Foster Care Network Placement Coordinator

• Join one of Victoria's most recognised Animal Welfare Organisation
• Help give animals a second chance by finding them temporary homes
• Permanent full-time opportunity available to join our Foster Care Network Team

About RSPCA Victoria

RSPCA Victoria is a non-government, community-based, not-for-profit organisation whose vision is 'ending cruelty to all animals'. We are Victoria's best-known and most respected animal welfare organisation forming part of the RSPCA Federation, with over 400 employees and 1400 volunteers in Victoria.

Our organisation's purpose is with the community to achieve outstanding animal welfare through education, advocacy, and animal care and protection. RSPCA Victoria's values of Clarity, Accountability, Respect, Consideration, Expertise and Collaboration – set clear expectations for all our staff and volunteers as they work together, and with the community.

About the role

The Foster Care Network Placement Coordinator plays a vital role within a small, passionate, and growing team dedicated to improving the lives of shelter animals. This position is primarily responsible for coordinating the placement of animals into safe, supportive foster homes.

This is a dynamic and rewarding position suited to someone who is positive, highly organised, and outgoing, with a natural ability to build relationships and solve problems proactively. The ideal candidate will be confident working independently and collaboratively, and is encouraged to develop and implement innovative strategies to strengthen our foster network and improve program outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Contribute to management of animals in the RSPCA Victoria Foster Care Program in a professional and caring manner, including taking a proactive approach to the placement of animals into a suitable foster home or alternative rehoming partner.
• Identify suitable foster carers and place animals awaiting foster in a timely manner, prioritising animals with the longest length of stay days.
• Provide a high level of service, education and support to foster carers and rehoming partners to enhance the reputation of RSPCA Victoria within the community, whilst also delivering the best possible welfare outcome for animals in our care.
• Ensure all necessary administration relating to foster carers and the management of animals are recorded accurately and in a timely manner, in accordance with RSPCA Victoria procedures and legislative requirements.
• Contribute to maintaining accurate information for new and existing foster carers through accurate record keeping of skills and qualifications.
• Contribute to the implementation of initiatives and business goals to deliver the required performance outcomes in accordance with broader organisational goals to reduce the length of stay of animals in our care.
• Ensure that animals in the program meet the criteria for foster placement while managing the risk to our foster carers.
• Contribute to maintaining supplies and food stocks to minimal stock on hand levels to meet the demand of animal in and entering the foster program through effective inventory control.
• Work collaboratively with foster care volunteers to achieve team outcomes.
• Actively contribute to and champion the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives within the Foster Care Program through implementing consistent processes as they are rolled out.
• Perform any other duties as required from time to time, including providing care, husbandry, treatment and enrichment to animals in our care. This may also include the transportation of animals where a volunteer driver is not available.
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment by effectively communicating and working collaboratively with peers across all departments, and consistently behaving in accordance with the RSPCA Victoria values and associated policies.
• Takes reasonable care for the safety of oneself and others, whilst contributing to safe work practices at RSPCA Victoria by knowing and complying with all WH&S policies and procedures.
• Bring a positive attitude and the ability to nurture strong and supportive team relationships in a high pressure and emotional environment.

What we are looking for from you

• Previous experience in managing and responding to a high volume of emails effectively within desirable timeframes;
• A proactive approach and an ability to multitask in a high pressure challenging work environment;
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively in a team environment;
• The ability to work rotating rosters including weekends and public holidays.

Highly regarded

• Holds or is willing to complete a Certificate II in Animal Studies or Customer Service (or equivalent).
• Previous experience in an animal care or customer service role, including knowledge of animal anatomy, behaviour, disease recognition and safe handling

What's on offer?

• Access to a range of mental health and wellbeing supportive initiatives; including confidential counselling services and education programs
• Generous discounts on products and services, including Royal Canin pet food, Hush Puppies footwear, Bupa healthcare and RSPCA Victoria retail

Recruitment Requirements

• Valid driver's license.
• Tetanus vaccination
• For Foster Care Network Coordinator positions based in regional locations, regular travel between RSPCA Victoria shelter locations regionally is required, covering significant distance by car/pool car/vehicle.

How to Apply

To learn more about this job opportunity, please visit our website at and download the Position Description for more details. If you have any questions, please contact our Recruitment Team via for a confidential discussion.

** Applications close Tuesday 16th of September and will be actively reviewed as they are received**

RSPCA Victoria is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and we strongly encourage people from all cultural backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Applicants are welcome to access RSPCA Victoria's Diversity & Inclusion Policy here.