Animal Care Assistant / Receptionist (2873)

We're on the lookout for a passionate Receptionist / Animal Care Assistant to join our dedicated team at the RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre.

As our Receptionist, you are the first friendly face a nervous rescue animal sees when their journey begins, and the one who hands over the lead when they finally find their forever home. It is a fast paced, emotionally rewarding environment where no two days are the same. We trust our colleagues to take ownership of their roles, providing a supportive environment where your initiative and independent judgments are crucial. 

Shifts can be flexible but need to be between the core hours of 10:00 - 16:30.

You will be required to work 4 days a week and available to work weekends occasionally when needed.

Are you one of our kind?

Our recruitment journey - key dates for you to note: 

We believe in transparency and a stress-free experience. Here is a quick look at what you can expect.

1. Application

You'll be asked a few targeted questions designed to help us understand your experience, unique skills, and future potential. This is your first chance to stand out!

2. Panel Interview & Site Visit - w/c 16th March

If your application hits the mark, we'll invite you to meet us in person. You'll sit down with the Hiring Manager and our Deputy Manager for a competency based interview and a tour of the site. We'll also be asking some scenario based questions on animal handling and would welcome your thoughts and discussion on the content. This stage is designed for you to:

• Explore the Role: Get a feel for the team culture and the real-world impact you'll be making.
• Demonstrate Your Strengths: Show us how you work in a supportive, relaxed environment.

We think this role's going to be popular and are expecting to attract high interest so we strongly encourage early applications to avoid missing out - closing date is 6th March.

In this role, you aren't just a receptionist; you are a multitasker who keeps the centre running smoothly with minimal supervision.

• You'll be the first point of contact for the public, managing everything from sensitive animal intakes with the Inspectorate to the joy of a successful rehoming. You'll manage the paperwork, IT records and microchip data.
•  You'll take the lead on shop presentation, stock rotation, and financial administration, ensuring all cash records are accurate.
• You'll take personal pride ensuring the reception, public areas, and facilities are pristine, welcoming, and secure at all times.
• You will work closely with other staff, including the Animal Centre Manager and Deputy Manager, as well as colleagues from other departments and volunteer helpers. Your ability to work as a team is crucial to ensure the smooth running of the centre.
• A small part of your role will include animal care, when necessary. This includes preparing and providing food, ensuring their accommodation is clean and disinfected, and helping with grooming and exercise. You'll also assist with medical tasks like giving medications and monitoring animal health, reporting any concerns to the management team.

Essential

• Good administrative and IT skills are needed for documentation, record keeping and operating the reception area.
• Strong communication and customer care skills are vital. You'll be interacting with a wide range of people in various situations.
• A team player with a positive and flexible approach to work
• Transport - We are located in a rural area with limited public transport. It is therefore important you have your own means of transport to travel to and from work.

Desirable:

• Driving licence
• Previous reception experience in a similar setting

Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK - We are unable to sponsor visas at RSPCA

We want to ensure we do all we can to give you a positive candidate experience through our recruitment. Whilst we do try to give feedback where we can, sometimes due to receiving high levels of applications, this may not always be possible

We are building the future of a diverse Society, and our priority is to support animal welfare by finding people from all backgrounds who are committed  to our mission.  For this reason we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications - in particular from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities - as these candidates are currently under-represented at the RSPCA. Your transferable skills & lived experiences could make you a valuable addition to our RSPCA Family! 

We're here to support you and encourage you to let us know if you need any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. Please feel free to contact us at resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk or 0300 123 0685 so we can ensure the process works for you.