Animal Care Assistant

**Employer**: RSPCA Hull & East Riding Branch (Reg. Charity No: 1209420)

**Reports to**: Team Leader

**Responsible for**: Delivering the Animal Care Pathway and Customer Service

**Vision and Mission**:We are a locally funded Charity. We rehabilitate and rehome animals that have suffered cruelty, neglect, or abandonment. Our purpose is clear: to be the voice of animals for as long as they need us. We will continue to change the lives of animals in need, to work with the community, to educate and advise, improving the quality of life for animals in partnership with the National RSPCA.

**Our team**: We have an awesome team here at Hull & East Riding, we are all expected to live up to our organisational values. Working or volunteering for the Branch brings with it an expectation of positive behaviors which demonstrate professionalism, kindness, and friendliness.

**Our Culture**: Our destination is a culture of inclusivity. We are passionate about our people and their skills that collectively come together to form a multi-dimensional presence. Our culture first approach is our north star and handrail to ensure we can be the very best version of ourselves.

**About you**: Alongside your colleagues you will deliver care for companion animals using the 5 freedoms. You will understand the care needs, rehabilitation progress and behaviour change using science and data in a shelter care enviroment. You will need to be resilient, personable, customer centric and an advocate for responsible pet ownership.

**Key Responsibilities**:
**Animal Shelter Welfare**:

- Ensure the RSPCA animal 5 freedoms are being met as part of the animal care plan.
- Maintain the highest standards of infection prevention control and standards of cleanliness across all areas.
- Conduct regular health checks and report any abnormalities to the Team Leader.
- Attend to the needs of individual animals, including exercise, grooming, and safe administration of medication and treatments.
- Monitor and assess the animals’ progress, implementing behavioral programs and enrichment activities.

**Veterinary Care**:

- Assist with inspections and treatments by a Veterinary Surgeon or authorised personnel.
- Transport animals to veterinary surgery when authorised.

**Teamwork**:

- Support colleagues from across the RSPCA network.
- Lead and support volunteers so they feel valued and fully engaged in their role.
- Play an active role in your own personal development through meetings and learning opportunities.
- Assist and support the animal Centre’s fundraising efforts.

**Customer Service**:

- Interact with clients, customers, and the public, providing information, advice and guidance on adoptions, fostering and responsible pet ownership.
- Match suitable animals to customers, discuss their needs, recommend insurance, and complete paperwork.
- When handling enquiries, take ownership of the information or concern.

**Retail and Stock Management**:

- Monitor stock levels, assist with ordering, stock rotation, presentation, sales, and stock taking.
- Operate the cash register and maintain daily cash records.
- Promote and sell goods and animal treatments.

**Administrative Duties**:

- Maintain animal records and documentation, keeping data safe.
- Create animal biographies for the national RSPCA Find a pet rehoming website.

**Health and Safety**:

- Take responsibility for personal and others' health and safety in the workplace.
- Keep yourself up to date with changing policies, procedures and regulations.
- Maintain security of the site and the animals in our care.

**Person Profile**

**Essential Experience**:

- Experience in domestic animal care and husbandry within the animal care/welfare industry.
- Strong literacy and numeracy skills.
- Experience in delivering front-line customer relations.
- A minimum of BTEC Level 3 National Diploma Certificate in Animal care or equivalent.

**Desirable Experience**:

- BSc (Hons) in Animal Welfare and Behaviour
- BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Behaviour and Training

**Skills and Abilities**:

- Ability to deliver care within the RSPCA Licensing requirements.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Mentoring team members
- Deliver branch Inductions including dog and cat training.
- Resilience in dealing with complexity and uncertainty.
- Physical stamina for manual handling and willingness to work outdoors.
- Strong decision-making ability for matching animals with suitable homes.

**Additional Information**:

- Full UK driving licence held for over 4 years and competent to drive small vans.
- Enthusiastic with a high degree of personal motivation.
- The ability to be responsive to working evenings and weekends as required.
- The post holder will be required to complete RSPCA Standard Procedures within 6 months and further training modules as directed by the management.
- The post holder will need to pass a DBS Check.

Pay: £24,420.00-£24,420.01 per year

**Benefits**:

- Bereavement leave
-