Animal Care Assistant

Caretech; Blandford Forum; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist school is seeking an Animal Care Assistant to provide an effective therapy service. The role involves supporting young people through animal interactions, ensuring animal well-being, and working as part of a team. Suitable candidates should be willing to engage in animal care, educational support, and maintain a safe environment for both students and animals. The position offers a fulfilling opportunity to make a real difference in young people's lives.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to making the animal care team effective.
• Work within the health and safety guidelines.
• Support the Equine lead and Groom for animal well-being.
• Liaise with staff for continuity of animal care.
• Perform general duties like mucking out and feeding.
• Care for equipment and ensure it is safe and clean.
• Assist in delivering sessions for students.
• Prepare resources and plan individual programs.
• Maintain student records with accuracy and confidentiality.

Job description

Overview

Working Days: Monday - Thursday

The Forum School

The Forum School and Residential Home is a 52 week residential specialist school providing quality therapeutic care and education for young people with Autism, severe learning difficulties, challenging behaviour and complex needs. The children and young people that attend our school range between the ages of 7 and 19 years.

The Job

The Animal Care Assistant is responsible for helping to provide an efficient and accessible animal Therapy service to support the smooth running and effective management of the establishment. The role is all about supporting and empowering all of our young people to achieve their personal best through working alongside our horses, within the animal environment. Providing appropriate physical and emotional support to ensure effective learning takes place, whilst maintaining a clean and safe environment are key competencies we are looking for. To support our young people both in school and in their homes as required to ensure a consistent approach.

Responsibilities

• To contribute to making the animal care team effective. This involves supporting other members of the team and helping to build positive relationships. You must be willing to give and receive constructive feedback aimed at developing the quality of relationships and team performance.
• To work within the health and safety guidelines of the school.
• To support the Equine lead and Groom in order to maintain the health and wellbeing of the animals. This includes taking responsibility for the running of the yard when the equine lead is absent. As well as delivering student sessions.
• Liaise with the Equine Lead and Groom to ensure continuity of care for the animals during times of staff holiday or illness.
• General duties i.e. mucking out, feeding, grooming and animal first aid. To include caring for our small animals - guinea pigs and rabbits.
• Care and monitoring of tack and equipment including ensuring it is safe and fit to use as well as keeping it clean and tidy.
• General care of the animals with specific emphasis on helping our young people groom and complete stable management activities during the year.
• Support in the delivery of sessions by taking responsibility for working with groups or individuals in a range of situations with the guidance of the Equine lead.
• Assist with the preparation of resources for sessions. Help to plan individual programs for our young people, this includes group sessions, 1:1 sessions and staff sessions.
• Maintain students records as required, ensuring that confidentiality is maintained. Always ensuring that records are written to a legible, accurate, high standard at the end of the session.