Animal Welfare Professionals

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  • 1.  What do you look for when hiring or talking to a rescue/foster coordinator?

    Posted 04-24-2022 07:19 PM
    Hi, my name is McKenzie. I have worked in a previous shelter for almost 2 years, then after 2 years of veterinary medicine I have found myself working in another county shelter and a kennel technician. I have been trying to learn and do more outreach with rescues as well as communicating with current fosters. My current shelter is hiring for this position and I've always wanted to do this. I have been helping our director while we have been without one. What do you look for when you are hiring a rescue/foster coordinator? What do you look for when speaking to one from a municipal shelter? I know the basics but not enough I feel. Any suggestions would be great! 

    #FosterPrograms
    #MarketingandSocialMedia
    #TransfersandTransport

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    McKenzie Cook
    Kennel Technician Crew Chief
    Catawba County Animal Services
    Newton NC
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  • 2.  RE: What do you look for when hiring or talking to a rescue/foster coordinator?

    Posted 04-27-2022 05:07 PM
    Mckenzie,

     Thank you so much for this post.  This is a great question. One of the main things that we all look for is prior experience. I also like to know if the person has any sort of sales background because as you know recuriting volunteers, fosters and rescues to me is similiar to sales. We have to pitch to the rescues or fosters on why we need their help and for them to take certain animals.  That has been helpful to me. 

     I also try to get references to verify a proven track records of success. Has the person ever worked in a role like this before and if so have they maintained contact with past fosters or rescue partners. This means that they may come to you with some relationships that have already been formed. 

       I always try to use real life scenarios and ask the potential candidate to describe how they would handle it. This would give you a better idea of how they think and if their values align with those of your organiation. 

     I also like to find out if the person is involved in any other outside groups like at thier church or community center. I ask this because it shows that they are good at buliding realtionships, and that they have a good relationship with potential  future fosters or volunteers and that could lead to more animals going into foster and/or getting adopted. 

     I also look to see if they have had any kind of recuriting in thier background as both of these positions involve recruiting.  Most of all checking for a great attitude and someone who is a people person will help quickly develop those relationships. 

      Here are some super improtant questions I always ask:
        1. How good  are you with time management?
        2. Are you flexible? ( with schedules, rules and policies)?
        3. How do you handle conflict?
        4. How do you feel about problem solving?

     I hope this has helped you some.  Wishing you the best.

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    Marissa Reid
    Clinic Director
    LifeLine Animal Project

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    Access To Care Specialist
    Clinic Management Specialist
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  • 3.  RE: What do you look for when hiring or talking to a rescue/foster coordinator?

    Posted 04-28-2022 10:33 AM
    Hi McKenzie,
    When I hire for Foster Coordinators I look for flexibility, team work, communication skills, proactive, problem solving, a desire to expand the program, organized, networking, reliable, confident, can handle stressful environments and situations, doesn't take situations personal(easier said than done I know), has a good work-life balance, a desire to learn and open to the opportunities to learn, approachable, can interface with the public, essentially someone that really grasps the importance of the foster program, streamlining the onboarding process, consistent communication with the fosters and shelter for the animals needs, and providing support as we work together to permanent placement for the animals. And also letting them know that they have support as well if they encounter a situation that they are unsure of how to address. I hope this is helpful and I hope you are able to fill that position soon.

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    Auriana Brown
    Placement Manager
    LifeLine Animal Project
    Atlanta, GA
    404-490-1427

    Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice and
    Pet Support Services Specialist
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