A Northwest leader in protecting animals since 1967, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) shelters homeless animals, rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife, and empowers people to demonstrate compassion and respect for animals in their daily lives.

Position Title:              Seasonal Animal & Foster Care Assistant (40 hours/week for up to 4 months)

Starting Wage:              $20.76/hour

Purpose Summary:

To support the comfort, health care, and enrichment needs of animals within both the general shelter population and those in the foster care program. This role assists with implementing the daily activities of the PAWS Foster Care program and supports the Animal Care Lead (ACL) in their daily tasks. This position operates under the direct supervision of the Foster Care Manager.

VALUES
All employees and volunteers exemplify the values of PAWS and exhibit mindful demonstration of:

           Commitment – A champion for animals no matter the difficulty.

           Compassion – Acting to ease pain and distress.

           Kindness – Demonstrating caring toward all living beings.

           Respect – Welcoming to people of all backgrounds and identities.

           Trust – Believing in the ability and positive intention of others.

Essential Responsibilities:

In accordance with organizational policies, duties include but are not limited to:

• Support the foster program by handling contact with foster parents who have PAWS animals. Contact will include inquiring about behavioral and physical observations, providing advice or referrals as appropriate and scheduling animals for return to shelter and for surgery, vaccines, re-check exams, or medical appointments including dental procedures done outside of PAWS.
• Work as a member of a team to complete daily tasks to support the foster care program. Work closely with team members to coordinate placement of appropriate shelter animals into approved and trained foster homes.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of animals placed in foster homes, update medical and operational teams on specific cases or foster families as needed.
• Clean animal housing and treatment areas. Provide food, care, and socialization for animals per written procedures. Offer additional animal care support as needed throughout the day.
• Administer vaccinations, immunizations and treatment for injuries or illness as prescribed by a veterinarian and provide general health care for animals as provided in written policies and procedures.

Other responsibilities Include:  

• Process incoming animals that are stray, transferred from other shelters, or surrendered by owners. This includes but is not limited to performing physical and behavioral assessments, entering information into the database, and setting up animals in appropriate kennels or cages. 
• Provide support to the medical team in areas where properly trained.  May be assigned other duties as needed by the Shelter Managers or CAS Veterinarians.

Controls over Work

The Animal & Foster Care Assistant works under the general direction of the Foster Care Manager and is expected to perform the established duties without detailed supervision.

Physical Requirements:

Candidates must be able to lift a minimum of forty (40) pounds.  Work is performed both in and out of the PAWS facility that requires lifting, bending, stooping, pushing and other moderately strenuous activities.  Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time, including working at a computer or exam table. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Benefits:

Benefits available include enrollment in 403(b) plan paid sick leave accrued each pay-period, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), pet supply discounts, and discounts for veterinary services at select veterinary clinics. PAWS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

PAWS is an equal opportunity employer. PAWS employment decisions are made based on merit and business needs. PAWS is committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. We celebrate the diversity of individual unique identity, perspectives, and experiences and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We encourage ALL to apply.

All PAWS positions receive written performance evaluations after the first 90 days and annually thereafter.

Application process:

Upload your Cover Letter stating your qualifications and why you are interested in this position, your Resume, and complete the online Application.

(PAWS | Progressive Animal Welfare Society Job Posting | PAWS)

Only Complete Application Packets will receive consideration.

Position Open Until Filled but may be closed at any time a qualified candidate is selected.

Note: Under the provisions of the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, the successful candidate will be required to provide both evidence of identity and eligibility for employment.

All Offers of Employment are Conditional, based on successful completion of reference and background checks.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent preferred.
• Able to work cooperatively with people and to communicate clearly about PAWS’ mission, the care and treatment of animals, and the safety of the public and other employees.  Must be able to represent PAWS professionally at all times.
• Preference may be given to someone with previous experience working with animals in a humane society, animal shelter or veterinary clinic. Important considerations for this position include the ability to handle animals safely and humanely and to communicate clearly at all times.
• Able to work maturely and respectfully with diverse groups of people and maintain high quality customer/public relations.  Assist in creating a positive working environment built on team concepts.
• Proficient in basic computer use.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Possess excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills. Demonstrates the ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

• Willing and able to work daily with companion animals and have a basic understanding of the needs and behavior of domestic cats and dogs.  Must be able to handle individual animals in a caring, safe and humane manner. 
• Ideal candidates embrace and embody the five core values of the organization: commitment, compassion, respect, kindness, and trust.