The Shelter Care Coordinator provides guidance and assists with overseeing day-to-day operations of the Rutland County Humane Society (RCHS). This incumbent will aid in achieving goals such as increasing the live release rate and consistently maintaining the highest standards of animal care and welfare. The Shelter Coordinator will help create a progressive and productive work environment while maximizing the efficiency of animal flow to minimize length of stay.

Duties & Responsibilities

· Ensure that all responsibilities of animal care staff and volunteers are consistently fulfilled and they have the tools they need to do their job effectively. This includes monitoring that animal care and disease control guidelines are being followed to ensure health and welfare.

· Ensure cleanliness of all areas assigned to the animal care team.

· Oversee the training of new Animal Care Associates.

· Assist in achieving daily animal care objectives which includes feeding, watering, and medicating animals as appropriate for their individual needs and adhere RCHS’s cleaning and disinfecting protocols.

· Coordinate and oversee cleanliness, disinfection and proper storage of kennels, crates, carriers, traps either onsite or at car wash. Create a system to keep items organized and put away.

· Assist ED & Shelter Manager in creating and implementing animal care guidelines and protocols by initiating regular feedback on current practices and recommending efficient alternatives.

· Assist with training staff and volunteers on appropriate animal handling, handling of difficult animals, and/or training initiatives.

· Monitor animals and activities in all areas. Participate in continuing education to remain current on best industry practices to ensure the 5 freedoms for animals.

· Develop and implement enrichment programs. Coordinate playgroups.

· Maintain animal records with information which will help place animals into suitable homes. Ensure all animal records in ShelterLuv are up to date (Add/Update photos, document behavior changes, & medical findings).

· Develop a working knowledge of all animals available for adoption through hands on interaction, review of related paperwork, and database information.

· Assess behavior, communicate and oversee behavior plans. Place adoption restrictions if appropriate. Ensure behavior binder is continuously utilized and observed behavior is documented in ShelterLuv.

· Make recommendations to ED, Shelter Manager regarding humane euthanasia based on behavior findings and mental health of pets

· Monitor animals for signs of illness/injury. Work with LVT start medications according to RCHS’s protocols and/or coordinate veterinary care.

· Work with Volunteer Coordinator to arrange volunteer coverage for animal transportation to vet clinics, training appts, events, etc. Coordinate staff if no volunteer available.

· Collaborate with LVT to ensure animal vaccinations and preventative care are completed. Design and implement a fast-track plan to ensure timely flow of animals to adoption ready status.

· Ensure completion and placement of kennel cards and bios for cat rooms/enclosures.

· Actively participate in marketing and events to promote adoptable animals.

· Assist with coordinating and completing meet and greets and dog introductions, if appropriate, for all available dogs both in house & foster care.

· Select, facilitate, transport, monitor animals, and support needs at adoption partner locations i.e Petco.

· Engage visitors in non-confrontational, educational conversations regarding animal care, surrender, sheltering policies, community resources, etc.

· Ensure adoption process is positive, mutually beneficial experience for potential adopters, staff, and volunteers. Oversee appropriate processing of applications, counseling initiatives, and completion of adoptions.

· Ensure adopters have all the tools and information needed to ensure a successful transition into the home. Ensure all canines have collars and identification tags prior to leaving the building.

· Coordinate and track post adoption communication with adopters to ensure a successful transition into new homes and decrease returns through counseling and other resources. Report adopter concerns to Shelter Manager as appropriate.

· Ensure supplies including, but not limited to, food, litter, kennel/cat room supplies, adoption supplies, and cleaning supplies are ordered and properly stocked.

· Ensure supply orders are checked in according to procedure and items are put away in designated areas. Sort and properly store donated items.

· Complete walk-throughs with ED and/or Shelter Manager when scheduled. Participate in team meetings as needed.

· Assist foster coordinator with readying of animals for transfer to foster homes.

· Monitor foster to adopt animals. Ensure all follow-up items are completed prior to adoption and finalization is completed timely. Promptly communicate concerns to Shelter Manager or ED.

· Participate in and oversee animal intakes. Ensure completion of associated paperwork.

· Report maintenance/repair issues to Shelter Manager or ED.

· Work cooperatively with all staff and volunteers to promote the RCHS mission.

· Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

· Work with Volunteer Coordinator to ensure adequate volunteer coverage, training, and support is provided.

· Train and support animal care associates. Provide regular performance feedback to the Shelter Manager.

Qualifications & Skills

· High school diploma or equivalent. Associates degree preferred.

· Strong familiarity with animal care, welfare, and behavior. Previous experience working in animal shelters or rescue organizations a plus.

· Ability to provide quality customer service including the ability to educate clients effectively and distinguish which client inquiries are appropriate for their knowledge base. Demonstrated experience in dealing effectively and tactfully under a variety of circumstances.

· Ability to mediate and problem solve in the moment.

· Ability to create a team/positive work culture and implement change when needed.

· Ability to work in rapidly changing and stressful environment.

· Proficient in basic mathematical calculations and professional oral and written communication.

· Excellent organizational and time management skills.

· Confidence using computer systems and learning new software.

· Willingness to discuss euthanasia, open-admission sheltering, and surrender of pets in a non-judgmental, non-confrontational, fact-based manner.

· The ability to handle confidential or sensitive information with discretion.

· Ability to function well independently and as a team member; must be self-motivated.

· Available and willing to work flexible working hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Attend mandatory training and meetings as necessary.

· Ability to work in the presence of animals, strong odors, unpleasant noises/sights, and cleaning solutions.

· Occasional exposure to dead, injured, sick, unruly, vicious and/or dangerous animals in addition to parasites, infectious diseases, and zoonotic diseases.

· Passion and commitment to animal welfare.

· Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift and carry 50 lbs unassisted. 50+ lbs assisted.

· Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable transportation.

· Ability and willingness to drive the RCHS animal transport van.

Salary

Competitive salary based on experience.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $16.50 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Every weekend
• Holidays

Work Location: In person