Responsibilities Include:
- Recruiting and providing ongoing training to foster volunteers on all aspects of high-quality animal care including observation of health or behavioral changes, enrichment, and fear-free handling.
- Clearly communicating any medical or behavioral needs of the animal to the foster family.
- Ensuring the placement of Anderson animals urgently needing foster into appropriate foster homes
- Confirming that all animals in foster receive medications and vaccinations in a timely manner and attend scheduled appointments with Anderson’s clinic
- Coordinating the logistics of placing animals into the foster home between Anderson staff and foster families
- Administer microchips and vaccinations to foster population
- Communicating the health and behavior status of foster animals to appropriate staff as needed
- Quickly and competently responding to foster families’ requests for assistance
- Ensuring volunteers know and adhere to guidelines in the Foster Manual, updating as necessary.
- Other duties as assigned
Other expectations:
- Thorough understanding of common illnesses of dogs and cats
- A deep appreciation of the importance of respect for all life and a desire to model this behavior at all times when dealing with animals as well as other people
- Knowledge of and support for Anderson’s mission/vision, and desire to advance the organization through strong customer relations
- Can clearly, concisely, and effectively communicate both verbally (in-person and over the phone) and in writing
- Attends all-staff and manager meetings
Education/Skills:
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred. Previous foster care coordinator experience or equivalent professional experience is a plus
- Bilingual Spanish fluency and open availability will be given preference
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
- Strong organizational skills
- Must have a valid IL driver’s license
Work Environment:
- Possible shared office/cubicle space
- Exposure to animals and high noise levels
- Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, animal bites, and scratches
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to walk, sit, stand, and/or endure occasional periods of high activity in all weather conditions
- Strength and willingness to work with domestic animals of a variety of sizes and temperaments
- Physical ability and willingness to work with domestic and wild animals with a wide variety of temperaments and species
