Transfer & Foster Program Specialist

The Animal Foundation•Las Vegas, NV

About The Position

The Transfer & Foster Program Specialist supports the Foster and Transfer Program Coordinators and team by helping animals move efficiently through the shelter process and into foster care or transfer-partner placements. The role provides service and support to animals, foster care providers, transfer partners, colleagues, volunteers, and other guests while following The Animal Foundation’s policies and procedures. The specialist gathers and shares animal photos, videos, behavioral information, and other details; assists with placement and paperwork; and supports foster events, field trips, walk-in foster placements, and animal returns. The position also provides guidance, training, and ongoing support to foster providers, performs administrative and clerical work, and builds positive community relationships. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver’s license held for at least three years with an acceptable driving history. Animal welfare or shelter experience is preferred. Work involves frequent lifting or moving of materials up to 50 pounds and occasional lifting up to 75 pounds. Team members are continuously exposed to animals, animal waste, pet dander, peanut butter, cleaning chemicals, high noise, potentially hazardous conditions including animal bites, and occasional outdoor work in cold or extremely hot temperatures. The role also requires the ability to work in a typical office environment and use a computer for extended periods.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid driver’s license held for a minimum of three years and an acceptable driving history.
General knowledge of companion animal care, welfare, behavior, breeds, and species.
Knowledge of animal health, nutrition, and humane care.
Knowledge of guest-service principles and effective interpersonal skills for working with team members, volunteers, and the public in person, in writing, and by telephone.
Correct understanding, speaking, and writing of business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Ability to follow established guidelines, protocols, and standard operating procedures.
Ability to contribute effectively to team or work-unit goals, objectives, and activities.
Ability to foster public relations beneficial to the organization and its programs.
Ability to demonstrate concern for people’s and animals’ welfare and treat them with respect.
Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with team members, volunteers, and the general public and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to work calmly and efficiently under pressure and without close supervision.
Advanced animal-handling abilities, particularly with cats and dogs.
Ability to gather, compile, and maintain accurate information and records.
Physical ability and mobility to work in a typical office environment; strength to lift or move up to 50 pounds frequently and 75 pounds occasionally; vision to read printed materials; stamina to work at a computer for extended periods; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or by telephone.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in an animal welfare or animal shelter setting is preferred.
An equivalent combination of formal education and appropriate related experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Promote animal welfare by working with medical and behavioral teams to assess animals’ needs and make decisions in the best interests of the animals and The Animal Foundation.
Gather firsthand photos, videos, and behavioral information for selected animals and prepare information to share with foster providers and transfer partners.
Assist with placing animals with transfer partners and foster care providers in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
Ensure approved transfer partners and foster providers have current paperwork on file.
Lead team members and volunteers during scheduled Foster Events, assist with animal placements and outcomes, schedule returns, and educate foster parents.
Provide foster providers with appropriate information, training, ongoing assistance, and support.
Facilitate Field Trip appointments and walk-ins in the adoption building, help guests find suitable animals, handle treatments needed before animals leave, and explain Field Trip procedures.
Facilitate walk-in fosters in the clinic, with emphasis on neonatal kitten placement; help guests select appropriate animals, handle required treatments, explain procedures for animals’ individual situations, and provide return exams for kittens returning to the shelter for adoption.
Perform timely administrative and clerical duties, including monitoring department reports and communicating with internal departments and community members in person, by telephone, and by email.
Provide information and assistance to internal colleagues and high-quality customer service to internal and external guests.
Build positive community relationships based on trust, respect, and care for people and pets.
Contribute suggestions and participate as an active member of a work team to improve organizational service and efficiency.
Provide responsive, meaningful, and compassionate service to all guests.
Perform other duties as assigned.