Animal Welfare Officer - Facilities & Environment Temporary Contract - Lisburn Job Purpose To carry out on behalf of District Councils the enforcement requirements of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, in respect of non-farmed animals. To ensure that reports and complaints in respect of unnecessary suffering of animals are investigated and enforcement action taken where needed. This will include issuing improvement notices and instigating legal proceedings, PACE interviewing, preparation of prosecution files and attendance at court hearings to give evidence as an expert witness. The officer will need to a self-motivated attitude as this is mainly a lone working role which requires flexibility to working hours and environment conditions and must provide a solution orientated approach. Main Duties and Responsibilities Take the appropriate necessary action to enforce the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 in respect of non-farmed animals. Assess and evaluate the health and condition of a wide range of animals and their environments to ensure compliance with the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011 and take appropriate action to safeguard the animal’s welfare which may include transportation of small animals in the Council vehicle. Carry out investigations into complaints of all breaches of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011 to non-farmed animals, in an appropriate and compassionate manner. This will often involve dealing with people in a state of high anxiety, emotion and will require tenacity to result in a desirable outcome, especially where limited departmental budget resources mean that the appropriate enforcement action cannot always take place. To analyse situations, make decisions and take responsible action on site whilst working alone and/or with minimal supervision or back-up. To work in a creative and innovative manner within a general guideline structure, often in challenging environments. To work in a highly self-organised manner, reacting to daily conflicting priorities and to remain clearly focused and highly self-motivated in order to achieve set targets with relation to response times and to effectively manage group and council spending on each case. Where a breach of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011 has taken place, to make decisions and proceed with the most appropriate action including where necessary seeking veterinary advice and liaising with contractors in arranging transportation and board for non-farmed animals in a Council approved establishment. Educate and offer advice and literature to owners and carers of animals which seeks to improve or maintain the welfare of the animal(s) and prevent and alleviate suffering. To liaise with multiple departmental managers across several councils depending on location of incidents and to keep all appropriate persons updated and briefed of investigative progress, legal timescale of prosecution and of court findings/convictions. This includes preparing press releases on case outcomes and convictions for the relevant council to release to local and national press bodies. Undertake enforcement action and to instigate legal proceedings; to include serving of Notices, PACE interviewing of suspects, preparation of evidence and prosecution files and attendance at Court hearings and appeals to give evidence as an expert witness and to be cross-examined. Such work will require a detailed and experienced knowledge of the laws of criminal evidence and the relevant codes of practice under the Police and Criminal Evidence (NI) Order 1989 (PACE) Required to work as a lone worker in unpleasant environments, directly dealing with contentious/threatening people and issues which requires advocacy, persuasion, sensitivity and problem solving within a general guideline structure. To remain professional and un-phased during times of volatile and emotive dispute throughout the course of the postholders duties. To establish and develop links with the PSNI, DAERA, NI Housing Executive, Animal Welfare Charities, Animal Rehoming Sanctuaries, Social Services and other relevant public and private bodies and to develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal agencies alongside the external agencies on all matters connected with enforcement of legislation, policy and procedures relating to the postholders remit. Prepare written reports, maintain records, compile and collate statistical returns and legal documents to a high standard. To prepare search warrant applications where necessary and gain sanction direct from court magistrates and execute said warrants, requesting PSNI assistance if required. Arrange for a locksmith to make secure any property that has been compromised as a result of warrant execution. The postholder will be required to work with vulnerable adults and have experience to be able to decide on the best course of action in order to progress with investigating cases where vulnerable adults are involved. This involves working within a general but not definitive guideline structure and requires diplomacy and compassion for both animals and their owners when decision making on an individual’s vulnerability. Undertake training and attend meetings, supervision, seminars and other events designed to improve communication and assist with the effective and ongoing development of the post. Full Job Description is available The duties listed give an indication of the type of work to be undertaken, however these may change in line with the changing priorities and demands of the service. Essential Criteria: Qualifications and Experience: Applicants must possess a minimum of HNC level (or equivalent) in Animal Care/Animal Management or a related discipline AND Be able to demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples, that they have 1 years’ experience in an enforcement role to include: Providing advice and guidance to members of the public Producing written reports to include the writing of statements, maintaining continuity of evidence and preparing legal files Liaising with other public or professional bodies. Serving Notices and attending Court Hearings to give evidence. Providing advice and guidance to members of the public Producing written reports to include the writing of statements, maintaining continuity of evidence and preparing legal files Liaising with other public or professional bodies. Serving Notices and attending Court Hearings to give evidence. OR, for candidates who do not meet the qualification requirements as outlined above: Be able to demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples, that they have 2 years’ experience in an enforcement role to include: Knowledge: A working knowledge of MS Office packages to include Word, Outlook and Excel General: It is essential that applicants hold a full (i.e. not provisional) and current UK driving licence and access to a car or* have access to a means of transport which would enable the applicant to carry out the duties of the post. * Applies only to applicants who have a disability under the Disability Discrimination Act. Other Information: Start date: 1 April 26 Closing date: 31 March 26 Hours of work: 37 per week Rate of pay: £20.29 per hour plus accrued holiday pay Location: Lisburn If you would like to apply for this role, please send us your updated CV via the link provided and one of the team will be in touch with you. Or if you would like to discuss this position, please contact Task Recruitment on 02890 421047 or 07812 017416 to speak to one of our consultants. The client reserves the right to close vacancies earlier than the specified date, should they receive sufficient applications. If interested, please send your CV as early as possible. We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.