We Are Hiring: Foster & Volunteer Coordinator

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 Coordinator to join our Foster & Volunteer Department. As Coordinator for our animal shelter, you will be at the heart of our foster and volunteer programme, playing a vital role in finding temporary foster homes for our shelter animals, recruiting and coordinating volunteer activity. Your compassion, organisational skills, and strong communication abilities will be instrumental in matching animals with suitable fosters and ensuring their well-being during their time in foster care. Our volunteer and foster network enhance our day to day operations and we see this as a very important role within the DSPCA team.

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. Working week will be Tuesday – Saturday.

Responsibilities and Duties

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.

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

– Management of Garda Vetting process

– Oversee and manage 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.

Documentation and Reporting:

– Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all animals in the foster program, including medical history, behaviour assessments, and placement details.

– Generate reports on the progress and well-being of fostered animals, and provide updates to the senior management team regularly.

Public Relations and Outreach:

– Assist in promoting the foster program through community outreach events, social media, and other marketing efforts.

– Participate in public events and engage with potential foster caregivers to encourage their participation in the program.

– Training and Education: Conduct orientation sessions and training for new foster caregivers, providing them with the information and resources needed for a successful fostering experience.

– Educate foster caregivers on responsible pet care, animal behaviour, and enrichment activities.

Qualifications and Person Qualities

– Previous experience in an animal shelter, rescue organisation, or a foster program 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.

– 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 & Benefits

Full-time (Tuesday – Saturday) salaried position with baseline work week of 35 hours per week and 22 days holiday per year.

Position is subject to Garda Vetting and reference check.

How to apply

To apply for the role please email a cover letter and CV HERE

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday 6th October 2023