What are the responsibilities and job description for the Intake and Foster Coordinator position at Houston Humane Society?
Position Overview:
The Intake and Foster Coordinator supports the daily operations of both the animal intake and foster programs by coordinating admissions, managing foster placements, and ensuring animals move efficiently through the shelter while receiving appropriate care. This position serves as a key point of communication between staff, fosters, rescue partners, and the public, helping to create positive experiences while maintaining accurate records and supporting lifesaving outcomes. The Intake & Foster Coordinator works collaboratively across departments to match animals with appropriate foster homes, coordinate scheduled intakes, and ensure program policies and procedures are consistently followed.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Intake Coordination:
- Coordinate scheduled intake appointments
- Review intake documentation
- Maintain intake schedules
- Prioritize admissions based on capacity
- Coordinate with Medical and Behavior regarding incoming animals
- Maintain accurate records
- Foster Coordination:
- Recruit and onboard foster families
- Match animals to appropriate foster homes
- Coordinate foster needs and medical appointments
- Maintain regular communication
- Assist with adoption and return-to-shelter scheduling
- Support foster recruitment and retention initiatives
- General Responsibilities:
- Maintain a positive and professional presence in the work space
- Collaborate across departments
- Keep work areas organized
- Assist with transports as needed
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications and Skills:
- High School Diploma or GED
- One to two years of experience in an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, animal rescue, boarding facility, or other professional animal care environment is preferred
- Knowledge of safe animal handling techniques and basic animal health and behavior for dogs, cats, and other companion animals
- Able to handle a variety of breeds and species
- Excellent customer service and professional verbal and written communication skills
- Bilingual preferred but not required
- Proficient with Microsoft Office, Excel, email, and web-based software. Experience with shelter management software (ShelterLuv, Chameleon, PetPoint, etc.) preferred
- Must be available to work weekends, occasional evenings for special events, and additional hours as needed to support shelter operations during emergencies or disaster response
- Occasional after-hours communication with foster homes may be required to support urgent animal care needs
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multiple departments
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive situations
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic animal welfare environment
- Valid Texas Driver's License with an acceptable driving record
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation
- Comfortable handling dogs, cats, and occasionally other companion animals of varying sizes, ages, and temperaments