Job Description
Animal Care Assistant/Animal Practitioner
* Annual Salary: £24,000
* Daily Rate: £115 to £120 per day
* Location: Rural Horsham, West Sussex
* Job Type: Full-time - maternity cover - including weekend and school holiday work
* Start Date: Immediate
We are seeking a dedicated Animal Practitioner to promote student well-being through the provision of animal-assisted therapeutic sessions. This role involves maintaining a safe and clean environment for animals, pupils, and visitors, and conducting therapeutic sessions to achieve specific goals.
Day-to-day of the role:
* Maintain a clean and safe environment for the animals, pupils, and visitors at the school's small holding.
* Ensure therapy animals are well-trained, healthy, and suitable for interaction.
* Responsible for the feeding, grooming, and general welfare of chickens, goats, pigs, and donkeys.
* Conduct therapeutic sessions with animals to meet specific therapeutic goals for nominated pupils, documenting progress and adjusting sessions as necessary.
* Educate pupils and families on the benefits and responsibilities of animal-assisted therapy.
* Manage the diary for animal welfare, including scheduling inoculations and other routine care.
* Participate in community outreach programs to promote the benefits of animal-assisted therapy.
* Handle administrative tasks related to animal care and therapy sessions.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
* Experience working with animals, either professionally or personally.
* A passion for animal care and a love for working with animals.
* Experience supporting children and/or adults with learning difficulties, neurodivergence, or other challenges.
* Knowledge of safeguarding principles.
* Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
* Good listening skills with the ability to show empathy and adapt communication style to meet individual student needs.
Attributes/Competencies:
* Self-motivated and resilient.
* Adaptable and reliable.
* Conscientious with a strong sense of duty.
Benefits:
* Opportunity to work in a fulfilling role directly impacting student well-being.
* Engage with a variety of animals in a therapeutic setting.
* Be part of a supportive team dedicated to education and therapy.
* Continuous professional development and training.
To apply for the Animal Practitioner position, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role. We look forward to learning how you can contribute to our mission of enhancing student well-being through animal-assisted therapy.