Foster Coordinator

Location

Patty Baker Humane Society Naples Main Shelter

Type

Full Time

Responsive recruiter
Patty Baker Humane Society Naples (PBHSN), Southwest Florida's state-of-the-art no-kill shelter, is seeking candidates for the position of Foster Coordinator. The Foster Coordinator plays a vital role in advancing Patty Baker Humane Society's lifesaving mission by recruiting, training, supporting, and retaining a dedicated network of foster volunteers. This position ensures that animals requiring specialized care outside the shelter environment receive proper support in loving foster homes while maintaining clear communication and collaboration with shelter staff, veterinary team, and other animal care coordinators. The Foster Coordinator maintains detailed tracking of foster animals, provides guidance to foster families, and works proactively to ensure animals receive the care they need until adoption or return to the shelter.

Responsibilities
Foster Program Management
  • Coordinate all day-to-day logistics to ensure effective care of animals in foster homes including timely foster animal departure, return, and medical appointments
  • Match animals with appropriate foster homes based on the animal's needs, temperament, and foster family capabilities and availability
  • Maintain accurate and current records of all foster animals and foster families in Shelterluv (shelter database)
  • Develop and implement program policies, procedures, and best practices to enhance foster program operations
  • Coordinate with intake staff to identify and prioritize animals in need of foster placement
  • Authorize decisions regarding foster animal care, placement, and disposition in collaboration with veterinary and behavior teams
  • Manage inventory of foster supplies including food, medications, crates, carriers, and other necessary equipment
Foster Volunteer Recruitment, Training & Retention
  • Actively recruit new foster volunteers through community outreach, social media campaigns, shelter events, and partnership opportunities
  • Develop, update, and deliver comprehensive orientation and training materials for foster volunteers including in-person sessions, written resources, and video tutorials
  • Conduct foster volunteer training sessions covering animal care, behavior, medical administration, and PBHSN policies
  • Provide specialized training for volunteers interested in fostering animals with specific needs (neonatal care, medical recovery, behavioral support)
Foster Support & Communication
  • Serve as primary point of contact and liaison between foster families and shelter staff
  • Provide ongoing support, guidance, and troubleshooting assistance to foster families via phone, email, text, and in-person consultation
  • Support after-hours call line for foster emergencies, providing guidance and triaging situations that require immediate veterinary attention
  • Offer guidance on animal behavior, training techniques using Fear Free and force-free methods, and general care questions
  • Conduct home visits as needed to assist fosters and evaluate placements
Marketing & Community Engagement
  • Create compelling social media posts and marketing materials to promote foster animals for adoption
  • Maintain active foster volunteer Facebook group or communication platform with regular engagement
  • Collaborate with marketing/communications staff to share foster program success stories
Requirements
  • High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor's degree in animal science, biology, social work, or related field preferred.
  • Minimum 2 years of experience in animal welfare, sheltering, veterinary practice, or related field
  • Experience in volunteer coordination, program management, or foster program operation preferred
  • Fluency in English is required; fluency in Spanish preferred but not required
  • Understanding of animal behavior, medical needs, and sheltering best practices
  • Ability to safely and humanely handle dogs, cats, and small companion animals of all temperaments
  • Strong interpersonal skills with ability to build positive relationships with diverse volunteers and community members
  • Problem-solving skills and sound judgment in variety of situations
  • Ability to provide compassionate support while maintaining professional boundaries
  • Strong time management skills with ability to prioritize competing demands
  • Emotional resilience to handle challenging situations including euthanasia-related issues
Physical Requirements
The following physical requirements are considered essential to this position:
  • The ability to see at approximately 20/20 vision with or without assistive devices
  • The ability to hear or read lips with or without assistive devices
  • The ability to use arms, hands, and fingers, including fine motor movements
  • The ability to independently lift up to 40 lbs
Personnel in this position can expect to engage in moderate physical labor, including but not limited to bending, stooping, crouching, pushing, pulling, and lifting, as well as sitting or standing for long periods of time. 


Compensation:
  • $19/hr
  • A generous benefits package that includes
    • Medical, dental, and vision insurance at little cost to you. 
    • Paid time off, paid parental leave
    • $25,000 life insurance policy at no cost to you
    • Optional enrollment in supplemental insurance plans (disability, accident, etc.)
    • Optional enrollment in 403(b) retirement plan; matching contributions after one year of service
 
Application Instructions:
  • Apply online at https://pbhsnaples.org/careers
  • All communication with candidates will be over email and/or text - check your spam folder! 
  • If you have technical issues or questions, please email hr@pbhsnaples.org
  • No phone calls or walk-ins please 
  • Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. HSN values diversity and wants to increase the diversity of our team. We are an equal opportunity employer. 

Compensation: $19.00 per hour

Company Website: www.hsnaples.org

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