Foster Care Coordinator

Title: Foster Care Coordinator

Departments: Foster Care

This position reports to: Chief of Shelter Operations

Purpose of Position:

Work with volunteer foster parents to ensure placement of animals that are not ready for adoption at the present time.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees are required to follow any other job related duties assigned by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, and does not alter the “at‐will” relationship.

• Prepare animals in need of foster care for placement including: vaccinations, blood collection, parasite control, fecal collection and bathing if needed
• Recruit, evaluate and select new foster homes
• Schedule future care and ensure all records are accurate and up to date
• Maintain positive working relationships with foster parents through on-going communication, trainings and recognition
• Perform euthanasia as needed
• Assist with special events as needed
• Perform other duties assigned by the Chief of Shelter Operations

Position Qualifications: Education, Experience, Certification, and Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Required

• High school diploma or GED
• Previous experience in a veterinary clinic, shelter or customer service role
• Demonstrate excellent customer service skills
• Must have valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record and be able to provide proof of vehicle insurance
• Ability to exercise independent judgment
• Be comfortable and skilled working with a culturally diverse staff and community
• Must be a self-starter
• Must have a commitment to treat people and animals with respect; contribute to effective teamwork; promote intra- and inter- departmental cooperation and foster public relations beneficial to the Nebraska Humane Society (NHS)
• Affection for animals, concern for their welfare and willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace
• Must possess maturity, good judgment and professional manner and personal appearance
• Must be considerate, respectful and display a helpful demeanor to all employees, volunteers and customers
• Must be able to work cordially, safely and efficiently in face-paced, stressful conditions
• Must exhibit the organization core values of compassion for all animals, respect and dignity for all, strive for excellence and teamwork
• Ability to respectfully give and receive feedback
• Ability to work independently and part of a team

Desired

Two years of experience in an animal related or customer service field

Work Conditions:

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

• Minimum of 40 hours per week. Evening, weekend, and on-call hours required
• Must be available to work special events
• The noise level in the office environment is usually quiet, though barking or whining of animals may be escalated at certain times in certain areas of the building
• High exposure to animals whose reactions to the shelter environment cannot be predicted
• Temperatures in the shelter environment are varied, though usually moderate, and dependent on the season
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases and hazardous chemicals
• Ability to work around animals without severe allergic reactions
• As work may need to be done outside of the shelter, the employee may encounter environmental issues outside of our control such as fallen tree limbs, rain storms or snow/ice. When this occurs the employee must report the issues immediately to their direct supervisor who will work to resolution.
• Use of all extremities
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds
• Good vision for detailed work
• Good coordination