Your new school
Ripplevale School and College, is a thriving independent special school, for 170 students aged 6 to 25 years old, located in the historic town of Rochester. As part of the Ripplevale family of schools, we provide a holistic, child centred approach to meeting the needs of our students, most of whom have an Education and Health Care Plan. Identified needs may include Autism Spectrum Disorder, dyslexia, speech, language and communication difficulties, DCD, sensory, and high levels of anxiety. As part of our Therapies and Intervention Team, we are excited to offer a unique opportunity to join us in a role that blends animal care with emotional wellbeing support.
Your new role
As our School Emotional Wellbeing Dog Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting the emotional and mental health of our students through animal-assisted therapy. Working closely with teaching staff, the SENCO, and the Senior Leadership Team, you will deliver therapeutic sessions using the school's dogs, both in small groups and one-to-one settings.
Your responsibilities will include:
1. Daily care, grooming, and health monitoring of the school's dogs
2. Coordinating animal therapy sessions and maintaining accurate intervention records
3. Supporting students through mentoring, coaching, and CBT-based interventions
4. Collaborating with the Therapies Manager and attendin...