Foster Care Assistant – Greenhill Foster Department

Job Description: Foster Care Assistant

Summary: Greenhill's Foster Care Department guides Greenhill's fosters who annually care for over 600 animals including neonatal and bottle baby kittens, puppies, rabbits, nursing moms with babies, and those recovering from surgery or illness. The Foster Care Assistant works directly to support foster parents and the animals in our care, as well as handling a variety of administrative tasks. This position consists of approximately 40 hours/week. Weekend work is required. Occasional schedule changes may apply.

To apply: Send cover letter, current resume, and professional references. See more info at https://www.green-hill.org/employment.

Direct Supervisor: Foster Care Manager

Essential functions:

• Work with the Foster Care Manager and team to develop and implement a useful, efficient, and well-integrated foster care program.
• Work courteously and cooperatively with staff members, volunteers, and fosters to ensure positive communication.
• Assist in the onboarding, training, and the continued education of foster parents by providing support, direction, written procedures, and educational resources.
• Assist with the placement of animals into foster homes.
• Assist with regular contact to foster care parents to inquire about behavioral or medical observations, provide advice, referrals or reminders as appropriate, and schedule animals for medical appointments and/or return to the shelter.
• Assist in foster parent recruitment and program advancement.
• Assist in department operational and administrative duties.
• Coordinate and conduct foster care appointments in conjunction with appropriate department staff members.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of applicants, current fosters and animals placed into foster care.
• Assist in volunteer and foster recognition and appreciation events and activities.
• Attend staff meetings and continuing education trainings.
• Keep current with shelter events, program updates, needs and changes to medical and shelter protocols.
• Follow safety and sanitation policies in order to comply with established protocols.
• Ensure that equipment and materials are properly used, cleaned/disinfected and maintained.
• Treat all animals humanely, and with compassion at all times, and promote a humane and caring attitude toward all animals.
• Fill in for other areas of the shelter and perform other tasks as needed, including assisting other departments and assistance at special events.
• Interact professionally and compassionately in person, on the phone and through e-mail with volunteers, foster parents and members of the public, including individuals inquiring about Greenhill programs and services.
• Additional responsibilities, as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• High school diploma or general education degree is required.
• Ability to read and comprehend written instructions.
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively through various mediums and with a variety of audiences, including phone, e-mail, social media and in-person.
• Strong customer service and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and frequent interruptions.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working on a computer; preferred experience with Microsoft Office 365 (including Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel) and other web-based programs.
• Patience and a positive attitude.
• Ability to remain pleasant and calm even in challenging situations.
• Prior animal handling skills are preferred, or a basic knowledge of animal behavior and animal care is desired.
• Prior experience working in a nonprofit setting and/or volunteer-based environment is preferred.
• Multi-lingual candidates are preferred.
• Reliable transportation is required.

Certificates, licenses, registrations:

• Valid Oregon Driver’s license required.

Physical demands:

• Must be able to bend, kneel, walk, and reach frequently; stand and sit for up to eight hours; lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to restrain and humanely handle animals (Fear Free Shelter Training will be provided).

Work environment:

While performing the duties of this job, employees may be exposed to noxious odors, fumes, and airborne particles (including allergens such as animal fur and dander); toxic or caustic chemicals; and potentially volatile situations which can present risk of violence or injury. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Allergic conditions, which would be aggravated when handling or working with animals, may be a disqualification.

GHS employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a natural disaster, declared state of emergency, or other emergency situation, and are expected to perform emergency service duties as assigned.

Greenhill Humane Society is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all candidates of all races, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status. GHS values diversity in our workforce.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $15.75 per hour

Expected hours: 35 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16