Animal Care Assistant / Receptionist inNewport inNewport PUBLISHED 14 MAY 2024

A bit about us

The RSPCA Newport Animal Centre, located in
Newport, South Wales,
is a vital hub for caring for a variety of domestic animals. Situated conveniently near the M4, the centre plays a crucial role in the welfare of animals in the region. Despite being a smaller facility, it provides compassionate care for dogs, cats, and small furries including rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters. The dedicated staff at the centre work tirelessly to ensure the well-being and happiness of these animals while they await their forever homes.

Visit our social media pages to find out more about life at the centre:

RSPCA Newport Facebook

RSPCA Newport Instagram


Working hours:
35 hours per week on a shift basis, including every 2 weekends in 4, and some bank holidays.


Interview dates:
interviews are expected to take place on 11th and 12th June.

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

What a day might look like for you

In this role you'll work flexibly and split your time between providing hands-on animal care and working on reception undertaking administrative tasks, greeting visitors and speaking to members of the public via the phone.

Whilst working as an Animal Care Assistant, you'll start your day by cleaning and maintaining animal accommodation. It can be hard work, but very satisfying knowing the animals are comfortable when you are finished!

You'll also provide direct care for animals, which includes feeding, grooming, administering medication, as well as providing exercise and following behaviour modification plans where relevant. This hands-on care is critical for the physical and emotional health of the animals, many of whom may have come from challenging backgrounds. Our ultimate goal is to rehabilitate and rehome animals that have been victims of cruelty and neglect.

Beyond animal care, whilst you are working on Reception you'll undertake a variety of administrative and operational tasks and communicate effectively with colleagues, volunteers and members of the public to ensure the smooth running of the centre.

What makes a great ACA/Receptionist?

This is a unique and important role to the centre. We are looking for someone who has experience working with members of the public, preferably in a customer service or administrative environment, as well as animal handling experience.

• Experience working with animals either through paid or voluntary work (not including your own pets).
• Experience in a customer service role, for example in hospitality, retail or reception.
• Resilience - many of the animals in our care have been victims of neglect and/or abuse and cruelty.
• Willing to undertake practical work outdoors in all weather (practical work subject to reasonable adjustments if required).
• Excellent communication and team working skills - you'll be working with colleagues across the RSPCA, volunteers and members of the public.
• Able to multitask and work under pressure - working with animals can be busy and unpredictable!
• Comfortable with using IT - you'll be keeping computerised records on the animals under your care.
• Hold a full manual driving licence (subject to reasonable adjustments)-our staff are sometimes asked to drive RSPCA vehicles to undertake aspects of the role, for example Vet visits.

Desirable

• Experience working in a kennel, animal rescue or welfare environment.
• Knowledge of canine behaviour.
• A qualification in animal management.

Final note from us & good luck with your application!

We are really lucky that some of our roles attract a high level of interest, and for this reason we review applications as they are received.
Unfortunately on some occasions this means roles may close earlier than advertised
, so early submissions are highly recommended.

We do try to give feedback where we can but sometimes, due to receiving high levels of applications, this may not always be possible.

We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core mission. For this reason we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications, in particular from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities, as these candidates are currently under-represented at the RSPCA.

Should you need any support with your application or interview process please contact

Documents

• FINAL FC14 - Animal Care Assistant _ Receptionist JD V1.pdf (115.KB)

Benefits

Professional development

35 hour working week (full time)

25 days holiday

Family friendly policies

Pension scheme

Healthcare cash plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Occupational sick pay

Life assurance

Dog friendly policies

Cycle to work scheme

Discount schemes

View all benefits

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