Job: Foster, Transfer and Volunteer Coordinator

Job Description

Job Type: Full time, Hourly

Wage: $15-$17/hr.

Location: Trinidad, CO.

Job Description:

This position is responsible for developing, organizing, and overseeing key support programs that extend the reach of the City of Trinidad Animal Shelter. This position builds and maintains strong relationships with foster homes, transport partners, and community volunteers to help save more lives and ensure animals receive the care and placement they need outside the shelter walls.   

CULTURAL VALUES AND COMPETENCIES

The mission of every employee at the City of Trinidad is to deliver exceptional value and quality of life to all our citizens.  Each employee is measured by the ability to adhere to the city’s core value of Pride which is delivered through Purpose, Respect, Integrity, Dependability and Excellence.  As a City we embrace and celebrate diversity and equity for all citizens and recognize that it is a privilege to serve the citizens of Trinidad, Colorado.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required.  The City of Trinidad retains the right to modify or change the essential duties and additional functions of the job at any time without notice. Examples of duties are not intended to be all-inclusive or restrictive:

• Consistent on-site and on-time attendance is essential for this position based on assigned schedule.
• Communication and contact must be clear, understandable, cooperative, professional and respectful in all circumstances and will occur face to face, and by telephone and electronic mail. Employees are expected to actively support a positive team environment, directly address conflict with the goal of problem solving and appropriately express concerns.
• This position interacts with and collaborates with employees and volunteers at all levels of the organization.
• Perform basic behavior and health evaluation to determine pathway of animal; assists in cleaning/sanitizing evaluation areas and vehicles.
• Oversees and reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics of the program and works to problem solve or maximize opportunities in the community.
• Work with supervisor/peers to create and innovate best practices; attend and actively participate in staff meetings.
• Keep abreast of animal behavior and training trends especially as it applies to the sheltering environment.
• Collaborate with colleagues to balance competing priorities, create organizational alignment, support strategic planning, execute upon organizational initiatives, and ensure alignment with core values, vision, and mission.
• Ensures on-site and off-site programs are working together and to successfully fulfill organization needs.
• Cross-train to assist with on-site relevant needs and animal care duties.
• Other duties as assigned. May include organization-wide support as needed, including but not limited to participation in events, serving as spokesperson, fundraising, covering other operational departments.

Foster Program:

• Recruit, screen, and onboard new foster caregivers.
• Match animals with appropriate foster homes based on temperate, age, medical, or behavioral needs.
• Provide foster families with supplies, training and ongoing support.
• Monitor foster placements and track progress, wellness, and return/adoption status.
• Maintain accurate foster records and ensure all documentation meets PACFA standards.

Transport Coordination:

• Organize and schedule the transfer of animals in and out of the shelter to neighboring rescues, adoption events and to other approved organizations or individual adopters.
• Coordinate with receiving organizations and drivers to ensure safe, humane travel. This includes identifying and selecting transfer candidates, scheduling and managing all animal transfers and working with internal and external partners professionally and collaboratively.
• Handle, restrain, and move animals per PACFA best practices. This includes coordination and movement to address contagion concerns.
• Ensure animals are up-to-date on medical, administer vaccinations and preventative medications as needed and legal requirements prior to transport.
• Complete and file all necessary paperwork for outgoing and incoming transports.
• In partnership with leadership, evaluates the transfer program’s impact internally and externally, working with the broader state organization team to ensure best outcomes for animals.
• Responsible for vehicle and equipment cleaning, disinfecting and restocking according to shelter procedures. Ensures vehicle inspections are being completed and gas receipts are submitted.

Volunteer Management and Cultivation:

• Volunteer Management and Cultivation
• Recruit, train, supervise and nurture a team of dedicated enrichment volunteers for various shelter roles including dog walking, cat socialization, cleaning, events and administrative support.
• Maintain volunteer schedules and communication for adequate daily volunteer coverage. Ensure volunteers are actively engaged and appreciated.
• Track volunteer hours and maintain accurate records for reporting and recognition purposes.
• Promote a positive, welcoming culture of compassion and professionalism among the volunteer team.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Working with and handling animals in a shelter or similar environment
• Companion animal breeds and animal welfare.
• Basic office and computer skills.

Skilled in:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving.

Ability to:

• Provide a high level of service to customers.
• Listen to, read, understand and communicate the English language so that others are able to understand. This must be done both orally and in writing, at the level appropriate for the position held.
• Maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, veterinarians, rescue groups, community groups, professionals, and members of the public from all backgrounds through contact and cooperation.
• Deal with sensitive situations with tact, diplomacy, and courtesy.
• Maintain high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities.
• Plan, manage and organize efficient daily work routines and office procedures.
• Reliably and predictably carry out duties.

SUPERVISION

Received:  Works under the general supervision of the Shelter Manager.

Exercised:  Assists in the supervision of volunteers.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in customer service required.
• Animal handling, animal welfare, community outreach or nonprofit coordination experience preferred.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Must be comfortable handling animals of various breeds, sizes, and temperaments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and comfort using scheduling software or databases.
• Must be able to multitask, problem-solve quickly, and remain calm in dynamic situations.

Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid current state-issued driver’s license and not be under suspension, revocation or denial nor have any prior alcohol and/or drug related driving offenses within the last five years. A driving record search will be conducted on all applicants prior to employment and will be subject to observation throughout their employment.
• Successful candidates must pass a background investigation and physical examination in accordance with job duties prior to employment.
• Applicants will be required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and may be subject to further drug and alcohol testing throughout their employment as per City policy.
• CPR and First Aid training required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.  This job is most frequently performed in an indoor environment, however, there will be tasks that require the employee to work outdoors and offsite from time to time, possibly during inclement weather conditions. Must work near mechanical equipment and be subject to exposure to infectious animal diseases, animal wastes, animal bites, allergens, and various industrial cleaning and disinfecting chemicals.

Working conditions also include working alone, irregular hours, frequent interruptions, exposure to unpleasant odors and noises, and some evenings and weekends will be required. Position may require travel for local or regional transports or events.

**Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee, time to time; the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands. Click “View Application” below for more detail on this specific job.