Location: Current: Austral, From October: Kurnell, Other locations as required
Hours: Full time position: 76 hours per 9-day fortnight (alternate weekends required)
Reports to: Animal Care Team Leaders, Foster Care Manager, Shelter Manager

Purpose of the Role:

The Foster Care Coordinator is responsible for growing and supporting a skilled and compassionate network of volunteer dog foster carers. This role ensures high standards of animal care, communication, and training, providing dogs with safe, nurturing temporary homes while they await adoption.

About us

The Sydney Dogs and Cats Home (SD&CH) is highly respected within the animal welfare sector, providing shelter, food and veterinary care to lost, homeless and abandoned animals, primarily dogs and cats, until a time when such animals can either be reunited with their owners or found a new, suitable home.

SD&CH objectives are to:

provide companion animals in our care with best practice care
provide engagement programs that benefit companion animals, SDCH & the community
attract and retain mission motivated talent
sustainable financial, systems and resources

At Sydney Dogs & Cats Home, our Employee Value Proposition (EVP) embodies a commitment to nurturing a workplace where every team member feels supported and thrives. Our dedication to professional growth and development is evident through regular workshops, mentorship, and upskilling opportunities that align with our strategic direction, fostering both personal enrichment and professional excellence. We take pride in our diverse work environments, our flexibility, and our focus on positive outcomes for our people, creating a supportive culture where innovation, wellbeing, and the courage to embrace change flourish.

We are committed to upholding a respectful and professional environment, free from negativity, while recruiting individuals who share our values and compassionate ethos. Together, we are shaping a future at Sydney Dogs & Cats Home, honouring our commitment to our staff and also setting a benchmark for excellence in workplace culture and best practice animal care.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Foster Carer Recruitment & Onboarding

Actively recruit, screen, and onboard new foster carers for dogs.
Collaborate with Fundraising & Marketing for campaign promotion.
Conduct inductions, ensuring carers understand animal care responsibilities, WHS, and SDCH policies.
Maintain accurate digital records and ensure completion of required documentation
Be present or actively involved in the handover process when dogs are placed into foster care to support a smooth transition for both the animal and the carer.

2. Foster Carer Support & Supervision

Provide responsive communication and build a supportive foster community.
Respond to enquiries within 24 hours (or immediately for urgent needs).
Ensure access to after-hours support and provide regular carer updates.
Coordinate ongoing carer training (manuals, webinars, workshops).
Monitor carer competency and satisfaction, responding to feedback and complaints professionally.

3. Animal Placement & Monitoring

Work with the vet and animal care teams to identify dogs suitable for foster care.
Match dogs with appropriate carers based on behavioural and medical needs.
Monitor animal welfare through regular check-ins and ensure records are updated.
Coordinate timely vet care and follow-up treatments.
Actively source and coordinate foster carer options in a timely manner, across all SDCH locations, ensuring animals are not delayed in receiving appropriate care.

4. Behavioural Support

Provide behavioural training and advice to carers, both in-person and remotely.
Support foster-to-adopt transitions with tailored behavioural strategies.
Manage any safety concerns, escalating incidents to the Management.
Conduct home visits or drop-offs when required to provide in-person behavioural support and guidance to foster carers.
Encourage early identification and communication of potential behavioural concerns before they escalate and respond with appropriate advice or escalation to management when necessary.

5. Equipment & Resource Management

Maintain and track foster care supplies and equipment.
Ensure carers have the tools and resources needed for high-quality care.
Liaise with the Animal Care Team to source or replace supplies as needed.

6. Data Management & Reporting

Maintain accurate foster carer and foster animal records.
Ensure timely entry of behavioural, medical, and logistical data.
Generate reports on program performance and contribute to annual reporting.
Generate monthly board reports

7. Transport & Logistics

Safely transport animals, adhering to legal and welfare standards.
Maintain cleanliness and fuel levels of SDCH vehicles, reporting issues promptly.

8. Cross-Species Support

Assist with foster care coordination for cats and pocket pets during peak periods.
Support administrative and logistical needs across species in collaboration with the broader Foster Care and Animal Care teams.

9. Collaboration & Improvement

Work closely with the ACM to review and enhance foster care processes.
Participate in strategic planning and operational improvements.
Maintain a positive working relationship with foster carers, staff, and volunteers.

10. Organisational Contribution

Represent SDCH professionally at public events and with stakeholders.
Uphold SDCH’s mission, values, and standards of animal welfare.
Support interdepartmental collaboration and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

Certificate IV in Animal Care.
Behaviour qualification with an aligned training institute
Experience in foster care coordination, behaviour support, or volunteer management highly regarded.
High competency in animal handling.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Demonstrated passion for animal welfare and best-practice fear free care.
Excellent time management and multitasking abilities.
Confident working independently and within a team.
Strong initiative and problem-solving capabilities.
Current unrestricted driver’s licence.

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