Foster Care Associate

Humane Society of El Paso Positon Description

Job Title: Foster Program Associate

Department: Foster Department

Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Reports To: Foster Care Coordinator

Supervises: Foster Parent Volunteers

Position Summary: Foster Associate assists processing animals into the foster program, providing on-going support to foster families, inputting and tracking foster information electronically for analysis and maintaining program inventory. In addition, The Foster Associate will provide care to animals in the Foster office, as well as perform cleaning and sanitation of metal cages, wire crates and other items, as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assesses the health and needs of animals brought in for placement into foster care
• Performs Felv/Fiv, Heartworm test, and administers vaccines
• Maintains and updates database for all foster families. Inputs any new foster parent/foster animal information into Shelter Manager.
• Provides coaching and moral support to current foster parents.
• Assists the Foster Program Manager and Offsite Adoptions Coordinator in getting foster animals to offsite adoption events.
• Keeps track of the loan of crates, playpens and other supplies needed by foster parents.
• Performs clerical duties appropriate to the job, including but not limited to inputting transfer information into the shelter data base, and tracking movements, episodes of illness and outcomes, vaccine information, behavior problems and adoption date availability.
• Feed animals in Foster office according to feeding procedures and sanitation protocols
• Monitors any puppies/kittens with a critical status, tube feeding if necessary.
• Dispenses oral medications, injections and other medical treatments as needed
• Maintain inventory of all puppy/kitten supplies, ensuring all necessary supplies are stocked and available at all times; inform manager of supply orders needed
• Clean metal cages, wire crates, carriers, as needed and according to protocols
• Move supplies and food from storage to Foster Department as needed and in accordance with protocols
• Maintain sanitation in the Foster Department according to protocols
• Wash dishes and laundry as needed according to protocols
• Empty trash as needed
• Use food and supplies responsibly
• Flexibility to work weekends, nights and holidays as needed
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills – outgoing, patient, professional and able to relate to a wide variety of people.
• Strong organizational skills in order to maintain vital information on foster animals and parents in files and in Shelter Manager.
• Proficient in the use of computer programs, especially Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work as a team player, supporting the overall goals of the program and the HSEP.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and work in a fast paced environment under tight deadlines and pressure.
• Ability to show compassion and empathize with foster parents.
• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English.
• Ability to follow directions and accomplish assigned tasks in a timely manner.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and make appropriate decisions as necessary when Foster Manager is not present.
• Ability to perform physical work, bending, stooping, walking, scrubbing, mopping, lifting between 50 – 70 pounds and to stand and walk for six to eight hours or more a day.
• Ability to work regular weekend schedule
• Schedule: Tuesday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. & Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Qualifications

A High School Diploma or completion of a GED program. Prefer at least one year of Vet Tech experience, working in a veterinary clinic.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an animal shelter setting with the potential for exposure to high noise levels, zoonotic disease, animal bites and scratches. Work is performed indoors and outdoors with exposure to cleaning agents. Frequent walking, standing, bending, and stooping are required for up to 8 hours per day. Regular lifting of 50 – 70 pounds with reasonable accommodation is required.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee filling this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job related duties delegated by their supervisor or the Executive Director. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship. The HSEP may require a pre-employment criminal background check and drug testing.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $10.00 - $10.50 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Veterinary assistant: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• English (Required)
• Spanish (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person