Foster Assistant

Job Description : SUMMARY

Working under the direction of the Foster Coordinator, incumbent performs routine manual tasks that are essential to maintain the standards and functioning of the foster and transport programs. The incumbent is expected to exercise good judgment, independence, initiative, and professional expertise in conducting day-to-day operations. All work duties and activities must be performed in accordance with the City safety rules and operating regulations, policies and procedures as well as federal, state, and local regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the ability to interact with the public, City incumbents, and outside agencies with patience, tact, respect, and professionalism and the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Communicates with Volunteer Coordinator and Animal Care Specialist staff on animals needing foster homes;
• Conducts full medical exams on foster animals including but not limited to : administering subcutaneous vaccines, dewormers, medications, etc.;
• Sets appointments for and conducts follow up appointment with foster volunteers and provides instruction to volunteers on non-critical related issues;
• Consults with Foster Coordinator, Shelter Veterinarian, or designee on extreme medical cases
• Assists in the recruitment, securing, and training of volunteer foster care providers and ensures adequate supplies are available;
• Assess and document animal behavior in Chameleon and on kennel cards to ensure appropriate and safe handling during daily animal interactions;
• Works in the computer format of "Chameleon" frequently to enter animal vaccines, medications, treatment, make notes, and outcome / intake of animals to and from foster homes;
• Transports animals to appropriate partnering rescue facilities (both in and out of state) based on animal need, volume, and timing;
• Assist in maintaining and transporting cats to offsite adoption locations to ensure open spaces are filled with cats available for adoption in a timely manner;
• Assists with duties related to the care of animals housed at the shelter including sanitation, medical care, bathing, and other needs as required;
• Assists with the training of other staff and volunteers in the foster and transport programs;
• Handles all species of animals in a humane manner as dictated by departmental regulations;
• Performs duties as an adoption counselor to include, but not limited to, taking applications, counseling, and answering questions from the public, processing applications, making arrangements for animal processing when faced with a staff shortage;
• Is required to maintain the full business functioning of the foster program in the absence of the Foster Coordinator;
• Demonstrate a historically safe driving record and maintain a valid Driver's License, will drive a city vehicle;
• Contacts supervisor as questions on procedures arise;

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Performs any and all other duties as required.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

The incumbent is responsible to manage their performance in accordance with this job description and the performance expectations provided to them by management. If at any time the incumbent is unsure of their role or specific responsibilities, it is the incumbent's responsibility to refer to their job description and ask for clarification from their supervisor. Management will work with the incumbent, as needed, to ensure performance expectations are clearly communicated and performance goals are achieved.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND / OR EXPERIENCE

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively communicate and present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

REASONING ABILITY

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Valid Driver's License if a City vehicle is used.

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 this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; sit; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to walk; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, bend, climb, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and / or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Incumbent has frequent exposure to animal related hazards. High stress may occur due to attachments made in caring for shelter animals with the knowledge of possible euthanasia of these animals. The position requires continual physical activity including lifting and carrying large animals.