Dog Foster Coordinator

Responsible for coordinating the Foster Care Program.  Recruit foster volunteers.  Teach feeding and care techniques to foster volunteers.  Conduct home visits.  Maintain database of foster information and produce reports as needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Recruit, interview and select volunteers for the Dog Foster Program.  Coordinate with the Volunteer Coordinator as volunteers express foster interest.
• Coordinate with Kennel Supervisors to identify foster matches.  Meet dogs and evaluate personalities and special needs.
• Conduct home visits as part of the foster volunteer evaluation process.  Document inspections as required by Department of Agriculture regulations.
• Assist in developing training materials – manuals, videos, etc. – to be used in foster training.
• Schedule and conduct foster training classes – bottle feeding, administering medications, house training, socializing, etc.
• Counsel foster volunteers.  Answer questions, provide additional training and support as needed.  Stay connected to short- and long-term fosters with follow-up phone calls, emails and visits.  Maintain connection even when volunteers are not housing an animal.
• Coordinate with Animal Behavior Specialist when fosters need assistance with animal behavior issues.
• Maintain and update records.  Produce reports as requested.
• Work with Veterinary staff to schedule vaccines, surgery, appointments, etc.  Provide appointment information to foster volunteers and follow-up if appointments are missed.  Reschedule as needed.
• If a foster dog is adopted (by the foster or another applicant) input all information necessary for the adoption into the computer system.  Print out all necessary paperwork for the adoption and must have the adopter sign the adoption contract.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorilyKnowledge of animal behavior, habits, and husbandry.
• Animal handling skills for large and small animals.
• Considerable knowledge of animal welfare programs.
• Compassion for animals and owners
• Passion for serving the community
• Ability to prepare and maintain routine work records and reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Must be available to work on weekends.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a shelter or kennel.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Employee must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.  Must be able to read and comprehend complex instructions, policies, procedures and regulations. 

REASONING ABILITY

Must have the ability to explain and interpret a vast array of information and verify that the subordinate staff comprehends instructions given whether written or verbal.  Employee must be flexible enough to look at situations from the perspective of another.  Must be able to make decisions and take appropriate actions calmly in emergency and life threatening situations.   Must be able to determine when emergency medical care is needed and administer basic first aid when needed.  Must manage the staff fairly, effectively and efficiently and be a model for what you expect from your staff.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Valid Georgia driver’s license and ability to meet insurance underwriting guidelines required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to loud noises and unpleasant sights and odors.  Employee may have to handle sick, injured, stray, diseased or vicious animals.