Foster Care Manager

BENEFITS:

• Health, dental, vision and more 


• 3 weeks paid time off + 10 paid holidays 

• 403b with employer match 

• Check out our full list of benefits and perks HERE 

Non-Exempt role - Starting Wage: $33.50-$36.50 / hour 

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Foster Care Manager position is a management role responsible for oversight of the Foster Care Program. The manager is responsible for ensuring high quality care of these pets, overseeing program changes, and development of new foster initiatives. The Manager is the direct supervisor of the Foster Care Coordinators and provides coverage and guidance. The Foster Care Manager also oversees our SPOT Program, working with Foster Coordinators for day-today operations and overseeing program development and expansion. The Manager is also the direct supervisor for all Foster Volunteers; a group of around 700 active households. This position works closely with all team and department leaders to support the mission, goals, and long-term plans of Seattle Humane. This position also requires a high level of communication skill and empathy.

KEY OR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Manages population of animals in foster care in order to provide high quality individualized care 


• Communicates with other program leadership for pathway planning and population management


• Oversee the day to day operations of the SPOT Program


• Reviews foster program and SPOT program procedures to create efficiency and opportunities for growth

• Sets foster priorities and capacity goals with input from other operational teams and the Senior Operations Manager; Adoption, Foster, Shelter Care

• Oversees the program’s on and off campus volunteers in order to support the needs of the current and projected animal population and the staff team 

• Advances team goals by focusing on strategic recruitment, retention, and advancement of volunteers 

• Creates training plans, materials, and tracking processes for volunteers in order to meet the needs of the population of pets needing foster 

• Oversees the staff training and specialization opportunities 

• Oversees special projects and events that involve foster care 

• Prepares monthly reports and/or other data requested


• Creates and updates SOPS and Process documents as needed 


• Fills in on coordinator tasks as needed to provide coverage 

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS: 

• Maintains appropriate files and records. Adheres to the files and records retention policy and procedures.  

• Provides Manager on Duty coverage 

• Supports other staff teams as needed 

• Submits division budget requests; follows established annual budget amounts for assigned division accounts. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

• Staff: Direct supervision of Foster Coordinators.  

• Volunteers: Direct supervision of all foster care volunteer positions and Foster Program Volunteers

COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACT: 

• Daily close collaboration and communication with staff from Shelter Care, Foster Care, Behavior, Veterinary Services, Admissions, Adoptions, and Marketing. 

• Daily communication with all other staff teams regarding animal flow and planning. 

• Daily communication with Coordinators 

• Regular written and verbal communication with the Senior Leadership Team and other management team members 


• Daily communication with members of the public

• Constant communication with team volunteers. 

• Regular contact with volunteers from various departments.  

• Represents Seattle Humane in a professional manner. 

• Commits to valuing diversity and contributes to an inclusive working environment that is sensitive to other opinions, culture, and perspectives. 

COMPLEXITY: 

Management roles require balancing organizational needs with team capacity. Needs to show good analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills. Supervisory roles include coaching and feedback based on the individual’s needs and style. A high degree of independent judgment is required.  The nature of the job will vary. Must be able to supervise and coordinate staff and volunteers and remain focused on the agency goals and objectives.  A strong attention to detail and the ability to respond to unexpected questions, comments or requests from other divisions or the public is required. Must be able to maintain concentration on a task or series of tasks while dealing with frequent interruptions. Must be able to train new staff and adjust plans as appropriate based on the individual. Must be able to work well without direct supervision.  The ability to motivate, negotiate and mediate is important when handling a variety of personalities and emotions. A manager who is open to learning new management methods and skills as well curiosity about changes and progress in the industry is desired. 

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION OR TRAINING: 

• Must have at least 2 years working in an animal welfare setting


• Must have 1 year supervisory or managerial experience


• Must have excellent oral communication skills   

• Must be able to write clearly and listen effectively 

• Must possess the organizational and planning skills to determine work priorities and schedules 

• Must have experience working with volunteers and members of the public


• Must be able to complete Mental First Aid Certification

• Experience managing a budget preferred 

• At least one year employment at an animal shelter or related professional experience handling animals is preferred 

• Basic knowledge of animal health, behavior and nutrition 

• Basic knowledge of Word and Excel; must be familiar with Outlook environment, internet use and e-mail;  experience with databases and data entry helpful 

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:          

• High school graduate or GED required  

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:  

• Communicates clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing 

• Comfortable administering medications and injections 

• Can solve problems and make clear decisions quickly 

• Has good attention to detail 

• Produces accurate work despite frequent interruptions  

• Negotiates, organizes, and manages multiple and complex projects 

• Focuses on strategic goals and objectives and how they impact daily work  

• Is sensitive to other opinions, perspectives or cultures  

• Offers excellent customer service (internal and external)  

• Can have difficult conversations with staff and volunteers regarding placement and euthanasia in a sensitive manner  

• Comfortable in dealing with angry, confused, distraught and/or upset people 

• Exhibits initiative and motivation in performing all duties  

• With or without accommodation has good senses of hearing, vision, and smell (to distinguish between various odors) 

• With or without accommodation stands for long periods of time and walks quickly 

• With or without accommodation can have good dexterity and reflexes especially when restraining or moving an animal 

• May lift and carry at least 50 pounds with or without accommodation; crouch and bend at the waist and kneel; must be able to control dogs up to 200 pounds when on a leash  

WORKING CONDITIONS:  

General office and animal shelter environment.  When handling animals, there is a potential of animal bites, exposure to zoonotic diseases, animal dander and noise.  Potential for working with angry or irate customers. Involves entering and leaving work areas alone before sunrise and after sunset.  

Equipment Used: Personal computer and printer, applicable software, office supplies, multi-lined telephone, copier, safety boots, hearing protection, eye protection, respirators, gloves, animal leashes, clothes washer and dryer, broom, mop, hoses and nozzle, sprayers, scrapers, squeegees and animal dryers.   

Work Hours: Full-time non-exempt position. 40 hours per week scheduled, five days a week. Schedule may vary depending on coverage by other department staff, holidays, or emergencies. Requires regular on-call after hours availability for Foster Emergency Line calls. 

LOCATION: 

The position works in an onsite capacity, in the Bellevue, WA office.  

SEATTLE HUMANE CORE VALUES: 

Candidate should be committed to Seattle Humane’s Core Values: 

Collaboration

Compassion

Accessibility

Respect

Adaptability

WHO WE ARE: 

Seattle Humane is more than a shelter; we’re a community resource center. We're meeting the increasing need for pet owner support services so that families don't have to choose between an overdue bill and a beloved family member. We're training the next generation of veterinarians in our state-of-the-art medical center. We're building a community of animal advocates through our volunteer and youth education programs. The impact of Seattle Humane is life-changing, for the animals in our care and the people who love them. Our top priority is to connect animals in need of rescue with the people who will love them. Through our outreach, advocacy and services, we strive to ensure that animal companionship is accessible to all. 

Equal Opportunity Statement

As an equal opportunity employer, Seattle Humane is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.