Foster Coordinator

Title:                                        Foster Coordinator

Department:                          Sharonville

Position Reports to:               Shelter Operations Manager

FLSA Status:                            Non-Exempt

Purpose of Position: 

Responsibilities:

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  Employees are required to follow any other job related duties assigned by their supervisor.  This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.  We reserve the right to change its contents at any time.

Job Description

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  Maintain a current database of foster network, as well as animals’ locations and identifications, and reasons for animals in care


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  When a need arises, contact a foster based on their preference and availability


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  Keep an accurate schedule of pick up and drop off times for the foster animals


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  Assist Animal Health Technicians with keeping accurate medical records of foster animals


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  Provide full disclosure to fosters regarding animal’s known health or behavioral issues


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  Recruit, interview and screen foster volunteers


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  Process applications and contact applicant within two business days


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  Gather supplies needed by foster and have it ready by the time of animal pick up


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  Act as liaison between foster and SPCA Cincinnati, Service as main contact for all foster homes


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  Schedule/manage foster animals for proper vaccine and health check ups


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  Have the capability to thrive in a fast-paced, high stress environment


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  Enter participants in database and PetPoint


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  Work with Animal Health Technicians to determine animal’s return date


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  Correspond with foster as needed


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  Communicate with fosters prior to, during, and post foster experience


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  Adjust their preferences as needed


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  Send out Foster Questionnaire 4-7 days post animal placement


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  Respond quickly in time of need or emergency


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  Promote program with volunteers, adopters and visitors at SPCA Cincinnati


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  Communicate with fosters who have adopted or taken a leave of absence


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  Coordinate with Shelter Operations Manager with spay/neuter of foster animal


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  Monitor health and behavior of animals in foster care and report findings to shelter operations manager.

Physical Requirements:

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  Sitting for extended periods of time.


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  Lifting and handling animals of varying sizes and breeds, bending, stooping and walking on a daily basis. Up to 50lbs of weight or more.


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  Must have the physical ability to walk/maneuver a large dog


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  Must be able to move around the facility/grounds assisting fosters and customers


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  Must have the mental and visual ability to read and interpret PetPoint


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  Ability to effectively and safely handle a variety of animals


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  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to reach or feel, climb, balance, stoop, kneel and crouch.

General Responsibilities:

• Set a professional standard


• Lead by example


• Make decisions about everyday occurrences


• Perform other duties and tasks as required


• Be enthusiastic and caring about improving the lives of domestic animals


• Provide accurate information and friendly professional service to the public and to coworkers in a responsive, positive, courteous, truthful and tactful manner


• Regular and timely attendance.

Safety:

• Follow all established safety procedures and protocols


• Inform supervisor of potentially unsafe work conditions, procedures, or other areas where safety of animals or people may be compromised


• Perform all duties in the prescribed manner and assure the safety of oneself and others

Competencies

Competencies are work behaviors and expectations necessary for successful job performance.  They encompass knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes and actions.  Organizational competencies apply to all jobs at the SPCA Cincinnati, position competencies are specific to this position.

Organizational Competencies

• Accountability                         Attention to Detail                  Decision Making


• Flexibility                                 Initiative                                  Integrity


• Leadership                              Managing Resources              Result Oriented


• Teamwork                               Technical Expertise                 Time Management

Conditions of Employment

• Conditions of employment include working under adverse conditions such as inclement weather and noise with daily exposure to infectious diseases, parasites, animals that are dead, sick, injured, unruly, and animal waste in a physically and emotionally demanding environment.

People Care

People are key to fulfilling our mission.  Making internal and external patrons and their needs a primary focus is expected in all situations.  The position interacts with and collaborates with employees at all levels of the organization.  Communication occurs through face to face, telephone and electronic interactions and many also include contact with the general public and Society business partners.  Communication and contact must be clear, understandable, cooperative, professional and respectful in all circumstances.  Employees are expected to actively support a positive team environment, directly address conflict and appropriately express concerns.

Job Requirements

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  Minimum of 2 years experience with either animal handling, husbandry, care training, etc. High School diploma or GED required


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  Confidence in handling timid, fearful animals


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  Proficiency in Microsoft Office (1 yr. preferred) and PetPoint


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  Customer service experience


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  Must have a valid driver’s license


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  The Foster Coordinator will be required to work Saturdays


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  The Foster Coordinator will be required to work outside occasionally and may be exposed to the elements.


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  Treat Animals humanely, with compassion and concern both on and off the job, and transmit these values to others.


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  Must be able to work independently and be self-motivated


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  Willingness to attend training programs to upgrade skill level

SPCA Cincinnati reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises and as business requires.  This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.