Job Description
We are looking for a Canine Welfare Assistant who shares our passion for dogs and their welfare. Who is committed to providing the highest standard of support and care to our dogs at the centre, whilst promoting the aims, work and beliefs of the charity.
Closing date – Monday 4th March. Successful applicants only will be contacted after the closing date.
Interview dates – To be arranged, but probably week commencing Monday 11th March.
Applications by email describing your suitability, skills & experience relating to the job description along with personal C.V. to info@caninerescue.co.uk.
Job Title – Canine Welfare Assistant
Job Location – Caerlaverock, nr Glencaple Dumfries
Hours – 45hrs, 8am - 5pm over 5 days per week, Sunday - Thursday.
Salary - Current National Living Wage
Own transport essential due to remote location
Job Role –
To provide the best care possible for the dogs awaiting new homes in the centre. Ensuring their safety, comfort and welfare at all times, whilst maintaining our high standard of animal husbandry. To assist with the rehoming of dogs to the most appropriate homes whilst working within our procedures. Complying with health and safety guidelines and to be able to deliver excellent customer care when dealing with members of the public.
Working hours in this role are 45 hours per week. Expected working pattern is to be 5 days per week between 8am and 5pm. Shift patterns are likely to include weekends. Your rota will also require you to work Bank Holidays to include Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year on a rota basis. The holiday entitlement is 28 days leave per annum pro rata, inclusive of Bank Holidays.
***This position could possibly be split into two part time roles on a job share basis***
Key Role Responsibilities -
Ø Maintain high standards of hygiene. This will include the daily cleaning of kennel areas, drains, feed prep areas, laundry, exercise and communal areas. Ensure adherence to health and safety policies and procedures, particularly the maintenance and promotion of rigorous infection control measures.
Ø To be responsible for the health and welfare of the dogs in your care; meal prep, inc special diets. Groom and bath when necessary. Assess the dogs through play, socialisation, enrichment and training.
Ø Accurate record keeping for each dog; using kennel boards, diaries and documentation in accordance with data protection.
Ø Under instruction of the centre vet and in-house vet nurse, administer medication when needed. Making sure records and daily treatment sheets are kept up to date. Highlighting any medical or behavioural needs or changes to the manager and in-house vet nurse. Adhere to barrier nursing protocols in the case of any infectious dogs.
Ø Work as part of the team delivering the highest level of care when promoting the charities work, discussing the rehoming of our dogs. Answering questions and queries from members of the public whether that be over the phone or in person. Promote the work and goals of the charity and participate in fundraising events.
Ø Encourage and assist the volunteers at the centre and at our 6 charity shops, to ensure they feel supported and valued. Monitor the volunteers capabilities and aptitude to the dogs in our care.
Ø Maintain confidentiality adhering to the charities data protection policies and procedures. Adhere to and comply with current legislation. Participate in training and skills development as required.
The role description is not exhaustive and as such, further additional to normal duties may be required. This job description defines as the agreed Feb 2024 and should not be seen as precluding future changes that are deemed necessary by the charities board.
| Essential | Desirable | |
| Education/Qualifications | Good standard of education | Relevant animal care qualification Customer care qualification |
| Experience & Job Knowledge | Knowledge of dogs and their welfare needs
Working with the general public | Understanding of health and safety in the work place Working in a kennel environment
Work with various breeds, dog sizes and behaviours |
| Job related skills/competencies | Effective communication with a range of people and customer care skills
Admin skills inc computerised systems. Knowledge of Microsoft Office
Ability to adhere to policies and procedures
Attention to detail | |
| Personal Attributes | Commitment to dog welfare
Reliable and flexible. Honest and trustworthy
To be able to work on your own initiative
Hard working, enthusiastic, able to work well within a team and independently
Have emotional resilience
Reasonable level of fitness, stamina and mobility to complete the physical demands of the role in all weathers | The understanding of the benefits of animal welfare education
Good sense of humour |
| Additional relevant criteria | Full, clean UK driving licence |