Regional Clinical Animal Behaviourist (2293)

We are looking for a part-time Regional Clinical Animal Behaviourist (RCAB) to join our existing team. As an RCAB you'll be providing expert support and advice for dogs and cats in the care of the RSPCA, with input for other species depending on the needs of the Society and the post-holder's area of professional expertise.

By upholding high standards of care and expertise in behaviour and welfare matters, you will contribute significantly to the well-being and positive outcomes for dogs and cats in need of specialised attention and support.

This is a home-based role with extensive travel and overnight stays within a defined region depending on the location of the successful candidate. We are open to discuss how the working hours are split across the week depending on your needs and circumstances.

Interviews are expected to be held w/c 4th and 11th August.

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

As a professional tasked with assessing the behaviour and welfare of dogs and cats with complex needs, your role will be crucial in developing and overseeing appropriate management and interventions in various settings such as animal centres, private boarding establishments, and post-adoption support environments.

Your responsibilities will include providing advice to our animal care teams, Behaviour and Welfare Advisers (BWAs), Animal Centre Managers and Vets, developing and overseeing the implementation of behaviour and welfare plans, and evaluating the progress of dogs and cats with specific needs. The post-holder will also be called upon to lend their expertise to colleagues making crucial decisions about rehoming and euthanasia assessments.

Other duties include supporting the delivery of professional development training on animal behaviour and welfare matters, and acting as a spokesperson for the RSPCA on dog and cat behavioural rehabilitation and welfare to the media.

Lastly, you'll be required to keep accurate records and data pertinent to your role, stay updated on current science-led practices in animal behavioural rehabilitation and welfare, and support strategic initiatives within the RSPCA.

For more information, please refer to the attached job description.

Essential

• Level 6 graduate qualification or higher (Diploma / Masters / Doctorate NVQ level 6 etc) or higher in companion animal behaviour, welfare and behaviour modification, or companion animal behaviour counselling;
  
  
• ABTC accredited Clinical Animal Behaviourist or Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist specialising in dogs;
  
  
• Member of an ABTC registered animal behaviour practitioner organisation or Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourists (CCAB) Certification Ltd;
  
  
• Extensive experience of working in the field of dog behaviour rehabilitation and welfare;
  
  
• Practical, hands-on experience of handling and applying welfare-based behaviour modification techniques with dogs for a range of concerning behaviours;
  
  
• Valid driving licence;
  
  
• Excellent communication skills both in writing and verbally;
  
  
• Ability to prioritise own workload and manage time efficiently;
  
  
• Experienced user of IT applications such as documents, spreadsheets and presentation software;
  
  
• Ability to cope with emotionally demanding situations and take appropriate self-care action;
  
  
• Approachable, friendly, collaborative and able to influence;
  
  
• Open to challenge and debate yet able to defend your professional opinion;
  
  
• Demonstrable dedication to animal welfare.

Desirable

• ABTC accredited Clinical Animal Behaviourist or Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist specialising in cats and/or small animals/exotic species;
  
  
• Practical hands on experience of handling and applying welfare-based behaviour modification techniques with cats and/or small animals;
  
  
• Experience of work in a rescue environment.

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

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK as we are unable to sponsor visas.

We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core 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.

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