Company: REED
Job Type: Permanent, FullTime
Salary: £115 - £120 per day, Inc benefits
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.
