Foster Specialist

Foster Specialist Placer SPCA Roseville, CA Job Details Part-time $19.14 - $25.73 an hour 3 days ago Qualifications Record keeping Animal shelter experience Volunteer management Inventory management Intake Regulatory compliance Mid-level Databases High school diploma or GED Schedule management Driver's License Supervising experience Driving Animal welfare Productivity software Leadership Communication skills Time management Full Job Description Overview Under the direction of the Shelter Operations Supervisor - Foster, the Foster Specialist supports the daily operations and seven-day management of the foster program. This role provides hands-on support to foster volunteers and ensures humane, efficient, and Fear Free® care for animals temporarily housed in the foster care room. The Foster Specialist serves as a key liaison between foster caregivers and internal shelter departments, supports animal intake and return processes, assists with veterinary-directed care tasks, and promotes Fear Free®, Low Stress Handling, and humane animal care principles in all interactions with animals, volunteers, and staff. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Program & Volunteer Support

• Support the Senior Shelter Operations Manager and Shelter Operations Supervisor - Foster in the development and growth of the foster program.
• Assist with foster volunteer training and provide ongoing guidance and support, including education on Fear Free®, Low Stress Handling, enrichment, and humane care practices.
• Serve as a point of contact for foster caregivers, providing timely, clear, and compassionate communication regarding animals in foster care.
• Assist with foster scheduling, placement coordination, returns, and discharge instructions, ensuring foster caregivers receive complete and accurate information.
• Animal Intake, Foster Care Room Oversight & Medical Support
• Ensure newly admitted animals entering through foster receive a thorough intake examination at the time of intake, or within four (4) hours of intake, utilizing Fear Free®, Low Stress Handling, and humane restraint techniques.
• Conduct intake assessments in accordance with organizational protocols, including evaluation of
• : o General health and physical condition o Age estimation and developmental status o Behavior, handling tolerance, and indicators of fear, anxiety, or stress o Immediate medical, enrichment, or husbandry needs
• Accurately document intake examination findings, observations, and any concerns in the appropriate animal record systems.
• Promptly communicate intake findings to veterinary and operations leadership when medical concerns, behavioral red flags, or urgent care needs are identified.
• Prioritize the rapid identification, documentation, and placement of animals requiring foster care, with particular emphasis on medically fragile and age-sensitive populations such as neonatal kittens, to minimize shelter length of stay and reduce health and welfare risks.
• Ensure animals identified for foster placement are photographed, documented, and communicated for placement in a timely and prioritized manner, in accordance with foster program protocols and urgency guidelines.
• Collaborate with foster volunteers and program leadership to facilitate expedited foster placement for high-risk animals, recognizing that delays may significantly impact health outcomes.
• Perform foster preventative exams and treatments per Placer SPCA preventative protocols, utilizing Fear Free® techniques whenever possible.
• Complete PUFA checklists for animals returning from foster prior to adoption.
• Monitor animals housed in the foster care room for changes in health, behavior, or emotional wellbeing and report concerns promptly.
• Maintain readiness of the foster care room by ensuring appropriate supplies, equipment, enrichment items, and sanitation materials are consistently stocked, organized, and ready for use.
• Prepare, stock, and maintain foster "go-home" kits for foster volunteers, ensuring kits are complete, clean, and appropriate to the animal's age, species, and medical or behavioral needs.
• Monitor inventory levels for foster care room supplies and go-home kits and communicate restocking needs to the appropriate supervisor in a timely manner.
• Fear Free® / Low Stress Handling & Humane Care
• Apply Fear Free®, Low Stress Handling, and force-free techniques in all animal interactions, including intake, handling, treatment support, and transfers.
• Prioritize animal comfort, emotional wellbeing, and safety during all care activities.
• Assist with implementation of behavior modification and enrichment plans as directed by the behavior department, using humane, low-stress approaches.
• Model appropriate handling techniques and humane care standards for volunteers and coworkers.
• Documentation, Communication & Compliance
• Maintain accurate and timely animal records, foster documentation, photos, and required forms.
• Communicate clearly and promptly with veterinary, behavior, and operations teams regarding animal health, behavior, or foster care concerns.
• Ensure foster return questionnaires and required documentation are completed at time of return.
• Perform all duties in a manner consistent with organizational policies, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.
• =Essential functions of the job Qualifications
• Must be at least 21 years of age to meet legal requirements associated with the duties of this role.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prefer minimum one year experience in an animal shelter, veterinary, or foster program environment.
• Experience in volunteer coordination or staff supervision preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of animal husbandry, enrichment, and behavior principles.
• Effective communication, organizational, and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and shelter database systems (e.g., PetPoint), with ability to learn new systems. Work Environment

Position Classification:

Non-Exempt

Starting Pay Rate:

$19.14- $20.30 per hour.

Salary Range:

$19.14-$25.73 per hour, with merit-based adjustments in accordance with organizational policy.

Schedule:

Part-time; includes regular weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings or overtime.

• Regular exposure to animals that may be sick, injured, aggressive, or deceased.
• Exposure to zoonotic diseases, cleaning chemicals, and facility maintenance substances.
• Frequent interaction with staff, volunteers and other members of the public in a dynamic, fast-paced, and at times stressful environment.
• Work is performed in an emotionally charged setting that requires resilience, adaptability, and sound judgment.
• Position requires willingness to attend training programs to maintain and enhance skills as identified and needed.
• Must be available to work at the designated facility location(s) as assigned, and travel between sites as organizational needs require.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills with the ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to accurately document and maintain animal records.
• Fear Free Shelter or Fear Free Professional certification required, or ability to obtain within first 90 days of employment.
• Must possess a valid California driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the requirements of the organization's insurance provider.
• Required to operate a motor vehicle to attend travel between facilities, meetings and special events, run errands, etc. as needed.
• Must be able to safely lift and carry supplies or animals weighing up to fifty pounds with assistance.
• Must be willing to undergo a background check as required by organizational policy.

Acknowledgement The Placer SPCA is an equal opportunity employer. The Placer SPCA reserves the right to revise or change this job description as necessary or as business requires. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. I understand the qualifications described above for the Foster Specialist position and acknowledge that I am able to perform the essential functions of the job either with or without reasonable accommodation.

Pay:

$19.14 - $25.73 per hour

Work Location:

In person