The Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) is seeking an enthusiastic and organized professional for the role of Foster Care Coordinator .

If you are a compassionate, motivated team player who is dedicated to supporting animals in crisis and connecting people and pets in our community, this is the job for you!

This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing the Foster Program. The foster program connects animals in need with generous volunteers who lend their homes and hearts to providing a safe haven for pets, pending placement in a permanent home.

This is critical in giving more animals a second chance at an amazing life. This position will provide high quality service and support to individuals who participate in the foster or rescue program.

The Foster Care Coordinator works within the Animal Care unit under the supervision of the Animal Care Manager.

This is a regular, full-time position with a current end date of December 31, 2025.

ABOUT US

The Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) is part of the department of FAS. FAS is often the public's first interaction with the City of Seattle, operating as a customer-focused front door that assists with everything from paying utilities or reporting a pothole to requesting public information or even adopting a new pet.

The 450-plus employees of FAS span across 10 divisions and work behind-the-scenes providing critical functions, like managing 120 City facilities including police and fire stations coordinating logistics and emergency management and making sure minority-owned businesses can equitably compete for City contracts.

FAS is a collaborative workplace with collective accountability to promote equity, respect, civility, integrity, inclusiveness, and fairness for all employees.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct needs assessments, evaluate foster programs, and develop plans to expand and diversify volunteer base.
• Design and implement a detailed plan for year-round recruitment of all segments of the community.
• Actively promote, support, and provide guidance to foster volunteers in order to move animals out of Seattle Animal Shelter with an emphasis on length of stay (LOS).
• Create and implement a system for marketing pets from foster homes and ensure that it is working efficiently for all involved.
• Recruit, interview, and match volunteers with program opportunities; assess animal handling skill level with multiple species;

provide onboarding, orientation and training on program objectives and expectations.

• Create and / or update training manuals and other materials regularly to ensure appropriate levels of training are received and maintained.
• Work with foster team leads and / or relevant staff to ensure fosters have adequate training and there is appropriate animal placement into foster homes based on animals’ medical and / or behavioral needs.
• Work with shelter behaviorist, veterinarians, and foster team leads to ensure medical and behavioral needs are being met for all animals in foster care, including appointment scheduling and transportation.
• Develop and implement foster program objectives, goals, and work plans.
• Research, review, create and / or update foster program policies and procedures regularly to ensure that the system is working efficiently and barriers to participation are low.
• Coordinate and organize outreach activities and events related to foster recruitment or advocacy, with the community, local rescues, and businesses.
• Promote the development of partnerships for foster programs as they relate to SAS goals and mission.
• Ensure clear communications exist for medical and behavioral needs when relevant, and that adoption processes are consistent with shelter practice.
• Plan and organize foster volunteer recognition and appreciation and other special events.
• Maintain current volunteer records and database using the Volgistics program and complete other administrative duties supporting the shelter’s foster programs.
• Maintain all animal records in PetPoint database.
• Collect and compile data and statistics for reporting and / or to make recommendations on program activities and goals.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications :

• Two (2) years of college coursework in personnel, recreation, social services, public administration, or related discipline; AND
• Two (2) years of experience in personnel, social service, or recreation program to include six (6) months in coordinating a volunteer program.

Or a combination of training and / or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class.

One year of relevant experience is equivalent to two years of relevant education.)

Other Requirements :

A valid Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

• Able to work with and interact with multiple species of animals.
• Prior experience working or volunteering at an animal shelter or animal rescue particularly related to the foster program.
• Prior experience working with animals displaying behavior issues in a municipal shelter environment.
• Prior experience with high profile, public facing agency.
• Certification or formal training in volunteer management.
• Prior experience conducting community outreach.
• Experience using Volgistics and Petpoint.
• Experience creating handbooks, training manuals and other program materials.
• Prior experience recruiting, conducting interviews and or staffing.
• Exceptional written and verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, planning and coordination skills.
• Proven ability to exercise good judgment and problem solve.
• Multilingual skills.

Work Environment

This position requires full-time onsite work.

Additional Information

This position is classified as a Volunteer Program Coordinator. It is Civil Service represented, FLSA non-exempt and is eligible for overtime.

The full range for this step-progression position is $33.14 - $38.57 per hour.

Application Process

Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. You must submit the following items to be considered for this position no later than 4 : 00pm Pacific Time on the scheduled closed date .

• Completed NEOGOV online application.
• Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
• Current resume indicating relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and education.

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and / or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Applications and / or Supplemental Questionnaires that state see my resume or see my personnel file are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

PLEASE NOTE : This job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Background Check : Applicants must successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.

17. Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.

Why work at the City of Seattle ?

The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same.

To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at : https : / / www.seattle.gov / human-resources / benefits / employees-and-covered-family-members / most-employees-plans

Who May Apply : This position is open to all current City employees that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy.

The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Last updated : 2024-05-01