Foster Care Coordinator at Humane… · Vancouver

Description

The Humane Society for Southwest Washington is currently seeking a Foster Care Coordinator to join our team. This is a full-time, FLSA nonexempt opportunity. 

Since 1897, HSSW has been the leader in animal welfare across Southwest Washington. With an annual operating budget of $15 million, we are the largest and most innovative animal welfare organization in the region. Our shelter campuses in Vancouver and Longview, WA serve more than 10,000 animals each year, providing high-quality care, medical services, and the compassion they deserve. 

Our community-based approach helps keep pets and people together. Through the Nierenberg Community Veterinary Clinic, the Sandra Richardson Miller Mobile Veterinary Clinic, the Swigert Family Behavior & Training Center, and programs like free pet food and other essential resources, we serve more than 18,000 owned animals annually expanding access to affordable veterinary care, spay/neuter, training, and support. 

We also own and operate ReTails Thrift Store, a top shopping destination named Best Thrift Store in Clark County for eight consecutive years, providing vital funding for our mission. 

At HSSW, you’ll find an innovative, high-energy culture where your passion for animals and people can make a real difference. We’re looking for team members who want to be part of something bigger: supporting pets, strengthening families, and shaping the future of animal welfare in Southwest Washington. HSSW has been honored as Best Non-Profit for two years running—a recognition of our impact and leadership in the community. 

Foster Care Coordinator 

The Foster Care Coordinators arrange the placement and care of animals in foster homes, ensuring their health, behavior, and well-being. This role involves supporting foster volunteers, coordinating medical and behavioral care, and facilitating the smooth transition of animals between the shelter, foster homes, and adoption. The Foster Care Coordinator plays a vital role in expanding the shelter’s capacity to care for animals in our shelter and our community. 

Essential Duties and Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Foster Care Coordinators to support smooth operations, clear communication, and quality care for foster volunteers and animals.
• Place animals into suitable foster homes based on volunteer skills and availability, and ensure timely returns for adoption or veterinary procedures.
• Keep foster records current, including communications, postings, and medical/behavioral notes; track and report progress to meet organizational standards.
• Engage foster volunteers through responsive communication, appointment support, training, and community events.
• Work with Shelter Operations Leadership to identify animals that would benefit from foster placement or foster-based adoption, and help build individualized care plans.
• Update and maintain foster program trainings, protocols, and SOPs to meet the changing needs of animals in care.
• Ensure fostered animals receive the supplies, medical care, socialization, and rehabilitation needed to successfully re-enter the adoption program.
• Manage Foster Program supply inventory and assist with departmental budget planning.
• Spot operational gaps and drive process improvements to increase efficiency, program growth, and foster engagement.
• Track program trends, outcomes, and capacity data to support population management goals and strengthen overall animal outcomes.
• Provide general support across the department and organization, including meetings, trainings, outreach events, facility opening/closing, and animal transport using company vehicles.
• Oversee the Safe Haven program by reviewing applicants, scheduling incoming animals, coordinating foster placements, and keeping pet owners informed throughout their animal's stay.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Minimum of one year of experience in customer service, conflict resolution, scheduling, or coordinating, with strong people skills, emotional intelligence, and possess effective communication and computer skills.  
• Knowledge of animal health and welfare, including identifying breeds, health indicators, and behavioral issues; experience with canine and feline behavior preferred. 
• Familiarity with neonate care and rewards-based training is a plus. 
• Must have a valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record. 
• Euthanasia Technician Certification: certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment, training provided. Additional compensation is provided once certification is obtained and the employee is scheduled for humane euthanasia services.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Comfortable speaking with individuals and groups. 
• Perform various physical tasks, including walking, standing, sitting, stooping, squatting, bending, typing, and using arms, hands, and fingers for grasping, lifting, and operating equipment. 
• Repetitive hand use may be required for computer, telephone, and cell phone operation, including extended periods of keyboard use. 
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds with assistance; reasonable accommodation will be provided for individuals with disabilities. 
• Requires flexibility to work occasional weekends, evenings, and on-call shifts, with leadership responsibilities. 

Work is performed in an animal shelter that operates seven days per week, with exposure to environmental conditions that include working with and/or near animals. There is potential exposure to fractious animals, high-noise levels, zoonotic diseases, animal bites and scratches, cleaning chemicals, allergens, and potential exposure of infectious diseases to self and personally owned animals. 

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship. HSSW participates in E-Verify.

Compensation 

The hourly pay for this position is $20.85 - $25.24 per hour. 

Employee Benefits and Perks
In addition to serving in an organization with a compassionate and strategic purpose, eligible employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and a variety of employee perks. 

Benefits include: 

• Health insurance effective the first of the month following hire (full-time employees). 
• Dental and vision insurance effective the first of the month following hire. 
• Matching percentage 401(k) retirement plan beginning the first month after hire, with a 3-year graded vesting schedule and ROTH contribution option. 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to all employees and household members. 
• Section 125 FSA Cafeteria Plan for out-of-pocket health and/or dependent day care expenses. 
• Access to affordable life, disability, and accidental supplemental insurance. 
• Numerous employee discounts and discounts with partner organizations. 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer. To learn more about this Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, go to https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation. 

Paid Time Off (PTO)  

This position accrues PTO at a rate of 2 hours for every 40 hours worked.  

Additional Paid time includes: 

• Floating Holidays (full-time employees)
• Bereavement leave 
• Pet bereavement leave 

Culture 

Vision: A community where everyone loves and cares for animals. 

Mission: Rescue. Return. Restore. Rehome. Reconnect. One animal at a time 

Values: Compassion. Collaboration. Excellence. Service. Integrity. 

The ultimate team player: 

• Displays interest, enthusiasm, and an affinity for working with people. 
• Demonstrates an attitude in being of-service, using good judgment, maintaining a positive outlook, and ideally, a sense of humor. 
• Works well in teams and demonstrates an attitude and commitment to collaboration with a sincere interest in helping others succeed. 
• Is committed to achieving excellence individually and as a part of the team. 
• Exhibits adaptability, curiosity, flexibility to change, open to new ideas, and encourages others to recognize changes in work tasks, situations, and environment as an opportunity for transformation. 
• Is committed to personal and professional development through life-long learning. 

How to Apply 

Does HSSW sound like the right place for you?  

Does this job sound like a great fit & do you meet the qualifications for this position? 

If so, then click the Apply button to begin your journey to join our team today. HSSW participates in E-Verify and due to the nature and responsibilities of the position, requires a Motor Vehicle Records release. 

The Humane Society for Southwest Washington is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations during the hiring process for qualified applicants with disabilities. 

For more information visit https://HSSW.org/careers/.  

Application Deadline: Open until filled.