Foster Care Specialist

Description

The Humane Society for Southwest Washington is currently seeking a full-time Foster Care Specialist to join our team.

Since 1897, HSSW has been the leader in animal welfare across Southwest Washington. With an annual operating budget of $15 million, we are the largest and most innovative animal welfare organization in the region. Our shelter campuses in Vancouver and Longview, WA serve more than 10,000 animals each year
, providing high-quality care, medical services, and the compassion they deserve.

Our community-based approach helps keep pets and people together. Through the Nierenberg Community Veterinary Clinic
, the Sandra Richardson Miller Mobile Veterinary Clinic
, the Swigert Family Behavior & Training Center
, and programs like free pet food and other essential resources, we serve more than 18,000 owned animals annually expanding access to affordable veterinary care, spay/neuter, training, and support.

We also own and operate ReTails Thrift Store
, a top shopping destination named Best Thrift Store in Clark County for eight consecutive years, providing vital funding for our mission.

At HSSW, you’ll find an innovative, high-energy culture where your passion for animals and people can make a real difference. We’re looking for team members who want to be part of something bigger: supporting pets, strengthening families, and shaping the future of animal welfare in Southwest Washington. HSSW has been honored as Best Non-Profit for two years running—a recognition of our impact and leadership in the community.

The Foster Care Specialist arranges the placement and day-to-day care of animals in foster homes, ensuring their health, behavior, and well-being. The Specialist works in close collaboration with the Foster Coordinator, who handles higher-level program coordination, and takes on the administrative and logistical work that keeps the program running: placements, scheduling, records, supplies, and volunteer communication. This role supports foster volunteers, coordinates medical and behavioral care, and facilitates the smooth transition of animals between the shelter, foster homes, and adoption.

• Match animals with suitable foster homes and coordinate departures, returns, veterinary appointments, volunteer transportation, and supply deliveries.
• Help implement individualized care plans and ensure fostered animals receive appropriate supplies, medical care, socialization, and rehabilitation in preparation for adoption.
• Provide occasional hands‑on foster support, including routine vaccinations and basic care as trained and authorized under veterinary direction, and hand off animals to foster volunteers with care instructions and supplies.
• Respond promptly and compassionately to foster animal or volunteer emergencies, following program guidelines and escalating complex situations to the Foster Coordinator.

• Support and coach foster volunteers through responsive communication, appointments, training, community events, and feedback.
• Communicate clearly and compassionately about fostering expectations and sensitive outcomes, including when humane euthanasia may be appropriate.
• Carry out Safe Haven scheduling, placements, and pet owner updates under the Foster Coordinator’s oversight; contribute to program communications, including newsletters, social media, and placement appeals.