Cat Pathways Coordinator
About The Position
The Cat Pathways Coordinator oversees the shelter foster cat program, including behavioral assessment and placement planning for shelter cats and kittens. The position coordinates and counsels fosters caring for shelter cats and kittens and supports the organization’s mission and values through compassionate, professional service to animals, clients, coworkers, fosters, and volunteers. The role coordinates foster placements and related services, maintains foster records, supports foster caregivers and the Foster Coach Team, and collaborates with rescue, veterinary, and other shelter staff. It also trains and advises fosters, volunteers, and employees on cat care and enrichment; supports medical treatment and adoption efforts; and helps develop strategic placement plans. The coordinator maintains a shelter presence for foster-related customer service, matchmaking, introductions, consultations, and handoffs, while staying informed about shelter operations and animal needs. The position requires flexibility to work varying shifts, weekends, and holidays, and to be on call if needed for foster emergencies. The employee must complete LifeLine’s 40-hour annual training requirement, pass a background check, and have a means of travel that ensures prompt arrival for work shifts.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Compassion for animals and the people who love and care for them.
- Passion for animal welfare and a strong understanding of animal care.
- Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with diverse groups.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and bend and reach to perform assigned work activities.
- Ability to work well in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
- Comfort working with dogs and cats of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
- Ability to follow safety protocols and handle challenging situations calmly and professionally.
- Ability to collaborate with multiple departments to support efficient shelter operations.
- Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and remain composed under pressure.
- Ability to handle seeing and dealing with animals that have been abused, neglected, or treated cruelly.
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and varying shifts based on shelter needs.
- Must have a means of travel that ensures prompt arrival for work shifts.
- Must pass a background check.
Nice To Haves
- College degree or relevant coursework.
- Age 23 or older for the purposes of being added to the group vehicle insurance policy.
- One or more years of experience in an animal-related field or animal sheltering.
- Previous experience in customer service, hospitality, or a similar role.
- Fear Free Sheltering.
- Proficiency in basic computer applications and experience with database systems.
Responsibilities
- Uphold LifeLine Animal Project’s standards and core values.
- Provide excellent customer service and communications to clients, coworkers, fosters, and volunteers, and welcome visitors in a friendly, compassionate, and professional manner.
- Work with a judgment-free mindset and respect, embrace, and celebrate diversity.
- Coordinate with the Rescue Coordinator on rescue placement of cats and kittens.
- Conduct a daily inventory to determine placement options.
- Work with Pathway Coordinators and other departments to ensure foster needs are met in a timely manner.
- Manage the Foster Coach Team.
- Collaborate with relevant staff and departments to address behavior needs and support cats in foster care, including resolving issues or concerns.
- Maintain the foster module in the shelter database to track foster pets housed outside the shelter.
- Coordinate with veterinary staff to schedule vaccines, surgeries, and appointments; provide appointment information to fosters, follow up on missed appointments, and reschedule as needed.
- Identify and create efficiencies throughout the program.
- Handle customer service issues and serious situations, including lost cats, cat bites, and fading kittens.
- Assist the Pathway Programs Manager in developing strategic placement plans for cats.
- Train fosters, volunteers, and employees on appropriate care for cats and kittens of all ages and on enrichment techniques.
- Counsel fosters, answer questions, provide training and support, and maintain contact through follow-up calls, emails, and visits, including when fosters are not housing an animal.
- Work flexible hours and be on call if needed for foster emergencies.
- Work with veterinary staff on medical treatment of cats and kittens in foster care.
- Implement programs to enhance cat and kitten adoptions and foster placement.
- Provide backup to other foster roles within the department as needed.
- Handle onsite foster customer service and assist with foster placements, including matchmaking, introductions, behavior and medical consultations, and handoffs.
- Maintain a general understanding of shelter operations, including animal care, adoption policies, volunteer opportunities, foster programs, and other operational processes.
- Stay informed about shelter animals, including their needs, personalities, and status.
- Support and engage volunteers who aid placement teams and help build a community of animal welfare advocates.
- Participate in LifeLine’s 40-hour annual training requirement.
- Maintain a clean and tidy work area and perform other assigned tasks.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
