JOB TITLE: Animal Care Assistant
EMPLOYER RSPCA Warrington Halton and St Helens
LOCATION: Warrington Animal Centre, Slutchers Lane, Warrington
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Animal Care Manager & Deputy Animal Care Manager
RESPONSIBLE FOR: Volunteers and placement students
HOURS: 37.5 hours per week over 2 week shift pattern, including alternate weekends
SALARY: Minimum wage/National Living Wage
OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB
· To support the day to day operation of the animal centre, providing care for the animals in the centre and maintaining administrative procedures.
· To assist in ensuring the health and safety of staff and volunteers and customers.
· To help develop good professional relations with the local community, volunteers and customers.
· To support the objectives of the Branch and to uphold and ensure empathy with the key purpose of the RSPCA by promoting the good name of the Branch through the promotion of its work.
MAIN DUTIES
ANIMAL CARE
1. Following instructions as laid down by the Animal Care Manager, prepare and provide food and water for all animals in the establishment.
2. Attend to the needs of individual animals, including:
· Exercise
· Coat care and grooming
· Administration of first aid, treatments and medications as directed
3. Clean, disinfect and maintain to the required standard of cleanliness, animal accommodation, isolation and exercise areas; food preparation, laundry, storage, treatment and euthanasia facilities, reception, offices, stores, staff facilities including kitchens, toilets and outside areas.
4. Carry out checks on animals, including the taking of temperature and inspection of eyes, ear, nose and throat for signs of infection or abnormality and report any abnormalities to manager or deputy manager at the centre.
5. Assist with the inspection and/or treatment of animals by a veterinary surgeon, or other authorised person at the centre.
6. Assist with the humane euthanasia of animals, including carcass disposal
7. Assist (after relevant training) with the implanting of microchips and completion of microchip records.
8. Maintain records, registers and statistics as required by management.
9. Support the Volunteer Fostering service.
CUSTOMER CARE
1. To attend to the needs of general public in a professional manner, and to liaise with colleagues and volunteers as appropriate
2. Attend to the needs of clients/customers and other visitors to the Animal Centre which includes corporate supporters.
3. Deal with telephone enquiries when necessary.
ADMINISTRATION
1. Assist with ordering, stock rotation, presentation, sales and stock.
2. Ensure the safe receipt of money and donated goods.
3. Complete documentation relating to the acceptance and release of animals.
4. Use a computer to assist in the keeping of records when applicable.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
1. Assist in the monitoring and maintenance of all health and safety and fire prevention practices as laid down in the health and safety and fire manuals and policies and observe these in all aspects of your own work.
2. Ensure individual animals, buildings and exercise areas are secure, checking before work commences and when work finishes.
3. Report any faulty equipment, lighting, heating, ventilation equipment etc to the Branch Manager.
GENERAL
4. Support and work effectively with colleagues and volunteers within the Animal Centre and, where applicable, in other departments of the branch.
5. Support and work effectively with voluntary helpers at the Animal Centre.
6. To participate in fundraising or publicity events as the Branch may require.
7. Attend training courses and meetings as instructed by the Branch Manager or Animal Care Manager.
8. Drive the Animal Centre vehicle on Branch business if you hold a full driving licence.
9. Undertake any other duties as instructed by the Branch Manager which fall logically within the remit of the post.
Note: this job description is a statement of the job as agreed at May 2016 and should not be seen as precluding future changes that may be deemed necessary by the trustees.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLEEDUCATION & TRAINING / · Level 2 or above in animal care
· GCSE English and Maths / · Degree in Animal Behaviour or equivalent in animal care
· Valid First Aid certificate
· Trained in RSPCA standard procedures
EXPERIENCE / · Knowledge and experience of animal behaviour and animal husbandry of companion animals in a welfare centre environment / · Experience of supporting volunteers in an animal centre environment
SPECIAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE / · Full UK driving licence and willing to drive small van
· Ability to prioritise workload and organisational skills,
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Ability to handle cash and follow financial procedures competently.
· Able to work under direction from managers but equally able to use own initiative
· Knowledge of animal welfare issues, particularly as they relate to RSPCA policy and practice
· Health and safety knowledge and awareness
· Commitment to animal welfare and the work of the RSPCA
· Ability to motivate and inspire others / · Computer literate
· Ability to use databases accurately and effectively
·
PERSONALITY & DISPOSITION / · Willingness to learn and acquire new skills through training
· Personable and with open approach to new ideas
· Effective team worker
· Able to communicate at all levels
· Honest, trustworthy and reliable
· Good time keeping
· Smart and tidy appearance
· Flexible approach
Job Description: Animal Care Assistant Page 4 of 4
Revision: May 2016