Summary

The primary function of the Foster Coordinator is to oversee all aspects of the WVHS Foster Program. Critical functions of the Foster Coordinator include recruiting and onboarding fosters, matching animals with foster homes, and supporting and guiding fosters through the Foster Program to ensure that animals are being cared for, WVHS procedures are being followed, and animals are working their way through the system toward adoption. The Foster Coordinator is also responsible for other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Match fosters with animals needing fostering, with increased attention on placing animals who might be urgent, have special needs, or need creative placement.
• Maintain all databases and software to accurately reflect when any animal moves in and out of a foster home.
• Provide support to foster homes throughout the fostering experience.
• Recruit and onboard new fosters and provide additional training to specialized fosters.
• Ensure that the medical and marketing needs of animals in foster are being met.
• Monitor the progress of animals in foster care to ensure they are progressing toward adoption readiness. Work with long-stay animals to ensure maximum adoption potential and reduce length of stay (LOS).
• Address any issues with fosters who are not following WVHS procedures and oversee foster concerns and feedback.
• Oversee foster volunteer teams and ensure all team obligations and tasks are met.
• Innovate new programs, ideas, or improvements to grow and improve the Foster Program.
• Assist with foster animal euthanasia when necessary.
• As needed, fill in meaningful vacant (volunteer or paid) positions within WVHS until help is found.

Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• High School Graduate or equivalent.
• Excellent people management skills.
• Animal shelter and foster program experience preferred.
• Animal handling and care experience.
• Effective communication, customer service skills, and an ability to interact patiently and tactfully with a diverse foster base.
• Strong computer skills in Pet Point, MS Word, PowerPoint, and MS Excel.
• Basic understanding of shelter medicine and medical terminology.
• Demonstrate ability to express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to communicate clearly on the phone and electronically; spelling & grammar are essential.
• Ability to work harmoniously with other employees.
• Desire to serve the organization's mission to protect, educate and adopt.
• Ability to multitask and work in a high-traffic area.
• Self-motivated & Organized.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Emotional & Mental Requirements:
• Must be able to cope with death due to injury, illness, or euthanasia.
• Ability to rapidly and accurately process information.
• Ability to recognize a need for assistance and ask for help.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to cope with frustrating situations and remain calm and positive.

Other Requirements

• Have or be able to obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License
• Must pass a Washington State Patrol Background Check

Working Conditions Work may include irregular hours, shifts, and occasional weekends. It is a fast-paced environment that requires focus and project management and is a calming entity for people and animals experiencing stress.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Veterinary: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Wenatchee, WA 98801 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Wenatchee, WA 98801: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person