Foster Coordinator

Seattle Humane•Bellevue, WA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The foster program is responsible for placing eligible animals into foster homes and overseeing their care while in foster, impacting about 2500 animals each year. The role is comprised of administrative tasks and hands-on work with the animals. Foster Coordinators work with all species accepted into Seattle Humane (cats, dogs, and small animals), requiring a wide array of knowledge. This role also works with the public through coordination of our SPOT program. This is an expanding program with the goal of increasing the number of large dogs successfully placed into foster homes. Foster Coordinators value working with both people and animals and thrive in fast-paced environments. Emotional resiliency and ability to prioritize self-care are key to being effective in this role long-term.

Requirements

Active Registered Veterinary Medication Clerk (RVMC) license in WA or ability to obtain in the first 90 days.
High school graduate or GED required
Must have basic knowledge of animal health, behavior and nutrition
Must have excellent communication and problem-solving skills
Must be able to write clearly and listen effectively
Must possess the organizational and planning skills to determine work priorities
Must be proficient in Word and Excel
Must be able to complete Mental First Aid Certification
Comfortable in dealing with angry, confused, distraught and/or irrational people
Exhibits initiative and motivation in performing all duties
Has good senses of hearing, vision, and smell (to distinguish between various odors)
Able to stand for long periods of time and walks quickly
Has good dexterity and reflexes especially when restraining or moving an animal
May lift and carry at least 50 pounds; crouch and bend at the waist and kneel; must be able to control dogs up to 130 pounds when on a leash

Nice To Haves

One year employment at an animal shelter or related professional experience handling animals is preferred
Experience with Outlook email is preferred
Customer Service experience is preferred
Experience with animal tracking databases/data entry preferred (Seattle Humane uses PetPoint)

Responsibilities

Operates as case manager for pets in foster.
Facilitates veterinary appointments for foster pets, including administering medication or vaccines.
Schedules all appointments, including surgery, for foster pets.
Finds appropriate foster homes for pets with foster requested.
Respond to community members who are seeking SPOT placement for their pet(s).
Gathers information regarding animals’ history and behavior and makes determination about a pet’s suitability for SPOT program.
Follows administrative and legal process for SPOT Program participation, return to owner, and surrender.
Promotes pets for foster using various forms of communications.
Updates pet database with necessary medical and behavioral information.
Prepares supplies for foster parents.
Facilitates dog-dog introductions when necessary for dogs going to foster.
Audits pet records to ensure foster pets are progressing as needed.
Provides hands-on training and verbal coaching of new skills to foster parents.
Supports skill development by connecting foster parents with training opportunities.
Triages pet emergencies and communicates to other teams as appropriate.
Participates in pet population communications including rounds and meetings.
Follows Seattle Humane Standard Operating Procedures and suggests changes as needed.
Promotes and positive, supportive, and cooperative work environment based on mutual respect and open communication.
Reports any health, behavior, safety, or security concerns to a supervisor in a timely manner.
Attends department and full staff meetings as requested and participates with ideas and suggestions designed to improve shelter services program and working conditions.
Performs opening and closing tasks for department.
Provides on-campus bottle feeding to orphaned neonatal kittens who are awaiting foster pick up.
Maintains appropriate files and records; Adheres to the files and records retention policy and procedures
Other duties as assigned.
Embodies and models Seattle Humane's Core Values: Collaboration Compassion Accessibility Respect Adaptability