City of Minneapolis hiring Animal Shelter Foster Program Coordinator in Minneapolis, MN | LinkedIn (2024)

Position Description

This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing all facets of the Foster Program. The Foster Coordinator is also responsible for general health, wellness, and organization of all animals in the various foster programs. The foster program connects animals in need with generous volunteers/community members who lend their homes, hearts, and time to provide a safe space for pets, pending placement in a permanent home.

Work Location This position currently works on-site only.

This is a grant funded position that ends on January 31st, 2025.Job Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct needs assessments, evaluate foster programs, and develop plans to expand and diversify foster base.
• Design and implement a detailed plan for year-round recruitment of all segments of the community
• Actively promote, support, and provide guidance to foster volunteers to move animals out of MACC with an emphasis on length of stay (LOS).
• Manage a system for marketing pets from foster homes, and ensure that it is working efficiently for all involved.
• Recruit, interview, and match fosters with program opportunities; provide onboarding, orientation, and training on program objectives, and expectations.
• Create and/or update training manuals and other materials regularly to ensure appropriate levels of training are received and maintained.
• Work with relevant staff to ensure fosters have adequate training and there is appropriate animal placement into foster homes based on animals’ medical and/or behavioral needs
• Work with shelter staff, veterinarians, and volunteer coordinator to ensure medical and behavioral needs are being met for all animals in foster care, including appointment scheduling and transportation.
• Develop and implement on-going foster program objectives, goals, and work plans.
• Research, review, create and/or update foster program policies and procedures regularly to ensure that the system is working efficiently and barriers to participation are low.
• Coordinate and organize outreach activities and events with the community, local rescues, and businesses.
• Promote the development of partnerships for foster programs as they relate to MACC goals and mission.
• Ensure clear communications exist for medical and behavioral needs when relevant, and that adoption processes are consistent with shelter practice.
• Plan and organize foster volunteer recognition and appreciation and other special events.
• Maintain current volunteer records and database using the Chameleon program and complete other administrative duties supporting the shelter’s foster programs.
• Maintain all animal records in Chameleon database.
• Collect and compile data and statistics for reporting and/or to make recommendations on program activities and goals

Working Conditions Indoors in an animal shelter environment with exposure to animals and related hazards and outdoors in various weather and exposure to other hazards at outreach events. Able to work flexible hours including some nights, weekends, holidays.

Required Qualifications Minimum Education Associate arts degree or equivalent in a related field.

Minimum ExperienceTwo years of related experience.

Selection Process The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience and/or an oral examination (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

Background Check The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Union Representation This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Professional Employees Association (MPEA). For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit: https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/hr/labor-agreements/professional-employees/

Eligible List Statement The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire three (3) months after it has been established.

Interview Selection The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate’s education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Animal Shelters - Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, policies, and procedures relevant to animal shelters to include custodial and remedial care, adoptions, euthanasia, animal behavior and basic care.
• Animal Knowledge- Genera knowledge of animal behavior, training, and enrichment practices.
• Safety - Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions, and safety regulations related to effective animal care, maintaining sanitary conditions and overall health of shelter animals, and other work-related precautions.
• Supervision - Knowledge of leadership techniques, principles, and procedures to assign work, schedule, supervise, train, and evaluate the work of volunteers. Ability to establish and implement effective administrative programs and procedures. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology.
• Excellent Communication Skills- This includes customer service skills and setting and meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. Excellent ability to communicate complex ideas and proposals effectively, including preparation of reports, agendas, and policies. Excellent ability to listen and understand information and ideas presented verbally and in writing. Ability to handle a variety of issues with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.
• Computer Skills - Utilizes a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet, and related software to effectively complete a variety of tasks with reasonable speed and accuracy.
• Judgment/Decision Making - Evaluates the best method of research and then exercises appropriate judgment in establishing priorities and resolving complex matters. Anticipates, identifies and evaluates potentially dangerous, unusual or deviating situations.
• Interpersonal Relationships - Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees and representatives from other departments and organizations. Shares knowledge with staff and volunteers for mutual and departmental benefit.
• Equity-Nuanced understanding of equity issues and demonstrated ability to work with diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Social and Emotional Learning-Accurately recognize and regulate the influence of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively, even in the face of highly emotional situations. Understand and empathize with others from diverse backgrounds and cultures and develop healthy and appropriate relationships through compassion and professionalism.
• Resourcefulness-Find innovative solutions to obstacles. Able to pivot and address change on an ongoing basis and act as a good steward of available and limited resources.

Benefits SummaryOur employees enjoy competitive salaries and generous benefits. We pride ourselves on a comprehensive benefits program that supports employees' health and financial well-being. Programs, resources, and benefit eligibility varies based on position, average hours worked, location and length of service. For detailed benefits information, pleasevisit the benefits page .

New12 weeks of paid parental leaveCity employees are eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in the event of a birth or placement for adoption of a child.

InsuranceHealth insuranceEligibility for benefits begins the first of the month following employment date. The City of Minneapolis offers eligible employees one plan design with a choice of six provider networks, allowing you to select the best option for you. Available plans include Medica Choice Passport, Medica Elect, VantagePlus with Medica, Park Nicollet and HealthPartners Medical Group First with Medica, Ridgeview Community Network powered by Medica, and Clear Value with Medica.

Dental insuranceThe City of Minneapolis offers dental insurance through Delta Dental of Minnesota and pays 100% of the monthly premium for eligible employees.

BenefitsPaid time offOur generous leave package includes vacation, holidays and paid sick leave, which gives employees the opportunity to enhance their quality of life outside work. Amounts and accrual rates are based on years of experience and collective bargaining agreements .

RetirementCity employees earn a pension and may choose to participate in additional retirement savings programs.

• Pension:The City of Minneapolis participates in the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). Employees and the City both contribute a percentage of your pay to fund future benefits.
• Deferred compensation: Employees may choose to participate in pre-tax or after-tax savings plans through the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS).

TransportationEligible City employees may choose to participate in the following transportation programs:

• Metropass:The Metropass program allows eligible employees to enroll in a pass for unlimited bus or light rail rides at a discounted price.
• Parking or Van Pool: The City of Minneapolis Transportation Benefits Plan gives you options to pay certain commuting costs, such as qualified parking and van pool expenses, with pre-tax dollars.

Learning and developmentTo engage and develop employees, the City of Minneapolis offers classes in leadership, cultural agility, change management and more. Additionally, educational discounts at Augsburg University, Hamline University, St. Catherine’s, and St. Mary's University of Minnesota are available to City employees.

Other PerksEmployees can also take advantage of optional life insurance, flexible spending accounts, the Employee Assistance Program , health club discounts and more.

Closing Date/Time: 6/4/2024 11:59 PM Central