Volunteer

Seeking Foster Care Coordinator

Job Title: Foster Care Coordinator

Reports to: President of Whiskers in the Wildflowers

Location: Remote, but local to DFW area

Job Type: Volunteer

Salary: None, but possiblity in the future

Hours: Light load, likely 5 hrs/week or less to start

Start Date: TBD

Position Overview

The Foster Care Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and managing the Foster Care Program within our animal rescue, Whiskers in the Wildflowers. This role ensures that foster families are recruited, supported, and equipped to care for animals temporarily until they are adopted. The Foster Care Coordinator will work closely with the foster families, rescue staff, and veterinary teams to facilitate the placement of animals in foster homes, monitor their care, and provide ongoing support to foster families.

Key Responsibilities

Foster Family Recruitment and Onboarding

Develop and implement strategies for recruiting new foster families
Conduct interviews and home inspections (in-person) to screen potential foster families
Manage the foster application process and ensure all paperwork is completed, including foster agreements
Organize any training sessions for new foster families to prepare them for fostering animals

Foster Placement Management

Help match animals with suitable foster homes based on the animal’s needs and the foster family’s experience
Coordinate the transport of animals to and from foster homes
Maintain detailed records of foster animals and their placements

Ongoing Support and Communication

Serve as the primary point of contact for foster families, providing support, answering questions, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during the fostering period
Ensure that foster animals receive timely veterinary care, including vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and any necessary medical treatment
Conduct regular check-ins with foster families to monitor the health and well-being of the animals in their care

Collaboration with Adoption Teams

Work closely with the adoption coordinators to facilitate the transition of foster animals to permanent homes
Provide detailed behavioral and medical notes on foster animals to adoption staff to assist in the adoption process
Help coordinate adoption events and ensure foster animals are showcased for potential adopters

Record Keeping and Reporting

Maintain accurate records of all foster animals, including medical information, placement histories, and updates on the animals’ progress in foster care
Generate regular reports on the foster program’s performance, including metrics on the number of foster homes, duration of foster placements, and outcomes

Program Development

Continuously evaluate and improve the foster care program, identifying areas for growth and innovation
Work to expand the foster network, including specialized fostering for animals with medical needs, behavioral challenges, or young age (e.g., kittens and puppies)
Develop and implement programs that support foster family retention and engagement, such as recognition events and support groups

Volunteer Management

Train and supervise volunteers who assist with the Foster Care Program, including coordinating transport, delivering supplies, or assisting with animal care

Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (required). A degree in animal science, veterinary technology, or a related field (preferred)
Experience: Previous experience working in animal rescue, shelter environments, or foster care programs is highly desirable. Experience in volunteer coordination, customer service, or nonprofit work is a plus
Skills: Strong organizational and communication skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment
Personal Attributes: Compassionate, patient, and dedicated to animal welfare. Strong problem-solving abilities and the capability to work independently and as part of a team
Other Requirements: A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Flexibility to work evenings or weekends as needed

Physical Requirements:

Ability to handle animals of various sizes, including lifting and restraining animals

Are you interested in becoming our Foster Care Coordinator? Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your experience with animal fostering or shelter work, and three professional references to info@whiskersinthewildflowers.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.