Animal Welfare Officer

TN United Kingdom; Redhill; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 25,000

Job description

Administrative tasks can be completed at home, but the majority of work will take place across East Surrey.

Purpose of the role:

The role of an Animal Welfare Officer can be very rewarding, making a real difference to the well-being of animals in our branch area. However, it can also be demanding. You will be dealing with friendly animals but also frightened, injured or wild animals.

The successful candidate must be people-friendly. You will deal with people from all walks of life and sometimes distressed owners. You must remain calm and gathered, acting professionally at all times.

Animal Welfare Officers are predominantly lone workers, which can bring both physical and mental challenges. Whilst we ensure you feel supported, it is essential that applicants feel confident that they have the skills to work independently.

The Animal Welfare Officer will work alongside the Branch Manager and our committed board of Trustees to deliver the RSPCA Surrey East’s vision and strategy.

Primary role:

1. Support our local inspectors, dealing with animal rescues and transportation
2. Administer Veterinary financial assistance for pet owners on benefits
3. Establish and manage the fostering and rehoming scheme
4. Increase engagement with our community
5. Support food banks with pet food and equipment
6. Support the Branch Manager with fundraising and information events
7. Develop and deliver community education
8. Support the recruitment of volunteers to help support your role
9. Keep accurate records of activities to help optimise processes and enable the compilation of reports and statistics
10. Support the Branch Manager as required
11. Contribute to news and social media posts promoting our branch and work
12. Attend occasional Committee meetings to report on activities and future plans

Accountable to: Branch Manager (Line Manager) and RSPCA Surrey East Trustee Board

Working hours: 35 hours per week, 5 out of any 7 days - including some weekends, evenings and Bank Holiday work.

Salary scale: £23,000 - £25,000 based on experience. Supplied with a fully expensed van.

Personal Specification:

1. Have a passion for animal welfare and a desire to promote and achieve the aims of the RSPCA
2. Experienced in working with and handling animals, both domestic and wild
3. Ability to be resilient in emotionally charged and challenging situations
4. Hold a full, valid UK driving license
5. Ability to prioritise and manage time effectively to cover a wide geographic location and multiple demands
6. High level of IT competence - capable of creating proposals, spreadsheets and completing reports
7. Ability to create presentations and deliver them to different audiences comfortably and eloquently
8. Ability to build and sustain mutually supportive relationships with external and internal stakeholders
9. Confident and effective communication skills with a range of audiences including the general public, local businesses and volunteers
10. Energetic and physically fit (regular heavy lifting is involved), comfortable working at heights, from ladders and in water

Preferred:

1. Registered Vet Nurse or holds an equivalent qualification
2. RSPCA experience
3. Experience working alone in a field-based role
4. Familiarity with the geography of Surrey
5. Understanding of key issues faced in the charity or animal welfare sector
6. Some experience in fundraising and business development
7. Familiar with social media
8. The role is field-based in East Surrey, so the successful applicant should ideally live in the area.