Foster Care Assistant

JOB/POSITION TITLE: Foster Care Assistant

STATUS: Non-Exempt/Full Time

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Support Hawaiian Humane Society's foster care program by facilitating engagement and support for foster care providers and ensuring animals in care have a variety of options for positive outcomes.

Reports To: Foster Care Manager

Supervises: Program volunteers and in-home foster care volunteers

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/FUNCTIONS:

• People Care. Ensuring internal and external patrons (employees, volunteers, Hawaiian Humane partners and community members) and their needs are a primary focus. Communication and contact must be clear, understandable, cooperative, professional and respectful in all circumstances and will occur through face to face, telephone, and electronic mail. Employees are expected to actively support a positive team environment, directly address conflict with the goal of problem solving and appropriately express concerns. This position interacts with and collaborates with employees and volunteers at all levels of the organization.
• Customer Care. Deliver high-level customer service to Hawaiian Humane community members via Foster Care Programs including recruitment, training, follow up support, and needs related to department assigned volunteers. Communicate with a diverse group of people in a consistently compassionate, informative, respectful and professional manner. Manage emotionally difficult situations with strong communication skills and empathy.
• Daily Foster Program Activities. Coordinate temporary in-home care for sick, injured, or young animals that need more attention or socialization before placement in adoptions. Work proactively with veterinary services, transfer, adoptions and behavior to meet the organization's foster placement needs ensuring best outcomes for animals. Assist in the gathering of supplies and resources when fosters are scheduled to pick-up. Conduct all pre-pickup interviews for foster parents to ensure they are a good fit for the animal in need and are aware of the time commitments, details, etc. Coordinates placement and related resources for foster programs that support community animals.
• Recruitment, Training & Retention. Screen applicant volunteers, answer general program questions for interested volunteers and match applicants with program needs. Train and onboard new foster volunteers and evaluate the quality of care provided by foster volunteers. Support the organizing of engagement opportunities with foster volunteers throughout the year. Represent the organization and foster care program at community events as needed for recruitment.
• Personal, Program and Organizational Improvements. Analyze data, prepare reports on Foster Care Program trends and recommends changes to improve program. Continue to educate oneself concerning animal care, animal welfare, foster care programs and volunteer supervision. Improve or update current procedures as needed according to Hawaiian Humane policies.
• Statistical and Financial Management. Logs daily activity and prepares monthly statistical reports as directed. Works with the foster care team to manage equipment and supplies for use in department while conforming to approved budget.

OTHER DUTIES/FUNCTIONS:

• Operations Support. Works with other departments within the organization to resolve issues of mutual concern and improve operations.
• Other Duties as Assigned. May include organization-wide support as needed, including but not limited to participation in events, serving as spokesperson, fundraising, covering other operational departments, and Hawaiian Humane's role as a first responder to disasters.

JOB CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment: Indoors and outdoors as needed.
• Equipment Use: Computer, database, and telephone systems. Use of all sheltering related animal equipment including tools for containing animals humanely, safely, and securely. Shelter related medical equipment and tools for administering vaccines humanely and safely. Use of Hawaiian Humane Vehicles.
• Hours: Based on operational requirements. Shift times are scheduled to support organizational needs and may include evenings, weekends and holidays.

MENTAL, PHYSICAL AND COMMUNICATION DEMANDS:

• Must agree with and be committed to Hawaiian Humane goals, objectives, and programs.
• Must be able to handle and restrain animals of various sizes, weights, and temperaments in a caring, safe, and respectful manner. Subject to animal bites or scratches.
• Work performed in high noise level areas. Exposure to cleaning solutions, fumes, dust, animal dander and bodily fluids.
• Physical efforts require constant bending, stooping, standing, climbing stairs, and walking. Frequent lifting of animals and objects with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to maintain professionalism, composure, and compassion in emotionally charged situations and able to resolve conflicts effectively.
• Must be detail-oriented with excellent organizational and analytical skills.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Skills/Knowledge: Computer expertise and knowledge of programs such as Microsoft Office. Ability to use data base style computer programs, understand data reporting and analyzing data.
• Education/Training: High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience: Minimum one year of customer service experience in a professional setting required. Experience working with animals in a veterinary or shelter setting preferred.

The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this classification. It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory, or all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned to this job. Management has the right to add to, revise, or delete information in this description. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Salary : $18 - $19