Specialist, Foster Programs

Best Friends Animal Society•Bentonville, AR

11d•$20 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

Foster Program Specialists are responsible for the daily functions and growth of the foster program including recruitment and retention of foster volunteers and animal placement and population management for animals in the program. Specialists act with urgency to accomplish important tasks and play a direct role in achieving Best Friends Animal Society’s no-kill mission and organizational success. While this role includes responsibilities primarily in foster program duties, coordinators may receive assignments in any outcome-focused programs, based on organizational needs. We believe in treating everyone with kindness and compassion, building trust through authenticity and following through on commitments. We prioritize well-being alongside our mission, fostering strong relationships through open communication and transparent feedback. Diversity and inclusion are integral to our culture, enriching team dynamics by valuing diverse perspectives. Each team member is responsible for creating an inclusive environment where all voices are respected and contributing to a workplace that embodies our shared values and commitment to progress. By consistently aligning our actions with our Guiding Principles, we strengthen our culture and ensure that our values are lived every day.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED or 1-2 years’ experience in customer service, volunteer coordination, animal related programs or similar.
Strong communications skills.
Customer-centric, non-judgmental approach to engaging with adopters, partners, visitors, volunteers, and colleagues; familiarity and comfort with a conversational adoption process.
Ability to work with, leash, kennel, walk, and handle cats and dogs, including those with health and/or behavior conditions/concerns; basic ability to identify and speak to medical and behavioral characteristics of dogs and cats.
Strong interpersonal skills, a team player, personable, professional, and able to get along with people from different backgrounds, as well as the ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with well-developed organization skills to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
Resourceful, get-it-done attitude; initiative to assist in any area or process; problem solving, seeking answers independently and enthusiastically; flexibility to persist until goals are achieved.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products; familiarity with shelter software/animal management software, or desire to learn.
Must be able to: Routinely lift 40 pounds and perform daily strenuous activity including, but not limited to lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, cleaning, and bending.
Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time including typing, sitting, walking, arm, and hand motion.
Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.
Exposure to dogs, cats and other animals of all sizes, temperaments, and medical status.
Ability to travel, including overnight stays, when needed.
Must have a valid driver's license for at least 3 years, ability to qualify to be added to Best Friends insurance.
Daily hours and days of the week may vary according to the needs of the department schedule; position includes weekends, nights, and holiday work.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading teams and implementing programs preferred but not required.
Bilingual or multi-lingual skills preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate kindness and the Golden Rule in our everyday actions by practicing inclusion and respect for every person for the value they bring to the table.
Be a role model for the spirit of authenticity, kindness and positive influence with each other, our visitors, and volunteers as well as to the animals every day. This includes listening, being present, being supportive of others and demonstrating compassion and curiosity in conflict.
Promote, coordinate, and facilitate foster program animal placements by matching foster parent volunteers with animals in need by providing superior customer service, foster pet counseling and ongoing medical and behavior support throughout.
Develop a general knowledge of the animals in Best Friends’ care; deliver superior customer service, assist adopters, fosters and transfer partners by gathering information to match them with appropriate animals, arranging introductions, pet to pet meets; acquiring/providing medical records, health certificates (when necessary), follow-ups as needed or required.
Support foster volunteer recruitment, engagement and retention opportunities to help expand Best Friends lifesaving capacity; introduce, recruit, and engage with local organizations, individuals, and stakeholders to develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships
Facilitate animal outcome opportunities for animals in foster, this includes adoptions, events and transport.
Coordinate logistics related to outcome opportunities, including but not limited to, animal selection, animal consultations, transport details and timelines, records management and scheduling.
Assist or oversee the creation of engaging content for social media platforms, to include creation and/or editing of written, video, and photo content.
Work collaboratively with other departments and marketing teams to identify engagement opportunities with social media and PR to support lifesaving outcomes and programmatic needs at the center.
Represent Best Friends in media relations when requested and ensure to maintain Best Friends’ voice across all communications.
Assist other teams in providing basic care such as feeding, cleaning, walking, and medicating animals housed or transported within Best Friends’ vehicles, buildings, or facilities; follow all policies and local standard operating procedures when completing daily functions to ensure health and safety standards are upheld.
Work collaboratively with and assist Best Friends’ team members in all areas of operations to develop, evolve, and implement efficient processes to achieve lifesaving goals; follow policies, procedures, and task lists, including accurate and timely communications, work completion, data entry, and recordkeeping.
Responsible for maintaining a safe workplace, valuing, and modeling safe work practices, adhering to organizational safety practices and rules, and communicating about unsafe practices and conditions.