Behaviour and Welfare Advisor

**Behaviour and Welfare Advisor**

We are looking for a new **Behaviour and Welfare Advisor **to join our team at the RSPCA Isle of Wight Branch. As a Behaviour and Welfare Advisor, you will design and implement behaviour and welfare plans for dogs in RSPCA care who, due to a history of neglect and abuse, have welfare or behavioural needs.
- Working hours: 35 hours per week between 08.30-16.30 Monday to Friday.

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

Here at the RSPCA, we know it's a cliche but no two days are the same

This is a challenging but extremely rewarding role where you will take a leading role in changing the lives and futures of animals.

On a typical day, you will be undertaking behavioural observations of primarily dogs, and obtaining a comprehensive history from colleagues, including from Animal Rescue Officers and Inspectors, as well as previous owners where appropriate.

Using your findings, you'll develop behaviour and welfare plans for animals in RSPCA care and work with the animal centre team, including Animal Care Assistants and volunteers, to implement and oversee training programmes enabling behaviour modification and rehabilitation. You'll work with the RSPCA's team of Clinical Animal Behaviourists on more complex welfare and/or behaviour cases.

You'll be a trusted point of contact for advice from colleagues and volunteers, and will also provide support during the adoption process, following up with adopters to maximise successful rehoming.

We will support you with continuous professional development so you can maintain up-to-date and evidence-based knowledge in the welfare and behavioural rehabilitation of companion animals. You will also have a network of Behaviour and Welfare Advisors and a National Behaviour Team of Clinical Animal Behaviourists to share science-led and welfare-based best practice and learning.

For more information about the role please see the job description attached to this advert.

**Essential**
- Formal level 5 qualification in dog behaviour, welfare and training;
- Full manual driving licence;
- Practical experience of the care, husbandry and handling of dogs gained whilst working in the animal care/welfare industry. This does not include the care of your own pets;
- Excellent communication skills to effectively liaise with and educate colleagues, adopters and members of the public;
- The ability to manage and prioritise your workload.

**Desirable**
- A level 5 or higher qualification in cat/small animal welfare, behaviour and training;
- Animal Behaviour Technician registered with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council;
- Experience of working with dogs/cats/small animals who are fearful or behave in a threatening manner (this must be outside the care of your own pets);
- Experience of training colleagues or owners in handling, training and behaviour modification in dogs/cats/small animals;
- Experience of caring for dogs/cats/small animals in a shelter environment;
- Experience of working in the charity sector.

**Job Type**: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: £24,013.00-£28,251.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking

Schedule:

- Weekend availability

**Education**:

- Diploma of Higher Education (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 06/06/2024