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:
Daily care, grooming, and health monitoring of the school's dogs
Coordinating animal therapy sessions and maintaining accurate intervention records
Supporting students through mentoring, coaching, and CBT-based interventions
Collaborating with the Therapies Manager and attending review meetings
Providing one overnight stay per week for the school dog at your own residence
Offering an additional 14 days of 'respite' holiday care for the school dog(s), including overnight stays
Upholding safeguarding, health and safety, and GDPR standards across all duties
This is a hands-on, emotionally rewarding role that requires compassion, resilience, and a genuine love for working with animals and young people.
What you'll need to succeed
To thrive in this role, you will need:
A caring and empathetic nature with a strong understanding of emotional wellbeing
Experience working with animals, particularly dogs, including grooming and health monitoring
The ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
Strong organisational skills and a proactive approach to supporting students
A commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality, and equality and diversity policies
Willingness and ability to provide overnight care and holiday respite for the school dog(s)
Experience in mentoring, coaching, or therapeutic support (desirable but not essential)
What you'll get in return
A fulfilling role where you make a real difference in students' lives
Supportive team environment within a forward-thinking school
Opportunities for professional development and training
Competitive salary and term-time working pattern
The chance to work with therapy animals in a structured and meaningful way
Apply now
If you're passionate about emotional wellbeing, animal therapy, and supporting young people in education, we'd love to hear from you. Join Ripplevale School and College and be part of a team that's transforming lives through compassion and care.
Early Application Encouraged
Due to the high volume of interest in this position, we may close the vacancy before the stated deadline. To ensure your application is considered, we strongly recommend applying as soon as possible.
Safeguarding recruitment statement
Ripplevale School Rochester is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants. Ripplevale School Rochester is required to conduct online searches about you as part of their shortlisting process in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
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