Animal Welfare Assistant Uxbridge, England
Job description
RSPCA Hillingdon, Slough, Windsor, Kingston
& District Branch
Registered charity no 263515
JOB DESCRIPTION
Animal Welfare Assistant
Job Context
All RSPCA Branches are separately registered charities, and the RSPCA Hillingdon, Slough, Windsor, Kingston & District Branch is wholly self-funding; the Branch needs to raise all the funds it spends on animal welfare activity in the Branch area. It is Branch policy never to turn an animal in need away, but this comes at a high cost – the annual running costs are around £1,000,000.
Each year the Branch helps circa. 12,000 animals in need in the Branch area by:
- providing veterinary care for the pets of the economically disadvantaged
- finding new and loving homes for abandoned and abused animals
- promoting responsible pet ownership through various welfare schemes
The Branch provides its services through the RSPCA Hillingdon Clinic in Uxbridge and a rehoming facility at Denham with kennels, a cattery and provision for rabbits and small animals. It supports the work of the RSPCA Inspectorate. To support the funding of these services, the Branch runs 3 charity shops.
Job Purpose
To promote kindness and a sympathetic caring attitude towards all animals in the care of the Branch at all times and in all circumstances. To ensure the highest levels of animal welfare, cleanliness and hygiene at the site, and to ensure all paperwork associated with the animals is completed to the required standards.
Main Duties
- To clean out all kennels, catteries, small animal housing (rabbits, guinea pigs etc.) allocated on a rotational basis, to the highest standards.
- Clean surrounding areas, hose down, disinfect when required, clean out and refill feeding and water bottles.
- To give such housing extra special cleaning and disinfecting after any infection, on the instruction of the Line Manager.
- To comply with all standards of hygiene, cleanliness and COSHH regulations at the rehoming centre.
- Keep commodities such as cat litter and bedding stocked up; to inform the Line Manager when stock is getting low.
- As directed, carry out feeding and exercising of dogs, ensuring their security.
- Each day, check that all animals in your care have a clean, comfortable bed, fresh water and food.
- Ensure that any daily paperwork associated with each animal is completed, and a Blue Animal Card accompanies each animal.
- Report any behavioural/health changes immediately to the line manager (or Branch chair in their absence).
- Ensure that dog excrement is removed as directed by the Line Manager.
- To assist when required with animal write ups for homing.
- Assist with admin/ office duties as required.
- Help to ensure the welfare of all animals that are being transported to and from the rehoming centre to and from the RSPCA Clinic.
- To be courteous and promote good public relations and helpfulness to all visitors and members of the public.
- General driving on occasion as directed by the Line Manager.
- To promote kindness and a sympathetic caring attitude towards all types of animals in the care of the RSPCA at all times and in all circumstances.
Reports to
The Animal Welfare Supervisor
The contents of this Job Description may be altered at any time in consultation with the Job Holder.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
PROFESSIONAL
AND/OR TECHNICAL
QUALIFICATIONS
GCSE’s or equivalent
Animal Care qualification.
EXPERIENCE
Previous experience of animal care work.
Knowledge of companion animal behaviour, handling and husbandry
Understanding of animal welfare issues.
SKILLS AND
COMPETENCIES
Basic computer literacy.
Good communication skills, both oral and written.
Excellent customer service skills.
Good organizational and time management skills.
Flexible approach to work, to cover other duties as required.
Ability to take instruction, and to work as part of a team and support colleagues.
Ability to work under pressure.
Knowledge of RSPCA policies and procedures (training can be given)
Knowledge of RSPCA Branch policies and procedures (training can be given)
PERSONAL
QUALITIES
Good standard of personal presentation.
Self-motivated to work independently without constant supervision for routine tasks.
Personable, with empathy towards animals and humans.
SPECIAL
CIRCUMSTANCES (if any)
Full driving license.
Job Type: Part-time
Part-time hours: 20 - 30 per week
Salary: £11.00 per hour
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Uxbridge: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 31/03/2023
Reference ID: RSPCAHSWK/AWA
Expected start date: 03/04/2023
