Summary: The Foster & Transfer Coordinator plays a pivotal role in advancing the League's mission by overseeing the Kitten College, Cat, Dog and Small Companion Animal foster and transfer programs. This position enhances the foster program by (1) supporting and executing policies and procedures, as well as fostering the recruitment, coordination, training, and retention of dedicated foster families; (2) ensuring a positive and impactful experience for both foster animals and families, fostering lasting relationships; and (3) building strong partnerships with shelters and rescue organizations to save animals at risk of euthanasia, reducing unnecessary shelter stays.The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and is passionate about building meaningful connections with both people and animals, helping to further the League's commitment to saving lives and enriching communities.Compensation: $19.75 per hour plus on-call compensationResponsibilities include the following however additional responsibilities may be assigned: Foster Family Recruitment & Support
- Recruit, supervise, and motivate foster caregivers by actively engaging foster families to ensure a supportive and positive experience.
- Collaborate with your supervisor and colleagues to improve foster processes, protocols, and family support, focusing on effective communication, training, and inclusion.
- Work closely within department to create best pathway for animals in our care
- Regularly appreciate and support foster families by offering respectful guidance and opportunities to contribute through ongoing communication.
- Promote teamwork, customer service, and excellence by fostering a strong commitment to consistent standards and continuous improvement within the foster program.
- Provide timely support to foster families by ensuring they receive the information, assistance, and tools needed to succeed.
- Communicate compassionately about sensitive topics, such as medical treatments and euthanasia, providing foster families with support during difficult situations.
- Keep foster families informed by regularly updating them on program changes, challenges, policies, and protocols.
- Monitor the health (needed vaccines, surgeries, etc) and behavior of foster animals, coordinating necessary actions with medical, behavior, adoptions, and animal control teams.
- Collaborate with AWLA staff to plan and implement activities that support the foster care program's growth and success.
- Leverage social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) to recruit new foster families and maintain the foster community online.
- Maintain accurate records of foster family contact information, schedules, participation, and animal updates in PetPoint.
- Manage foster supplies and materials to ensure foster families have what they need.
Transfer Program Coordination
- Manage the League's transfer-in program with partner shelters and rescues, ensuring agreements and MOUs are kept up-to-date.
- Collect and maintain bite disclosures, placing holds in PetPoint and ensuring accurate documentation in both physical and electronic files.
- Coordinate feline,dog and small companion animal intakes from outside Arlington County when space permits, while monitoring shelter capacity daily.
- Cultivate relationships with partner shelters and rescues, continually seeking innovative ways to assist animals in need.
- Build a network of transfer partners to ensure optimal outcomes for shelter animals and prevent overcapacity in the shelter.
- Track and report transfer statistics to your supervisor regularly.
Additional
Responsibilities:- Follow all AWLA policies and procedures to ensure a consistent and safe working environment.
- Prioritize safety by adhering to safety guidelines, modeling safe practices, and addressing any potential risks for staff, volunteers, shelter animals, and the public.
- Promote the humane treatment of all animals under your care and encourage this behavior in others.
- Follow direction from managers, directors, and the CEO to ensure alignment with the League's mission and goals.
Supervisory Responsibilities: While this position does not have direct supervisory duties, it involves regular interaction with, training, and engagement of foster families and volunteers. The role also includes participating in ongoing educational opportunities related to the foster program for staff, volunteers, and the broader community.
Qualifications:Education / Licenses / Certifications
- Minimum of High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid driver's license and clean driving record
Experience
- General knowledge of animal behavior and care, or relevant qualifying work experience.
- Experience working with various types of animals in a safe, responsible manner.
- Experience in customer service and counseling, both in person and over the phone.
- Experience with shelter databases (helpful but not required).
- Experience and knowledge caring for neonate kittens and a variety of domestic animals.
Languages
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.
Key Skills
- Strong communication and decision-making abilities, with a focus on maintaining a polite and professional manner in all interactions.
- Excellent customer service and listening skills, both in person and over the phone.
- Ability to stay calm, composed, and positive in stressful, sensitive, or emergency situations.
- Commitment to positive reinforcement and fear-free handling and training methods for animals.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines while balancing various responsibilities.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with a creative, forward-thinking approach to challenges.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a wide variety of circumstances, with diverse individuals and teams.
- Energetic, hardworking, and a team player who thrives in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment.
- Strong computer literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and the ability to learn and use shelter databases.
- Ability to pass NSOPW background clearance.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
Requirements
- Flexible schedule with the ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, non-standard hours, and overtime as needed.
- This position requires carrying the on-call after hours cell phone for a minimum of 5 nights per week, with additional compensation provided at $35 per on-call night.
- Passion and Commitment: A deep passion for the organization's mission and dedication to its goals.
Typical Physical & Mental Demands: Working with animals involves frequent bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and extended periods of walking or standing. You will need strong hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to operate common equipment like computers, telephones, photocopiers, and other systems/tools used in daily tasks.Be prepared for exposure to injured or deceased animals, disinfection chemicals and fluctuating indoor and outdoor temperatures. You may assist in restraining animal, including those that are distressed or aggressive and face potentially hazardous situations like bites or scratches.Physical strength and dexterity are essential for managing animals on a leash, often while performing other tasks such as opening doors. You should be able to lift and move heavy objects or animals (up to 50 lbs) and engage in active, physical work throughout the day.Clear hearing and vision are necessary for effective communications with the public, volunteers, staff and animals. Flexibility and adaptability are also crucial to managing frequent interruptions and changes in routine. Comfort around a wide variety of animals - including dogs, cats, small companion animals, reptiles, amphibians, and wildlife-is key.Additionally, this role requires emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience to handle both the rewarding and challenging aspects of working with animals. Candidates must maintain composure, show compassion and stay focused in a dynamic environment.Vaccination requirement: Upon hire, employees will be required to receive rabies prophylaxis and tetanus vaccinations.Benefits: We offer comprehensive medical benefits, including dental and vision insurance. Employees accrue vacation and sick time separately, with 12 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays each year. After two years of employment, employees are eligible for a 7% retirement contribution from the organization. This position also qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Additionally, we offer a salary bonus for proficiency in Arabic, Mandarin, Sign Language, Spanish, or Vietnamese. Employees also receive free pet adoptions, free pet vaccines, and other pet-related benefits.