Animal & Farm Assistant

About Us
David Lewis is dedicated to improving the life experiences of people with complex epilepsy, autism, learning disabilities and other complex support needs from across the UK.

We have a successful track record built up over 100 years with expertise in specialist residential, education, day opportunities and clinical and therapeutic services

Our specialist school and college is part of an education, day opportunities and residential community.

Our School is for 11-19 year olds and rated **GOOD** by Ofsted

We also have a college onsite for 16-25 year olds with an Ofsted rating of **OUTSTANDING**

Residential services for adults, either living in accommodation at our 165 acres in Warford or in one of our houses in a local town or village in Cheshire.

Adult day opportunities which develop social and vocational skills with the potential to lead to employment opportunities.

Access to therapy, nursing, medical and behaviour support if appropriate to an individual’s needs.

David Lewis is dedicated to improving the life experiences of people with complex epilepsy, autism, learning disabilities and other complex support needs from across the UK.

David Lewis provides care 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Hence, the post does require working early, late and weekend shifts as required.

Package Description
**Animal & Farm Assistant**

**Day Services**

**37.5 hours per week (1 FTE)**

£20981.88** per annum**

**Plus weekend and bank Holiday enhancements**

Our Day Services require a full time **Animal and Farm Assistant** to help maintain the wellbeing of the animals at Top Farm.

The role will be working 5 days over a 7-day week, including weekends and bank holidays.

Working alongside a team of Service Users and Colleagues, you will help with handling, weighing and feeding the animals, cleaning and tidying stables, attending the vets and supporting the vet during visits, as well as liaising with colleagues to ensure continued good health of the animals.

Present animals include wallabies, donkeys, alpacas, sheep, ducks, chickens, pigs, horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, turtles, chinchillas, stick and leaf insects, birds and fish, axolotls, hamsters, gerbils, a tortoise and an emu.

You will be an integral part of the front line staff at Top Farm, providing care for the animals and maintaining good relations with other David Lewis services, service users, staff and the public.

Experience of working with this breadth of animals would be desirable.

Experience of working with other animals would be welcomed, as there are plans to develop further the range of animals at Top Farm.

Experience of working with services users and the general public would also be desirable.

Level 3 in Animal Care or equivalent or willing to work towards is necessary.

**A positive approach can do attitude, strong team player and the ability to work with mínimal supervision at times is essential.**

**David Lewis is an equal opportunities employer.**

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Holidays
- Overtime
- Weekend availability

**Location**:
**Waford, Aderley Edge SK9 7UD**

**Our benefits include**:

- Free DBS
- Paid Training
- Annual Xmas Pay Award (up to £500)
- Up to 30 days annual leave
- Company sick pay
- Life Assurance Cover (3 x basic annual salary)
- Further Education Sponsorship
- Career Progression
- A comprehensive health and wellbeing provision including an Employee Assistance Programme, Occupational Health Service
- On site gym and swimming pool
- Staff Referral and Reward Scheme
- Ideally you will be an individual with a caring and adaptable approach to your work who maintains a positive attitude at all times. Quick to act on your own initiative you will have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written and be an effective team player.

Supplemental pay types:

- Yearly bonus
- Annual pay increases

**Closing Date: 19th Feb 2024**

**WE ARE UNABLE TO OFFER SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE