JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Foster Care Coordinator
Department: Shelter
Classification: Full time, hourly, non-exempt
Job Relationship: Reports to Animal Wellness & Flow Supervisor. Works closely with Intake Associates, Clinic staff, and Volunteers. Oversees Foster Associate.
Position Summary: Responsible for the placement and monitoring of shelter animals into temporary foster homes.
Essential Job Functions:
Foster Program Coordination
- Coordinates timely transfer of shelter animals into the appropriate foster home in accordance with APL policy and the volunteer’s skill level and availability
- Ensures compliance with foster procedures and that animals are receiving proper medical treatment and follow-up, are being socialized properly and making progress in their rehabilitation.
- Ensures animals are returned to the shelter in an efficient manner
- Maintains medical and behavioral records of animals in the foster program, monitors the progress of animals while in foster and ensures compliance with APL and program guidelines.
- Schedules foster volunteers for follow-up medical and surgical appointments.
- Ensures all foster animals are examined, vaccinated, and medicated as needed and per APL protocol.
- Provides input for animal disposition; makes recommendations for foster (medical or behavioral rehabilitation), adoption, transfer, or euthanasia
- Compiles program statistics and prepares detailed monthly reports.
- Carries APL cell phone for 24-hour reachability by foster parents with emergency situations.
Oversees foster associate and coordinates work assignments
- Directly oversees work assignment of foster associate and ensures completion of work as assigned. Alerts supervisor to any performance or attendance concerns.
- Schedules associate to ensure adequate coverage.
- Orients new associate and ensures he/she is trained and coached to a level necessary to achieve the APL’s mission and goals. Coaches associate by providing regular, ongoing feedback and training.
- Provides input to Animal Admissions Supervisor to resolve staff issues and completes performance evaluations
- Promotes teamwork, communication, and cooperation between APL departments; ensures staff provide high-quality, positive interactions with clients and co-workers.
- Monitors safety compliance of staff and volunteers.
- Ensures that policies and procedures are being followed.
Provides professional client, volunteer, and staff care
- Represents the APL in a professional and courteous manner at all times. Provides quality service to customers, volunteers, and staff recognizing their individual contributions to the success of our organization
- Recruits and trains foster volunteers to ensure animal care meets APL standards
- Educates foster volunteers on proper animal care; conducts educational training sessions and advises volunteers on foster policies, expectations, and frequently asked questions
- Provides prompt customer service to foster volunteers
- Actively promotes the APL programs and events to clients and volunteers
- Refers clients to appropriate staff for service
- Actively solicits donations from clients, assists with accepting in-kind donations
Department Maintenance
- Responsible for department’s work areas, supplies, and inventory. Works with supervisor and Volunteer Manager to secure supplies and donations for program. Orders supplies as necessary.
- Maintains records for the foster program; maintains statistical information and other data in order to measure program success. Prepares reports and submits other information as requested
- Participates in the further development of the foster program and seeks ways to promote the program
- Maintains a healthy and safe environment for animals and people
Performs other duties as assigned including but not limited to:
- Informs supervisor of special needs cases for potential public relations or direct mail pieces
- Opens and closes shelter as needed
- Performs other duties and special projects as assigned; participates on special committees as needed
Qualifications
- Registered Veterinary Technician or equivalent work experience
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum one year customer service experience
- Minimum one year program coordination experience
- Minimum one year supervisory experience strongly preferred
- Accurate typing and data entry skills
- Highly dependable
- Ability to read and understand instructions
- Euthanasia certified or the ability to become euthanasia certified within 6 months of employment; willing to perform euthanasia
- Able to work with animals, disinfectants, and cleaning supplies
- Able to perform physical work: scrubbing, mopping, bending, lifting, walking and standing for up to 10 hours a day, lifting up to 50 pounds with assistance
- Must possess an Ohio’s driver’s license with an insurable driving record
- Internal applicants currently in good standing
Knowledge and Skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a variety of people
- Ability to use a computer, working in a windows environment
- Ability to create and maintain statistical reports
- Knowledge of animal breed, behavior, and handling
- Knowledge of animal health, and able to identify illness
- Familiarity with veterinary medical terminology
- Knowledge of medical and behavioral challenges specific to an animal shelter strongly preferred
- Excellent communication skills and ability to use good judgment.
- Detail oriented and able to prioritize and perform duties efficiently and effectively with an adequate amount of independence
- Committed to maintaining the Cleveland Animal Protective League’s high standard of animal care and mission to foster compassion and end animal suffering
