• Do you want to join one of Victoria’s most recognised not-for-profit animal welfare organisation?
• An exciting *NEW* position, with a focus on delivering post placement support to foster families
• Be an important part of the foster care journey for all animals, helping them find a successful pathway out of the shelter
• Full position available at our Burwood East site!

About RSPCA Victoria

RSPCA Victoria is a non-government, community-based, not-for-profit organisation whose vision is ‘ending cruelty to all animals’. We are Victoria’s best-known and most respected animal welfare organisation.

Our organisation’s purpose is to work with the community to achieve outstanding animal welfare through education, advocacy, and animal care and protection. RSPCA Victoria’s values - clarity and accountability, respect and consideration, and expertise and collaboration - set clear expectations for all our staff and volunteers.

About the role

The Foster Care Network Support Coordinator is responsible for the provision of post placement support to foster families through the Foster Care Program, as well as the development and implementation of retention and relationship management strategies, to reduce the length of stay of animals in our shelters.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Contribute to management of animals in the RSPCA Victoria Foster Care Program in a professional and caring manner,
• Provide a high level of service, education and support to foster carers and rehoming partners to enhance the reputation of RSPCA Victoria within the community, whilst also delivering the best possible welfare outcome for animals in our care.
• Support Foster carers of PCH animals in long term foster placements through quarterly check-ins.
• Contribute to administration functions with RSPCA Victoria Foster Care Facebook page including admin approval for new members and approval of posts; and data management of skills and qualifications, and ongoing foster status in required databases.
• Contribute to building the Foster Care Program by supporting the recruitment, onboarding and retention processes for new foster carers, and supporting their ongoing development and engagement with RSPCA Victoria.
• Ensure all necessary administration relating to foster carers and the management of animals are recorded accurately and in a timely manner, in accordance with RSPCA Victoria procedures and legislative requirements.
• Manage the animal journey through the foster program through to a successful pathway out of the shelter.
• Contribute to the implementation of initiatives and business goals to deliver the required performance outcomes in accordance with broader organisational goals to reduce the length of stay of animals in our care.
• Actively contribute to and champion the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives within the Foster Care Program through implementing consistent processes as they are rolled out.
• Manage communication with foster carers either via phone, email, social media etc to achieve positive customer and animal welfare outcomes;
• Work collaboratively with foster care volunteers to achieve team goals

What we are looking for from you

• Ability to work in a fast paced, high pressure and challenging work environment, whilst showing great care and compassion to the animals in our shelter and members of the public;
• Previous experience in managing and responding to a high volume of emails effectively within desirable timeframes;
• A proactive approach and an ability to multitask in a high pressure challenging work environment;
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively in a team environment;
• The ability to work rotating rosters including weekends and public holidays.

Highly regarded

• Holds or is willing to complete a Certificate II in Animal Studies or Customer Service (or equivalent).
• Previous experience in an animal care or customer service role, including knowledge of animal anatomy, behaviour, disease recognition and safe handling

What we can offer you

• A broad range of leave entitlements, including annual leave, personal leave, additional leave (6 days per year pro-rata), purchased leave, paid parental leave, study leave and paid family and domestic violence leave
• Recognised by Mental Health First Aid Australia, as a skilled workplace - Access to a range of mental health and wellbeing supportive initiatives, including confidential counselling services and education programs
• Generous discount on products and services, including Royal Canine pet food, Hush Puppies footwear and RSPCA Victoria retail and vet clinic products and services
• Salary packaging and novated lease arrangements on offer with leading provider, Maxxia
• Access to a range of learning and development opportunities that will benefit and support you in your role.

Recruitment Requirements

• A current and valid tetanus vaccination
• Valid driver’s licence.
• For Foster Care Network Coordinator positions based in regional locations, regular travel between RSPCA Victoria shelter locations regionally is required, covering significant distance by car/pool car/vehicle.

How to Apply

To learn more about our organisation and this job opportunity, please visit our website at rspcavic.org and download the Position Description attached to this advertisement for more details.

Alternatively, please contact our Recruitment Team via [email protected], using the subject line: Foster Care Network Support Coordinator - Burwood East enquiry via EthicalJobs.

If this role is of interest to you, submit your application with your cover letter and resume, addressing how you meet the selection criteria.

Please note we are actively reviewing applications for this position, so if you are interested, please apply as soon as possible.

RSPCA Victoria is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and we strongly encourage people from all cultural backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Applicants are welcome to access RSPCA Victoria’s Diversity & Inclusion Policy here.