Foster/Volunteer Department Assistant

The DSPCA is Ireland’s leading animal welfare organisation, established over 180 years ago in 1840. Over the years we have grown to be the leading and largest animal welfare charity in Ireland. We exist uniquely to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome sick, injured and cruelly treated animals. It is an exciting time to join the DSPCA as we focus on transformative growth and our long term strategy.

An opportunity has arisen for a Foster & Volunteer Department Assistant to join our Foster & Volunteer Department.

This position requires a dedicated individual who is passionate about animal welfare and thrives in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. You must work effectively as part of a team and have strong communication skills.

Responsibilities and Duties (include but not exclusive to)

Animal Care:

Responsible for the care of animals while onsite and in the care of the foster department, incoming from other agencies, from the ambulance/inspectors.

These animals will be kept in the foster room, foster office or Isolation Building this will also include any new areas that may be delegated to the foster department.

Responsibilities with these animals will be carried out with strict Barrier Nursing Protocols- training will be provided and signed off by the Vet Department.

Administer medication if needed and as directed by the Vet Department.

Tasks will include but not limited to the following:

– Preparing and setting up kennels

– Ensuring animals are fed and cleaned at appropriate intervals throughout the day until suitable foster homes are available

– FULL DEEP CLEANS this must be done immediately after the animals have left the premises. This means all areas, kennels, foster room including floors and crates and such, must be deep cleaned using the protocols given to you by the Vet Department – training will be provided

Patience and Preparation it is very important to be set up for any emergencies that can come in at any time, have baby bottles, heat pads, and hot water bottles sterilised, newspapers, blankets and appropriate size crates/ kennels at the ready.

Foster Supply Room:

Each morning the successful candidate will be asked to attend to the Foster Room

– Washing and dying of all pet bedding throughout the day

– Food containers need to be topped up and stock of specialty food taken

– Foster Room must be kept clean and organised at all times.

All supplies must be kept clean, when foster animals return the supplies must be collected from reception and sorted into the correct bins for cleaning

Every evening packs for the following day must be completed and labelled for what animal they belong too

Responsible for the inventory of all food & ordering of all food stock.

Duties & Repsonsibilities

Foster Placement and Coordination:

– Facilitate the foster application and approval process, ensuring potential foster caregivers meet the shelter’s requirements.
– Match animals with suitable foster homes based on the animals’ needs, behaviour, and medical requirements, as well as the capabilities and preferences of foster caregivers.
– Coordinate with the veterinary staff to ensure animals are up-to-date on vaccinations and receive necessary medical care before going into foster homes.
– Meeting and greeting foster families, suppling food when called to reception or sending by An Post as requested.

Foster Caregiver Support:

– Provide ongoing support to foster caregivers, including guidance on animal care, behaviour management, and answering any questions or concerns they may have.
– Regularly check in with foster caregivers to assess the well-being of the animals and offer assistance as needed.

Volunteer Placement and Coordination:

– Application & Recruitment Process
– Co-ordinating volunteer induction & training
– Support of Garda Vetting process
– Assist with volunteer systems and databases

Animal Health and Welfare:

– Work closely with the veterinary team to monitor the health and medical needs of animals in foster care. Ensure that foster caregivers are equipped with necessary medications, food, and supplies for the animals in their care.
– Coordinate veterinary appointments and medical treatments for animals in foster care, as required.
– Triage and address queries from foster carers and liaise directly with the Veterinary department as required.

Qualifications & Person Qualities

– Previous experience in an animal shelter, rescue organisation, is a plus.

– Strong passion for animal welfare and a genuine interest in promoting the well-being of shelter animals.
– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with foster caregivers, staff, and volunteers.
-Strong phone skills.
– Detail-oriented with strong organisational skills to manage animal records, foster placements, and appointments effectively.
– Ability to handle and prioritise multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
– Basic knowledge of animal behaviour and common health issues in dogs, cats, and other animals.
– Compassion, patience, and empathy when dealing with animals and their caregivers.
– Strong ability to build relationships.

Salary, Hours & How To Apply

Full-time salaried position with baseline work week of 35 hours per week and 22 days holiday per year.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10am – 6pm
Friday & Saturday 9am – 5pm

Position is subject to Garda Vetting and reference check.

To Apply
Please your CV and cover note to Joanne