Patient Care Assistant (Maternity Cover)

Bracken Veterinary Centre (Bracknell); Bracknell; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary practice in Bracknell is seeking a passionate Veterinary Patient Care Assistant for temporary 12-month support. Responsibilities include patient nursing, assisting vets, cleaning, and providing excellent customer service. The ideal candidate has experience in animal welfare and strong communication skills. Competitive salary in line with National Minimum Wage and various health benefits included.

Benefits

5 weeks annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Staff discount scheme

Health benefits including private healthcare

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Strong empathy and communication skills.
• Experience in dealing with the public.
• Knowledge of animal welfare practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care to patients.
• Assist vets and nurses in animal restraint.
• Ensure cleanliness and maintenance of the practice.

Skills

Excellent communication

Customer service skills

Experience in animal welfare

Resilience

Positive attitude

Teamwork skills

Job description

Overview

Are you passionate about making pets a priority? So are we! We are seeking an enthusiastic individual with a passion for animals to join us as a Veterinary Patient Care Assistant at Bracken Vets in Bracknell.

You'll be joining us on a temporary basis for 12 months, working 40 hours per week to support our team whilst one of our members is on maternity leave. The shift pattern will be: Monday - Friday and a 1:4 share in the weekend rota.

Take a look at the practice

Bracken Vets is the newest Active Vet Care site and was set up in 2017. We have 8 vets, 3 Nurses, 2 Nursing Students, 2 Patient care assistants and 6 receptionists. Our staff are all looked after by our Clinical Director Jenny and Practice Manager Kelsie. We are a busy practice who prioritise our patient care, offering facilities with advanced practitioners and visiting specialists at the practice.

About CVS

CVS Group plc is one of the largest integrated veterinary services providers in the UK encompassing four main business areas; our veterinary practices, diagnostic laboratories, pet crematoria and e-commerce division. Our success is derived from the passion our people have for animals and for making pets a priority, it's what is at the heart of our work, every day.

Take a look at our short film to recognise the remarkable work that our Vets, Nurses, Care Assistants and Receptionists do on the front line every day in the UK: CVS Ode to Veterinary Professionals

About the role

The Patient Care Assistant role is one of the foundations of an outstanding veterinary practice, and as a PCA you will be involved in supporting our team of qualified RVNs and Vets to provide outstanding care to our patients.

Duties include:

• Nursing care to patients
• Assisting Vets and Nurses in restraining animals for treatment
• Cleaning, walking, and feeding of patients
• Preparation of emergency and operating facilities
• General cleaning and maintenance duties
• Running internal lab samples
• Answering emergency calls
• Covering the receptionist desk, including answering queries, booking appointments and taking payments

What we're looking for in our Veterinary Patient Care Assistant

• An excellent communicator with strong empathy
• Excellent customer service skills and experience in dealing with members of the public
• Experience in animal welfare, including feeding, cleaning, medicating and handling and a high level of understanding of how to meet the welfare needs of animals
• Resilient with the ability to cope with potentially distressing and emotional situations
• A positive attitude and excellent teamwork skills
• Experience in looking after animals in a veterinary environment would be desirable

What we can offer you

We know that benefits are key and that your personal benefits priorities will differ from others, so please see some of what we offer below:

• Salary will be in line with the National Minimum Wage
• Generous annual leave entitlement of 5 weeks per year plus Bank Holidays
• Staff discount scheme on Veterinary bills and products
• A range of health benefits including private healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to over 400 Mental Health First-Aiders
• and more!

Or, if easier, you can contact CVS for the employee benefits information.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept and progress applications from candidates without the Right to Work in the UK as we cannot provide visa sponsorship, due to our clinical support roles not meeting the criteria set out by the Home Office to be eligible.

CVS is committed to being a fully inclusive place to work where all our colleagues are encouraged and supported to be themselves, where difference is celebrated and where everyone feels able to deliver their best. We are also determined to build a workforce that is more representative of our diverse communities and the people we provide our services to.

To apply for this position please click 'Apply Now'.