Foster Care Specialist

Job Summary

Coordinate care and placement of foster pets into foster homes. Maintain database of Foster Caregivers for Animal Humane New Mexico’s Foster Care program, while adhering to the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

Responsibilities

· Maintain professionalism and courtesy when working with all Animal Humane staff & Foster Caregivers.

· Counsel potential foster families to make selections/placements of foster pet(s).

· Schedule, confirm, and complete exams, boosters, pick-ups, and returns of pets; triage emergent exams and diagnostics, and delegate tasks to assigned Animal Care Attendant(s) as needed.

· Responsible for running booster list report on a weekly basis.

· Maintain foster family database by updating information as needed and ensuring proper organization of Foster Care families.

· Responsible for phone, office, and email reception duties, while demonstrating respectful communication, sound marketing, and public relations skills in oral, written, and e-blast formats

· Handle pets safely and humanely at all times.

· Gather and assemble supply packets for pets being sent into foster care.

· Maintain a safe and sanitary environment in all areas of Animal Humane, with emphasis on the Foster Care Building, for all pets and people.

· Responsible for running, compiling, and distributing Daily Count Report.

· Assist, direct, and support onsite volunteers in cleaning, feeding, and housekeeping tasks.

· Work with assigned Animal Care Attendants to complete all tasks on Daily and Weekly task lists, assigned by Senior Shelter Care Manager.

· Assist the Animal Care team as needed with morning cleaning or admissions appointments.

· Responsible for husbandry, medicating, and understanding/executing basic medical treatments as directed for pets housed in the Foster Care office and pets in foster homes.

· Recognize signs of illness and initiate treatment according to written protocols.

· Accurately identify breeds, ages, and sexes of pets.

· Responsible for collection of urine, fecal, and blood samples.

· Must be able to manage emotional aspect of end-of-life services and humane euthanasia.

· Assist with inventory stocking and rotation.

· Organization and planning of volunteer appreciation events and other annual events.

· Assist Senior Shelter Care Manager to compile monthly, quarterly and yearly data tracking reports.

· Approve and accommodate foster-aged pets for transfer from outside organizations.

· Provide content to Animal Humane’s Marketing Team for social media streams to optimize effective messaging and promote growth of foster program.

· Organization and planning of volunteer appreciation events and other annual events.

· Other tasks and duties as assigned by Senior Shelter Care Manager.

Job Conditions

Indoor/Outdoor facility often exposed to the elements. The job includes both seated office duties as well as animal management activities, which may include handling animals that are irritable or excited. This includes pets that may weigh over fifty (50) pounds. Some of the work is done standing, kneeling, walking, and bending. Urine and feces are often present, as are a variety of hazardous chemical agents. Workers may be exposed to animal bites, various viruses, needles, and other sharp objects, and regularly exposed to strong and pungent odors. Monday through Friday work schedule with possibility of working independently depending on foster pet capacity.

Contacts

Animal Care Attendants, Animal Care Managers, Senior Shelter Care Manager, Shelter Medical Director, Director of Veterinary Operations, veterinary doctors, volunteers, foster caregivers, co-workers, and the public.

Job Requirements

Education

High school education or GED required. Basic computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite required. Graduate of animal health/technician school preferred.

Experience

At least two (2) years working with animals in a professional setting, or two years educational experience to substitute) preferred. A minimum of two years direct supervisory experience to include a working knowledge of management practices. At least one year working with the public in a professional setting preferred. Intermediate experience in using Microsoft Office Suite preferred.

Skills and Abilities

Demonstrable oral and written English communication skills required, with Spanish communication skills highly desirable. Demonstratable computer, phone, and data entry skills. Animal handling and restraint skills required. Must be able to lift thirty-five (35) pounds unassisted and over 35 pounds with assistance regularly. Must be able to solve practical problems and deal with variables in deadline-driven situations. Must have a working knowledge of animal behavior, handling, and restraint. Must have an awareness of safety issues inherent in an environment in which animal bites/scratches pose a risk. Must exhibit a compassionate regard for pets and people.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20