Animal Welfare Officer

The Animal Welfare Officer role is a hugely rewarding role as each day is different and you will see the difference you make to many animals' lives. It can also be a very challenging and at times upsetting role, as you will be dealing with animals in distress, who may been subject to neglect and mistreatment, and you will experience both the best and worst of human nature.

As well as a passion for animals, you will need to be highly resilient and self motivated, able to manage your own daily workload and prioritise effectively. You should be able to work alone in challenging situations and have an excellent aptitude for dealing with people as well as animals. You will be joining a small, experienced and busy team, so you will need to be a strong team player and excellent team communicator. You need to enjoy driving and administrative activities, around 50% of the role will be out of the road collecting, transporting and working with animals, and around 50% will be desk based assessing applications for adoptions, keeping accurate records of incoming and outgoing animals, arranging appointments with vets, liaising with fosterers etc. You with receive full induction and training, but should be prepared to 'hit the ground running'., Working hours: 40 hours per week (exclusive of breaks), typically 8.30am to 5pm. The nature of the job means that a flexible attitude to working hours will be required and out of hours will occasionally be required eg for emergency vet trips etc, for which time off in liue will be given or paid depending on the circumstances.

Days of work: 5 days, normally Tuesday to Saturday (either set days or on a Saturday rota if preferred)

Salary: Dependent on experience, with out of hours allowance

Overall purpose of the role:

· To respond appropriately to all animal welfare issues that are reported to the Branch

· To work cooperatively with other Branch staff and partners to deliver animal welfare services

· To promote the work of the Branch and responsible pet ownership in the community by providing advice and education

Responsibilities:

Manage incoming and outgoing animals

· Arrange the intake of stray and unwanted animals

· Maintain accurate records of all activity relating to animals coming in and leaving

· Arrange accommodation for incoming animals, liaising with fosterers and boarding partners

· Assess applications for adoption, conduct virtual and in home visits, discuss suitability and arrange placement of animals in line with Branch procedures

Welfare of animals in Branch care

· Monitor, assess and care for all animals in the Branch care including cleaning, feeding, administering medication, health checks

· Maintain regular contact with animal fosterers ensuing that animals in their care are being cared for appropriately, that they have the materials that they need, providing regular support and advice as required

· Work with animals as required to assess and improve their behaviour or circumstances to increase rehoming opportunities eg move to foster home, bonding rabbits

· Arrange neutering, vaccination, and other veterinary treatments, carry out microchipping.

· Transport Branch animals in Branch vehicles in line with procedures

General welfare

· Respond to calls from members of the public regarding injured and stray animals

· Trap, neuter, treat and arrange suitable release of feral cats

· Actively promote neutering and microchipping and provide advice on responsible pet ownership

Administration

· Maintain accurate records and database of all animal welfare activities and animal information eg medical notes, behavioural information

· Help to assess adoption applications, liaise with potential adopters via email and phone, carry out adoptions and ensure adopters are fully briefed and have the information that they need

· Take photos and videos of animals to assist with adoption and other activities

· Create posts for the Branch social media accounts in line with Branch policy

· Take payments for the animals being adopted, and keep accurate records

General

· Train and support volunteers who are carrying out animal related activities eg fostering, assisting at the animal centre. Provide the necessary support to ensure they are carrying out their role to the required standard

· Develop and maintain good working relationships with relevant external agencies eg other charities, veterinary teams

· Ensure the Branch vehicle is used in accordance with Branch policy and is kept clean and maintained including regular tyre, water, oil checks, and service requirements are monitored

· Ensure Branch equipment is cared for and maintained, regularly cleaned, sorted and stored securely when not in use, and records kept of its location

· Maintain and submit accurate records of petty cash spend

· Attend events to promote Branch activities and educate the public on animal welfare issues

Essential

· Animal husbandry knowledge and experience, preferably in a rescue or veterinary setting

· Able to deal with people in stressful situations, and maintain a calm and diplomatic but authoritative disposition

· Self motivated, able to work under pressure and manage a complex and busy workload

· Attention to detail and able to accurately maintain records and databases

· Able to work and communicate well in a team, and able to work where necessary as a 'lone worker'

· Flexible attitude to working hours

· Excellent administrative and IT skills

· Excellent communication skills

· Full driving licence, and must enjoy driving

Desirable

· Experience in cat trapping

· Experience with feral and difficult to handle cats

· Basic animal first aid

· Experience in mircochipping,

• animal care or welfare: 3 years (required)


Licence/Certification:

• driving licence - you must held this for more than two years (required)
  
  Our Aim is to promote kindness and to prevent cruelty to animals by all lawful means. We operate in North West London and South Hertfordshire, rescuing and rehoming stray, neglected and unwanted animals, and assisting and educating pet owners. This is an exciting time to join the Branch as we are expanding our activities and work.
  
  · 20 days holidays, plus 8 bank holidays


· Company pension scheme

· A uniform is provided, Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £25,000.00-£28,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension


Schedule:

• 8 hour shift