Foster Care Coordinator

Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center

Job Description

The Foster Care Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the Foster Care Program which includes providing quality care for all the pets in the foster care program. The Foster Care Coordinator also supports the mission of MSRPAC and provides high-quality service and leadership to individuals who participate in the foster program.

The ideal candidate for this job is resourceful, detail oriented, organized and has animal welfare and/or veterinary work background.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
• Coordinates movement of Center animals into foster care.
• Familiarity with basic veterinary care, including administering medications, parasite control, and understanding signs of illness or distress in animals.
• Ability to draw blood on dogs and cats as needed.
• Experience working with a variety of animal temperaments and breeds, including seniors, medical cases, and behaviorally challenged animals.
• Knowledge of disease prevention and shelter sanitation protocols, especially for foster homes.
• Monitors health and behavior of animals in foster care and reports findings to Director of Operations and Center Veterinarian.
• Always provide compassionate and quality patient care.
• Proficient in animal handling and restraint for various medical procedures.
• Monitor and administer all prescribed medication by a Veterinarian as needed.
• Coordinates spay/neuter surgeries with the spay/neuter clinic.
• Possess comprehensive knowledge of neonate kitten and puppy care, including the ability to bottle-feed and tube-feed when necessary; must be confident in training and supporting foster volunteers in these lifesaving techniques.
• Assisting Veterinary Assistants with medical duties as assigned, such as, but not limited to, medications, vaccines, treatment updates, surgery paperwork, surgery transport for resident cats and dogs.

Volunteer Coordination:
• In collaboration with the Volunteer Department, recruits foster care volunteers.
• Ability to match foster animals with appropriate foster homes based on medical, behavioral, and lifestyle needs.
• Ensure foster volunteers have adequate food, formula, equipment, supplies etc.
• Comfortable providing guidance to fosters via phone, email, or in-person—especially in urgent or stressful situations.
• Provide orientation materials to all foster volunteers plus coordinate training sessions as needed.
• Screen, interview and train foster volunteers.

Administrative:
• Serve as contact for all foster homes.
• Responsible for development and management of all MSRPAC foster volunteers and the animals they are caring for.
• Maintain records and conduct home visits (if necessary) of foster homes in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the MSRPAC
• Responsible for reviewing and updating foster written information, training material and records.
• Maintain database of foster volunteers.
• Develop monthly foster statistical information for MSRPAC records and volunteer department.
• Produce monthly newsletter for foster volunteers.
• Provide pictures and stories to the marketing department to promote the foster care program.

Other related duties as required.

Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree preferred, three years of management in animal welfare, previous shelter manager experience or equivalent work experience. Minimum two years of supervisory experience. Minimum two years of working with the public. Minimum requirement of a high school diploma.

Knowledge and Skills:
• Strong interpersonal skills. Must be able to relate and confer with the Executive Director, managers, and associate staff in a positive and constructive way; exercises good judgment when dealing with the public and when making decisions in the absence of the Executive Director.
• Ability to make sound judgments and work independently and in a team setting in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Experience in management, human resource administration, animal behavior and shelter operations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with veterinary teams, shelter staff, and volunteers.
• Compassionate and patient communicator who can educate fosters of varying experience levels.
• Comfortable handling sensitive or emotional conversations around medical or end-of-life decisions.
• Proven skills and attention to detail (effective record keeping ability).
• Ability to use sound judgment when dealing with confidential information.
• Support the mission of the MSRPAC Care and Adoption MSRPAC and be able to professionally advocate the MSRPAC’s position on issues.
• Knowledge of animal health, care and welfare and ability to work with animals.
• Strong animal handling skills.
• Knowledge of animal breeds and colors.
• Computer knowledge, experience with shelter software helpful. Basic computing skills (Microsoft Windows/Office environment).
• A “can do” team player attitude and willingness to go the extra mile.
• Ability to maintain composure in an often stressful and emotional work environment.

Other:
• Must be at least 21 years of age (required for insurance purposes); valid State Driver’s License and insurable driving record
• Able to lift 25 lbs.
• Attendance & Dependability – Is consistently at work and on time. Follows instructions and responds to management direction. Provides consistent, timely, high-quality work. Follows through on commitments. Uses time efficiently. Takes responsibility for own actions.
• Customer Service – Treats customers (internal and external) with respect and courtesy. Shows interest in, anticipates and responds timely to customer needs and concerns. Responds appropriately to and resolves difficult and emotional situations. Sees ways to improve service delivery. Demonstrates respect for opinions and ideas of others. Shows awareness of and sensitivity to cultural and individual values.
• Diversity – Enthusiastically works with all employees, regardless of race, gender, culture and/or age. Values contributions of people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ethics – Respects and maintains confidentiality. Tells the truth and is honest in all dealings. Avoids situations and actions considered inappropriate or which present a conflict of interest. Upholds organizational values. Does not misrepresent self or use position or authority for personal gain.
• Teamwork – Listens and responds constructively to others’ views. Gives and welcomes feedback. Provides assistance to others when they need it. Shares expertise. Acknowledges others’ effort and contribution. Puts the success of the team above own interests. Creates a positive work environment.
• Must be able to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear, stoop, bend, squat, kneel, grasp, grip, put fingers together firmly and reach above shoulder level and lift, push or pull 50 lbs for situations of restraining or moving animals and lifting food and animal care supplies, repetitively use hands to operate computers; flex the neck upward and downward; twist the next and the waist.
• Work is completed within an office within an animal shelter, must be comfortable with excessive noise and barking
At the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center, we embrace a culture of philanthropy—where every team member, regardless of role, plays a part in advancing our mission. All employees are expected to support this spirit by positively representing our work, participating in fundraising efforts, and helping foster meaningful relationships with our supporters.

Participation in our two major fundraising events—Walk with the Animals and Barktoberfest—is a companywide expectation. These events are crucial to funding our lifesaving work, and we count on every staff member’s support. All employees, regardless of position, are expected to contribute their time and talents unless alternate arrangements are made in advance with their supervisor.

As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a culture of philanthropy, all staff members are expected to actively contribute to the organization’s fundraising efforts. This may include soliciting donations, participating in fundraising events, and helping promote initiatives that support our mission. Staff will have the opportunity to be recognized for their involvement in key fundraising activities. We encourage all employees to engage in these efforts and work together to advance the success of our programs.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Job Description Disclaimer
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. Duties may change at any time with or without notice as business needs evolve.

Animal Welfare Work Environment
This position may involve direct contact with animals of varying temperaments and medical conditions. Employees must be comfortable working in an environment where humane euthanasia may occur and where exposure to pet dander, waste, cleaning agents, and zoonotic diseases is possible. Physical requirements may include lifting up to 50 pounds, standing for extended periods, and handling animals safely and compassionately.

All employees are expected to support the mission, vision, and values of the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center, including a commitment to animal welfare, lifesaving work, and community engagement. A deep sense of compassion, emotional resilience, and a team-oriented mindset are essential to success in this role.

This is a full time job