Foster Care Manager

About the Foster and Emergency Care Program

PAWS NY’s Foster and Emergency Care Program provides temporary foster care for pets whose guardians are facing urgent personal crises, with the ultimate goal of reuniting the family. Since launching in 2017, the program has helped hundreds of low-income, mobility-impaired individuals by caring for their pets during hospitalizations. In 2023, services expanded to support individuals entering inpatient treatment for substance use, and in 2024, we began assisting survivors of domestic violence as they sought safety and stability.

Position

PAWS NY is seeking a compassionate, highly organized, and experienced Foster Care Manager to oversee the coordination, expansion, and daily operations of our Foster and Emergency Care Program. This individual will be the central point of contact for program participants, foster caregivers, and partner organizations, and will ensure that pets are placed in safe, supportive foster homes while their guardians receive the care they need.

The right candidate will have direct human service experience and a strong understanding of the challenges faced by medically fragile, disabled, and socioeconomically vulnerable populations. They must be able to build trusting relationships with program participants navigating complex challenges, including medical crises and housing instability, ensuring that all services are trauma-informed and grounded in empathy and dignity.

They will also bring a strong background in foster care coordination, including experience working with animals in a shelter, rescue, or foster-based organization. They will have knowledge of basic animal care and behavior, and a deep understanding of how to support both animals and humans during stressful transitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Management & Coordination
  • Oversee all aspects of foster placement, including intakes, foster home matching, transportation coordination, pet supply delivery, and veterinary care coordination and tracking.
  • Work efficiently and prioritize urgent situations as needed in response to changing circumstances.
  • Maintain accurate records and ensure timely updates to internal databases and participant files.
• Participant & Volunteer Support
  • Conduct trauma-informed, empathetic intakes and assessments with prospective participants.
  • Serve as the main point of contact for participants and foster volunteers throughout each foster stay.
• Outreach & Relationship Building
  • Deepen partnerships with hospitals, recovery programs, shelters, and social service providers.
  • Represent PAWS NY at community events and meetings relevant to the program’s mission.
  • Collaborate with the team to recruit, train, and retain a strong foster care network.
• Data & Evaluation
  • Track outcomes, trends, and service gaps; contribute to grant reporting and program evaluation.
  • Assist in preparing materials for fundraising, communications, and development efforts.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Public Health, or a related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience working with individuals facing complex medical, psychological, or social challenges.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience working and/or volunteering with animals, preferably for a shelter or rescue organization.
• Demonstrated ability to work compassionately with trauma survivors and other vulnerable groups.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for animal welfare and belief in the human-animal bond.
• Spanish language proficiency preferred

To Apply:

Please submit a resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to hiring@pawsny.org with the subject line “Foster Care Manager.”

Equal Opportunity Statement

PAWS NY is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse team and creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented or historically marginalized groups. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other legally protected status.