functions or duties
    • Work as a team with FOS staff and volunteers.
    • Assist in training of new staff and volunteers
    • Keep work area neat and clean
    • Support FOS at special events when requested
    • Participate in Staff meetings and training sessions.

  • Professional Development
    • Attend trainings, view webinars or read animal related literature to ensure current or relevant knowledge and trends in animal welfare.

Skill Requirements  

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Previous foster care coordinator experience or equivalent work experience desirable.
  • Minimum of 2 years’ experience in customer service or a counseling environment.
  • Animal Handling experience
  • Proven ability to handle multiple tasks in a busy workplace environment.
  • Ability to understand and effectively teach humane animal care and treatment.
  • Clean driving records with a valid driver’s license.
  • Requires working alone or with minimal supervision, must be self-motivated.
  • Requires patience and tact when working with difficult, emotional or angry people.

  • Preferred:
    • Formal animal handling training
    • Experience with Animal Management Software
    • Experience with dog and cat playgroups.
    • Knowledge of appropriate training methods.
    • Knowledge of breed specific characteristics for dogs and cats.

  • Physical Demands- The physical demands listed here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
    • Regular exposure to animals, cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal excrement.
    • Potential for bites and scratches from the animals
    • Lifting and moving up to 75 pounds.
    • Clear vision
    • Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk and hear.
    • Requires speaking and writing in a clear profession manner in person and over phone or email

Work Environment

Located in a shelter environment with high volume of adoptions, intakes and spay/neuters. This position is scheduled for 5 days/week 8 hours a day. However, the schedule can change and may sometimes require split shifts or evening hours to complete the job. Can include working some holidays or overtime depending on shelter’s needs. Candidate must be flexible with schedule changes and short notice overtime requests.

To apply, email your cover letter and resume to info@friendsofstrays.org. No phone calls or walk-ins please.

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