Purpose of the role
The Animal Welfare Assistant is responsible for providing high standards of care for animals across the sanctuary. This includes daily care, cleaning, feeding, enrichment, monitoring health and behaviour, and helping prepare animals for rehoming.
Animal Welfare Assistants develop a good understanding of the animals in their care and support their welfare, rehabilitation and successful move to new homes. The role also involves working positively with members of the public who are adopting or surrendering animals.
As part of Assisi’s ‘One Team’ model, Animal Welfare Assistants work closely with colleagues and volunteers across the organisation to support a positive team environment, contribute to the smooth running of the Sanctuary and maintain the highest standards of animal welfare.
Key Responsibilities
Animal Welfare and Specialist Care
- Provide high-quality daily care including feeding, cleaning, enrichment, grooming, exercise
and medication administration
- Take ownership and responsibility for the welfare, wellbeing and progress of Assisi animals
- Develop excellent knowledge of individual animals, including behaviour, temperament, needs and rehoming suitability
- Contribute to providing a profile for each animal to showcase their personality and the type of home best suited to them
- Monitor and accurately record animal health, behaviour and welfare, escalating concerns promptly
- Deliver behavioural support, socialisation and enrichment programmes as directed
- Support animal intake, assessment, rehabilitation and preparation for rehoming
Rehoming Support and Animal Advocacy
- Act as an advocate for animals in your care, supporting their successful rehoming
- Provide accurate information to the Rehoming Co-ordinator and Site Supervisors to support placement decisions
- Support and participate in adopter visits, introductions and handovers as required
Contribute to improving rehoming outcomes and reducing length of stay at the site
Customer Service and Public Interaction
- Provide professional, friendly, and knowledgeable support to members of the public, adopters and visitors
- Support positive adopter and surrender experiences through calm, professional and caring interaction
- Assist with animal viewings, enquiries and rehoming appointments as directed
- Represent Assisi positively at all times, demonstrating professionalism and compassion to everyone interacting with the charity, including adopters, visitors, donors, contractors and Trustees.
Professional Standards
- Work as a team player with staff and volunteers across the charity, using the ‘one team’ approach
- Take ownership in maintaining high standards across all units and across the charity
- Maintain excellent hygiene, housekeeping and infection control standards including in communal areas
- Ensure animal areas are clean, safe, organised and maintained, immediately escalating any health and safety concerns to a Site Supervisor.
- Contribute to keeping the site, including the cottage buildings, clean, tidy, clear of clutter and organised.
- Support continuous improvement of standards and working practices
- Act as a role model for teamwork and excellent animal welfare
Record Keeping and Compliance
- Maintain accurate, timely records using the animal management system
- Record feeding, medication, behaviour, enrichment and welfare observations
- Follow all Sanctuary processes, SOPs (standard operating procedures), health and safety rules and veterinary instructions
- Support inspections, audits and welfare reviews as required
Teamwork and Volunteer Support
- Work collaboratively with Site Supervisors, Rehoming Co-ordinator and colleagues
- Support volunteers working within your unit, providing guidance and direction
- Contribute to a positive, supportive and professional team culture
- Share knowledge and contribute to team learning and improvement
- Be willing to take part in other activities across the charity when appropriate – for example, fundraising events, supporting open days, education and outreach activities.
Veterinary and Operational Support
- Support veterinary care, treatments and transport of animals as required
- Assist with veterinary visits, admissions and assessments
Be able and willing to drive Assisi vehicles or own vehicle (where authorised and insured) when required
Keep the animal areas tidy and clean and undertake regular cleaning activities internally and externally, disposing of waste materials and rubbish effectively and safely.
Professional Development and Contribution
- Develop knowledge and expertise as an Animal Care Specialist
- Participate in training, supervision, refreshers and continuous professional development as required
- Contribute to improving welfare standards, processes and outcomes
- Support Assisi’s professionalism, culture and organisational development
- Take a proactive approach to duties and always contribute positively to the smooth running of the Sanctuary.
Personnel Specification
Essential Criteria
- Qualification in animal care/welfare (Level 2 or above), or willingness to obtain, or suitable equivalent work experience.
- Passion for animal welfare and commitment to high standards
- Ability to take ownership and responsibility for animal care
- Strong observational and record-keeping skills
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to work in a structured, professional environment
- Flexible and reliable with a positive attitude
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working in animal rescue, sanctuary or veterinary environment
- Qualification in animal care above Level 3
- Experience supporting rehoming or behavioural work
- Customer service experience
- Full driving licence
This job description outlines the main duties and responsibilities of the role. It is not exhaustive and may be amended as the organisation evolves. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties appropriate to the role as reasonably required.
Please submit your CV to Sam via the link below by 12 noon on Friday July 24th.
Please mention Jobs With Animals when applying for this role.