Foster Manager

Position Summary: We are seeking an experienced individual who thrives in elevating programs and connecting with community members to join our team as the Foster Manager. This role will create program efficiencies, implement the foster program's goals and objectives, ensure all aspects of the programs are planned and run smoothly with a focus on elevating the experience for volunteers and staff. This role will require cross-departmental collaboration to support current needs and implement innovative programs to support shelter guests and our community with minimal barriers.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Lead by action and example to advance a culture of positivity, professionalism, trust, transparency, empathy, and excellence at Joybound.
• Recruit, train, retain, coordinate, and supervise staff and volunteers in an engaging way while managing performance.

Foster Program

• Maintain an effective and frequent level of communication and cooperation with Joybound staff, volunteers, and foster families to elevate the program and team experience.
• Oversee all training of foster care providers and enforce applicable policies and procedures.
• Create and maintain an engaged and supportive foster community. Identify new opportunities for engagement and recognition.
• Support outreach and development events by tabling, speaking, coordinating appropriate foster animals to be available, and increasing visibility to fosters while in public settings.
• Have a thorough understanding of fostering and adoption procedures and protocols, as they apply to foster care providers and to the organization’s responsibilities to fosters.
• Ensure timely communication regarding foster care questions and concerns. Proactively coordinate placement of foster animals, minimizing time in shelter.
• Coordinate clinic and shelter appointments and housing with appropriate departments.
• Collaborate with the Pets and Vets department to locate appropriate foster homes for dogs selected to be adopted by veterans.
• Work with the clinic team to learn and follow Joybound’s medical procedures, and ensure foster animals receive proper medical care.
• Partner with the behavior team, to learn and follow Joybound’s behavioral procedures and ensure foster families receive appropriate guidance to manage the behavior issues in their home.
• In coordination with the Patient Care Manager and the marketing department, ensure the Joybound Fosters Facebook group page is updated to reflect current information, and sensitive topics are addressed appropriately.
• Update and maintain all foster-related communication as needed i.e. orientation, handbook, social media.
• Properly and accurately use the foster and animal databases, Volgistics and housing calendars to track foster activity.
• Complete monthly reports with program specific numbers and highlight any gaps with potential solutions.
• Comply with all Federal, State and local safety regulations and laws, and Joybound policies and guidelines. Follow established procedures governing safe work practices; and perform duties in a manner that assures the safety of oneself and others.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field preferred and 3-5 years of managerial experience.
• Minimum one year of experience fostering cats or dogs preferred. Knowledge of various dog and cat breeds, behavior, and current general care and training practices.
• Must be eligible and able to obtain the Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP) from the California Veterinary Medical Board.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent organizational skills, with strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks; inquiries, requests, and projects in tandem.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, and as part of a team.
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to identify issues/opportunities. Accomplishes problem-solving within existing resources.
• Communicate skillfully and effectively with culturally diverse staff, volunteers, and community in a professional, pleasant, respectful, courteous, and tactful manner.
• Sound judgment, calm demeanor, and professional poise.
• Proficient using Microsoft software programs (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint) with the ability to learn new computer programs required. Must be technology, internet, social media savvy.
• Must have a valid California Driver’s License.
• Pre-employment background check screening required.

Physical/Environmental Requirements:

• Willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace and work in an environment that includes constant exposure to animals and animal allergens.
• Ability to push/pull moderately heavy objects up to 25 pounds.
• Lift and move objects and animals weighing up to 40 pounds for short distances and to humanely restrain animals when necessary.
• Walk dogs weighing up to 150 pounds in a variety of weather conditions.
• Kneel, bend, stoop, squat, reach above and below shoulder level, grasp and turn objects, stand, and/or walk frequently and repetitively throughout each shift.
• Flex the neck upward and downward; twist the neck and the waist.
• Dexterity to handle animals and small objects.
• Assess medical and behavior changes in animals using a variety of techniques including, but not limited to, visually and audibly.
• Sit for long and short periods of time while using a computer.
• Tetanus and rabies inoculations are required or must be waived.
• Attend events as needed, which may require driving an automobile.

Hours:

Full-time exempt position requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week, including occasional evening and/or weekend work. Hours and workdays may vary according to the needs of the department.

If you are passionate about animal welfare, community engagement, and making a positive impact, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.