Adoption / Foster Coordinator - Temporary

Salt Lake County•Salt Lake City, UT

About The Position

Salt Lake County…A career with a purpose in the community you love! Salt Lake County invites you to explore our exciting career opportunities. We seek highly enthusiastic individuals to enrich our County with your experience and talent. If you enjoy working in a team environment that is committed to changing the lives of its community, please keep reading. What it is like to work here: At Salt Lake County, our culture is woven into all aspects of our work and our employees’ lives, from the way we treat each other to the way we support the community. To promote and foster a fun and healthy work environment, we appreciate employees through great benefits, a healthy work-life balance, and room to grow and develop. Surround yourself with: Peers who are motivated to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. We serve Salt Lake County and envision a safe and beautiful place for all to live, work, and have fun. Salt Lake County is about connecting people and championing our community. Community is more than a place…. It's our heart and service that bring us together. JOB SUMMARY Assist in coordinating the Pet Adoption and Foster Program to help animals find loving homes. This role involves guiding potential adopters in selecting the right companion, reviewing applications, conducting verifications, and processing adoptions. Additionally, work closely with the Foster Coordinator to manage foster placements, ensuring a positive experience for both foster families and pets. By providing resources, guidance, and support, this role aims to place more pets in homes through both adoption and fostering.

Requirements

One (1) year of experience in customer service.
A valid Driver’s License accepted by the State of Utah is required at the time of hire.
A valid Driver’s License issued by the State of Utah must be obtained within six (6) months of hire to operate a County vehicle.
Knowledge of: Animal Handling and Care – Knowledge of animal handling safety practices, and general animal behavior and Customer Service and Communication – Excellent customer service skills with a polite and friendly demeanor, able to professionally assist the public in person, over the phone, and through email, to ensure a positive experience for all.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills – Demonstrates clear, respectful communication, with the ability to engage empathetically and effectively with diverse community members.
Skills and Abilities to: Composure in High-Stress Situations – Ability to remain calm, composed, and professional in stressful, sensitive, or emergencies.
Customer Service and Decision-Making – Strong customer service skills, including attentive listening, effective decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
Technical Skills – Basic computer skills for email management and shelter-specific software use, along with social media skills to help promote adoptable pets across various platforms.
Vehicle Operation – Ability to safely operate a
Animal Handling – Work confidently with various animal types while adhering to safety
Analytical Judgment – Exercise good judgment and analytical skills to make informed, responsible
Relationship Building – Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with adopters, community members, private organizations, colleagues, and shelter partners.
The ability to perform essential physical requirements such as lifting, walking, sitting, kneeling, or bending.
Must be comfortable handling animals for more than four (4) hours per day.
Employees are frequently exposed to loud noises, unpleasant odors, cleaning agents, pet dander, zoonotic diseases, and dangerous animals that may bite.
May be required to work nights and weekends as needed.
Employees lift, carry, push, and pull loads up to 50 pounds regularly.
Due to the nature of this position, the selected candidate must complete a background check via fingerprinting and enroll in the continuous RAP Back program, as mandated by current County Human Resources policy.
A clear background check is required before a start date can be offered.
Must receive a verified negative test result on a mandatory drug test before starting in this position

Nice To Haves

Experience working with canines and felines in a professional setting is preferred.
Preference will be given to those that have experience working with animals.

Responsibilities

Matchmaking for Adoptions – Facilitate successful adoptions and foster placements by working with potential adopters and foster families to identify the best fit for both their needs and the needs of the animal. Coordinate "meet and greets" to help families and pets get acquainted, assessing for a good match that ensures positive outcomes for both parties. This may include conducting "dog-to-dog" introductions to ensure compatibility between shelter pets and potential adopters' owned dogs. Your role is key in supporting a smooth and supportive adoption or fostering experience, enhancing the likelihood of successful placements for shelter pets.
Customer Service Excellence – Provide welcoming, attentive, and supportive service to all visitors and potential adopters, ensuring a positive experience for everyone who enters Salt Lake County Animal Services.
Effective Communication – Engage clearly and openly with adopters, answering questions, providing detailed information about animals, and guiding them through the adoption process with patience and friendliness.
Adoption Process – Facilitate smooth and successful adoptions by reviewing and verifying applications, assisting with finalizing adoptions, and supporting adopters through each step of the adoption process.
Collaboration and Team Support – Work closely with fellow adoption staff and volunteers to meet adoption goals, support adoption/foster program needs, and enhance the overall mission of the shelter.
Adoption & Foster Placement Promotion – Collaborate with the Adoption Team to post animals in need of adoption or foster homes on social media and other channels to reach potential adopters and foster caregivers.
Coordinate Adoption Pet Supplies – Prepare and gather necessary supplies for adoption/foster families to ensure they have everything needed to care for the pet.
Assist Adoption and Foster Communication – Respond promptly to adoption and foster emails and calls, providing information, support, and updates to current and potential adopters and fosters.
Support Recruitment and Outreach Events – Assist with recruitment events to engage and recruit potential foster and adoptive families, as well as help with off-site adoption events.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume