Job Description: Foster Coordinator

Overview of Job:

This position is responsible for providing exceptional customer service and care for our community. Areas of responsibility include but not limited to recruiting, developing and maintaining a dynamic foster client base while managing the movement of animals from shelter to foster care to adoption. Promotes teamwork and maintains an optimistic attitude all while assisting in intake, surrender of animals, lost and found, return to owner, and adoptions. This diverse role also includes educating the public regarding humane pet ownership, humane law and regulations, and the overall services and resources offered by the Louisiana SPCA.

Success Criteria & Essential Skills:

• Strong communicator both verbally and written, with an analytical mind to prepare, analyze and evaluate outcomes and results.  
• Educate clients regarding spay/neuter and general animal maintenance.
• Supports teamwork and possesses an optimistic attitude by being cooperative, flexible, and helpful with all departments.
• Remains alert and aware of animal behavior and physical condition for client and employee safety. Ensures animals are handled humanely and appropriately by clients, employees and volunteers.
• Customer orientation and the ability to adapt/respond to different types of situations.
• Ensure that all foster volunteers receive any necessary supplies for an animal in their care and that volunteers are well informed about the animal they will be fostering.
• Check in with foster families regularly and update staff/volunteers with any important information.
• Keep track of the length of time an animal is in foster care and work with other CAST members to create a plan for animals who have spent their allotted time in that particular home.
• Promote and encourage all foster families to attend upcoming offsite adoption events/opportunities with their foster animal.
• Knowledgeable in various departments and programs.
• Treats all animals humanely, properly, and with compassion at all times; regardless of the situation or circumstance. Promotes a humane and caring attitude towards all animals.
• Maintains confidentiality at all times.
• Performs all other duties as necessary and required.
• Work courteously and cooperatively with other staff members and volunteers
• Attends all training and animal handling classes

Education and/or Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor’s degree or some college preferred

Minimum Qualifications, Skills and Knowledge:

• Must be able to pass a criminal background check and pre-employment substance screening
• Excellent organizational and collaborative skills.
• Highly competent in Microsoft Office
• Expected to work extended hours as needed as this position is part of the core team in Storm & Emergency Response situations. This requires the ability to work weekends and maintains a 24 hr. on call status.
• Proficient in mediating disputes, conflicts and grievances.
• Must have (or be able to obtain) a valid State of Louisiana driver’s license
• Ability to multi task and detail oriented
• Mental and physical flexibility is a must.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds; push and pull heavy objects; bend, twist, reach; perform strenuous physical activities including frequent walking and running, standing, bending and stooping. 
• Should not be allergic to animals or nuts; must be able to work around all animals and nut products.
• Must be able to work with industrial strength cleaners and disinfectants.

Working Conditions:

• Works in an area with a high noise level. 
• Potentially subject to animal bites and scratches.

Benefits include but not limited to:

• Health Insurance, Life Insurance, 401K match
• Qualification and assistance for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• 168 hours PTO and 14 paid holidays
• Mentorship and supportive team environment