Behaviour and Welfare Advisor (2235)

We are looking for a Behaviour and Welfare Advisor (BWA) to join our team at the RSPCA Ashley Heath in Dorset. The Ashley Heath Centre cares for a variety of animals including dogs, cats and small furries. We are based in a lovely location surrounded by woodland and have our own, onsite veterinary facilities. 

As a Behaviour and Welfare Advisor, you will design and implement behaviour and welfare plans for a variety of animals in RSPCA care who, due to a history of neglect and abuse, have welfare or behavioural needs.

You will be part of a network of Behaviour and Welfare Advisors, with the support of the RSPCA's Clinical Animal Behaviourists and a wide range of animal welfare professionals playing a crucial role in the rehabilitation and rehoming of animals in our care.

• Working hours: 35 hours per week between 08.45-17.15 on a rota basis to include two weekends out of four.
• Site based role with occasional travel for Society purposes, for example visiting adopters or other sites housing RSPCA animals. You will use one of our fleet vehicles for this purpose, so it is important that you have a full manual driving licence (subject to reasonable adjustments). We are also located in a rural area with limited public transport.

If you want to find out more about life at the centre and the animals in our care, check out our Facebook page.

Are you ready to be part of our journey and make a difference?

Here at the RSPCA, we know it's a cliche but no two days are the same!

This is a challenging but extremely rewarding role where you will take a leading role in changing the lives and futures of animals.

• You will train and handle onsite animals as part of assessments and to implement behaviour & training plans.
• You will work closely with the onsite animal care and veterinary teams to offer training and support to staff and volunteers.
• You'll develop training, behaviour and welfare plans for animals in RSPCA care.
• You will provide support throughout the adoption process, meeting & following up with adopters to maximise successful rehoming.
• You will work with our team of regional clinical behaviourists who will support you with more complex cases.

We will support you with continuous professional development so you can maintain up-to-date and evidence-based knowledge in the welfare and behavioural rehabilitation of companion animals.

You will also have a network of Behaviour and Welfare Advisors and a National Behaviour Team of Clinical Animal Behaviourists to share science-led and welfare-based best practice and learning.

For more information about the role please see the job description attached to this advert.

Essential

• Formal level 5 qualification in dog behaviour, welfare and training;
• A level 5 or higher qualification in cat/small animal welfare, behaviour and training'
• Full manual driving licence;
• Practical experience of the care, husbandry and handling of dogs gained whilst working in the animal care/welfare industry. This does not include the care of your own pets;
• Practical experience of the application of behaviour modification and training principles outside of your experience with your own pets;
• Excellent communication skills to effectively liaise with and educate colleagues, adopters and members of the public;
• The ability to manage and prioritise your workload.

Desirable 

• Animal Behaviour Technician (ABT)/Animal Training Instructor (ATI) registered with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council
• Experience of working with dogs/cats/small animals who are fearful or behave in a  challenging manner (this must be outside the care of your own pets);
• Experience of training colleagues or owners in handling, training and behaviour modification in dogs/cats/small animals;
• Experience of caring for dogs/cats/small animals in a shelter environment;
• Experience of working in the charity sector.

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.

Due to high interest in some of our roles, we review applications as they are received. This can occasionally result in positions closing earlier than advertised. Therefore, we strongly recommend submitting applications early. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications after the posted closing date.

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 respect