Animal Welfare Officer
2 weeks ago
Mount, United Kingdom
RSPCA Mount Noddy
Full time
PURPOSE OF POST:
To deliver the Community Outreach Programme within the branch's geographical area.
The overall aim of the programme is to promote responsible pet ownership to prevent the need for owners to relinquish their cats and dogs.
To accept referrals from the ACM and our local inspectorate team; to collect, trap and transport animals in need within our branch geographical area.
To undertake assessments of animals at risk in the field and promote responsible animal ownership providing advice and guidance. To coordinate the Working Cats Scheme operated by the branch.KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- To proactively respond to referrals from the ACM and our local inspectorate team.
- To coordinate the branch neutering scheme identifying and targeting in need areas of the branch area.
- To undertake field assessments of animals in need to decide risk factors and their requirements.
- To collect and transport cats and dogs noting risk assessments and updating such assessments as new information is presented and following health and safety protocols accordingly
- To attend medium / high risk outreach calls with other MN staff/inspectorate.
- To respond to calls from members of the pubic regarding sick, injured, distressed, stray or unwanted animals or where there are animal welfare concerns, working with the Animal Centre Manager to assess risk and allocate neutering vouchers or food.
- To manage feral colonies through trap/neuter/returns liaising with other animal welfare organisations running trap/neuter schemes.
- To undertake or arrange the delivery and collection of animals as required to and from a variety of locations including veterinary clinic at MN, and other practices with prior agreement from the ACM.
- To manage multicat households including assessing, organising trapping, neutering, vaccinating and health checks plus creating a plan for the future of each animal / colony.
- To maintain regular contact and make follow up visits to at risk animals cared for in their home as and when needed.
- To develop and maintain good working relationships with the relevant external agencies e.g. other charities, Social Services, Animal Wardens, the Police, etc and work closely with the ACM to identify and opportunities for collaborations.
- To work with the Trussel trust food bank proving them with surplus supplies of pet food and provide monthly pet advice sessions at the Chichester food bank.
- To organise/attend at events in the community as directed by the ACM promoting the Outreach Programme.
- To record and report activity under a series of measurable targets and performance indicators. This includes using ASM and writing and presenting reports as and when required.
- Undertake any training required for the role which might include travel and overnight stays in the UK.
- To contribute proactively to the development and improvement of policies, practices, methods and standards at the Centre.
- To work cooperatively with other RSPCA branches to network and maximise opportunities to deliver animal welfare impact.
- To encourage, support and participate proactively in fundraising, promotion and community outreach activities, in particular raising awareness of the importance of donation and regular giving to visitors.
- When not working in the animal welfare community area, you will support Animal care assistants at the centre.
While at work all staff are required to:
- Adhere to the Branch's charitable objectives, which are to promote kindness and prevent cruelty to animals.
- To fully comply with RSPCA Sussex West Branch's policies and procedures, ensuring these are carried out in relation to the post.
- To be an ambassador for the Branch and represent the Charity in a professional manner at all times.
- To attend monthly supervision and annual appraisal meetings with the ACM and annual appraisal with the ACM.
- Take care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts and omissions.
- To carry out such additional tasks as directed by the ACM or Animal Operation's Manager and undertake any other duties commensurate with the purpose and remit of the post.
They may be varied from time to time in consultation with the job holder without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed.
Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.You must have:
- NVQ Level 3 Animal care qualification or equivalent experience
- 2 years proven professional experience in animal welfare
- Experience of managing your own workload
- Experience of driving transit size van.
- Experience working with vulnerable people
- An excellent understanding of applied animal welfare
- Comprehensive experience of applied knowledge of canine and feline behaviour
