Animal Care Assistant – full time – based between Towcester, Weedon and Paulerspury clinics – National Living Wage (for your age)
Animal Care Assistants (ACA) work as part of the veterinary nursing team providing support through maintaining high standards of clinic cleanliness, caring for, exercising and feeding our inpatients, dispensing medication and laboratory work. In this role you will gain a good understanding of the veterinary industry and the role of a veterinary nurse, plus other areas such as Reception. You will gain practical animal handling skills and basic knowledge of a variety of different animals.
Our small animal (dog/cat/small furries etc.) facilities are based over 3 sites, the main hospital in Towcester, plus smaller clinics in Weedon and Paulerspury, and the Animal Care Assistants will be required to work at each site. Due to this, a full driving licence and use of a vehicle will be required.
After a successful 12-month (minimum) period our ACAs are typically offered an apprenticeship opportunity to study to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse. Veterinary nurses work as members of the veterinary team, providing expert nursing care for sick animals and assisting the veterinary surgeons. They play a significant role in educating owners on maintaining the health of their pets, carry out technical work and are skilled in undertaking a range of diagnostic tests, medical treatments and minor surgical procedures, under veterinary direction.
All vet nurse training is conducted through colleges or universities that offer qualifications accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Our students typically study through a 2-year apprenticeship attend college one day per week during term time, completing their practical experience in the workplace and further study at home. To start training you will need to meet minimum entry requirements that are set by the awarding organisation or higher educational institution for your qualification. These typically include Maths and a Science GCSE grade C/4 or above (or equivalent). There are several study intakes per year, and we will judge when an ACA is ready to start their course.
Veterinary nursing careers can be very rewarding but can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Skills desired include: the ability to work well with others, use initiative, pay attention to detail, be flexible and adaptable, have common sense, active listening skills, dexterity, excellent customer service & verbal communication, patience and the ability to keep calm in stressful situations.
If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please submit your CV plus a covering letter outlining the following information:
· why you are interested in the role
· why you feel you are suitable for the role
· confirming your Maths and Science GCSE (or equivalent) grades
· confirming that you hold a driving licence and have use of a vehicle
to Sue Adams, HR Manager
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £12.21 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Employee discount
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person