JOB & PERSON SPECIFICATION - Foster Care Assistant - ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA INC - AWL

ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE OF
      SOUTH AUSTRALIA INC

JOB & PERSON SPECIFICATION

     Foster Care Assistant

JOB SPECIFICATION

POSITION:             Foster Care Assistant

REPORTS TO:           Rehoming Manager

CLASSIFICATION:       Level 2

Job Purpose

The Foster Care Assistant will administer the AWL Foster Care program under direction of
the Rehoming Manager, working collaboratively with Animal Care Coordinators, AWL
Veterinary Clinic, Volunteers and other AWL departments to balance occupancy across
foster homes, animal care facilities and the PetStock adoptions program to achieve optimal
animal welfare outcomes.

Key responsibilities / accountabilities

   •   Administer a collaborative, effective and efficient foster care program with the aim of
       increasing rehoming/adoption rates for lost, abandoned and surrendered animals

   •   Work under guidelines for foster arrangements in accordance with AWL policies,
       procedures and strategic directions

   •   Conduct induction and orientation program for volunteers engaged in the foster
       program

   •   Participate as directed in recruitment, development and training of foster carers

   •   Maintenance of foster care database including a property inspection schedule
   •   Arrange appropriate placement of animals into foster care arrangements
   •   Periodic inspection of carers and housing arrangements for animals in foster care
   •   Review and report on health and welfare status of animals in foster care as directed
   •   Provide support to foster carers as required including coordination of ongoing training
   •   Provide direction and training to the Foster Care volunteers
   •   Ensure electronic time and attendance records for foster care volunteers are
       accurate and complete at the end of every shift
   •   Liaise with the Veterinary and Animal Care staff in relation to the timely housing,
       movement and treatment of appropriate animals for AWL adoption programs
   •   Undertake other role appropriate duties as directed

Animal Welfare League of SA                                             Reviewed: January 2021
Foster Care Assistant                                                                 Page | 2

Reporting Relationships

Reports to the Rehoming Manager

Work Health and Safety

All staff and volunteers have a legal obligation to take steps to protect themselves from risks
to health and safety and to make sure they do not cause a risk to others through any action
or omission.

In particular, the incumbent must:
    • Comply with statutory and organisation requirements, procedures and rules
        introduced to protect the health and safety of people at the workplace including the
        public
   •   Use equipment provided to protect health and safety
   •   Follow reasonable instructions given on health and safety
   •   Ensure they are not affected by alcohol or another drug so as to endanger
       themselves or others
   •   Report accidents, injuries, property damage and health and safety incidents
   •   Participate in activities associated with the management of workplace health and
       safety

Animal Welfare League of SA                                            Reviewed: January 2021
Foster Care Assistant                                                                Page | 3

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education, experience and skills
   •   Proven Experience in a Foster Assistant role
   •   Minimum 2 years previous experience in an animal care or related field is preferred
   •   Certificate II in Animal Studies qualification preferred
   •   Certificate 3 in Companion Animal Services qualification or willingness to work
       towards this certification within an agreed timeframe
   •   Excellent written, presentation and communication skills with the ability to engage a
       wide range of stakeholders and present information to a variety of audiences in a
       public forum
   •   Sound administration skills including accurate record keeping
   •   Proficient in animal handling
   •   High level of professionalism with a strong customer service focus
   •   Ability to learn, organise and prioritise work and to plan and implement programs
   •   Strong attention to detail
   •   Intermediate computer literacy including proficiency with database management and
       ShelterMate is desirable
   •   Demonstrated understanding of and interest in animal related issues particularly
       relating to animal welfare
   •   Previous experience in the Sheltermate program would be highly regarded but not
       essential
   •   Proven experience coordinating small teams of staff and/or volunteers to achieve
       desired outcomes in required timeframes and build a positive culture
   •   Commitment to the mission, values and strategic planning of the AWL
   •   Ability to understand and interpret relevant policies, procedures, legislation, AWL
       EBA and modern award in relation to Animal Care and ownership

Special Requirements
   •   Willingness to work at any AWL site or location
   •   Applicants must be functionally assessed to ensure physical ability to compete the
       physical demands of the position
   •   Additional hours may be required to meet business needs
   •   Satisfactory National Police Clearance Certificate at commencement of employment
       and periodically at the request of the AWL
   •   Class C Driver’s License and willingness to travel to the Edinburgh North shelter,
       PetStock stores and other locations will be required.

Animal Welfare League of SA                                            Reviewed: January 2021
Foster Care Assistant                                                                Page | 4

Performance Standards

The performance of the incumbent will be measured by the extent to which the position
responsibilities are achieved, specifically:

   •    Ability to set priorities, plan workload and meet deadlines
   •    The degree of professionalism and flexibility displayed
   •    Reliability, quality, efficiency and courteousness of services delivered
   •    Effective teamwork and contribution to the achievement of team goals
   •    Development and maintenance of relationships with key stakeholders

I have read the requirements and responsibilities outlined in this position description and
AWL’s Code of Conduct and will adhere to these conditions.

I agree to have my performance monitored and evaluated in relation to my performance in
the role as detailed throughout this document.

Name:          ______________________________________

Signed:        ______________________________________

Date:          ______________________________________

Animal Welfare League of SA                                              Reviewed: January 2021
Foster Care Assistant                                                                  Page | 5