Animal Care Assistant (2869)

A bit about us

Do you want to help create a better world for animals? At the RSPCA, we believe animal welfare is everyone's welfare. Join us in creating a better world for every animal. We can do it if we work together, everyone for every animal.

Choose a career with us and make a difference! We are looking for a new team member as an Animal Care Assistant located at our Ashley heath Animal Centre to join us on a permanent position with a part time presence.

Working hours: 35 hours per week, on a shift rota which includes a 2 on 2 off model on every weekend and some bank holidays.
Applicants must be located within a commutable distance to our Ashley Heath Centre.

It's important to us that you feel part of our team from the start. We like to keep in touch with regular check-ins and team meetings. There's always a teammate around for support or a quick chat.

Are you ready to join our movement?

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 23rd March

What a day might look like for you

As an Animal Care Assistant, you'll be at the heart of our mission helping rescued animals recover, rebuild trust and find their forever homes.

Your day will include:

You'll start your day by cleaning the enclosures of our intakes, ranging from dogs, cats, rabbits and other small domestic species, as well as feeding, watering, grooming and exercising them.
You'll ensure the highest standards of welfare, and will monitor and report on animal behaviour, wellbeing and health.
You will also administer medication or treatment prescribed by a Vet and implement behaviour modification programmes with guidance from our Behaviour and Welfare Advisors and the wider team.
Working with adopters to match animals to the right homes, and offering post-adoption support.

No two days are the same, it's hands-on, rewarding and sometimes tough, but always worth it!

What will help you succeed in this role:

What will help you succeed in this role:
Essential
- Experience working with animals, particularly dogs, in a professional or voluntary capacity (not as a pet owner). We are particularly interested in hearing from you if you have experience of dog grooming, working in a private boarding kennel or as an animal carer for another charity or company.
- Resilience - most of our animals have been through trauma, and need patience and compassion.
- Practicality - you'll be outdoors in all weathers, mucking in as part of the team.
- Communication skills - working with colleagues, volunteers and the public is a big part of the role.
- Adaptability - animal care can be unpredictable, so you'll need to stay calm under pressure
- IT confidence - you'll use digital records to track each animal's journey.
- Transport - We are located in a rural area with no public transport links nearby. It is therefore important you have your own means of transport to travel to and from work.
Please note that all applicants require a full drivers license due to the location of the centre, public transport is limited and a vehicle will be required to attend the site.

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

Final note from us & good luck with your application!

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!

Should you need any support with your application or interview process please contact resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk / 0300 123 0685.

Our mission is to ensure animals have a good life by rescuing and caring for those in need, by advocating on behalf of all animals and by inspiring everyone to treat them with compassion and respec

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