OUR MISSION

At the RSPCA, we’re here for every kind of animal. By every lawful means, we work to prevent cruelty, promote kindness, and relieve suffering. Our vision is for a world where all animals are respected and treated with kindness and compassion.

RSPCA South London branch are an ever evolving branch who require an Animal Welfare Office (AWO) to complement our team. The AWO responds to animal welfare issues reported to the branch and delegated down from the National Control Centre.

The AWO also monitors animals in our care, arranges vet appointments and assists with the adoption process. The person works with other branch and Society staff, including the Inspectorate, in helping us to deliver our animal welfare services and promoting responsible pet ownership within the community, they will also engage with the local community through outreach, education and social media

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is not just a job, it’s a calling for someone who wants to make a real, tangible difference to the well-being of animals and in educating owners who care for them. As an Animal Welfare Officer with the RSPCA South London Branch, you'll be the frontline hero responding to reports of sick, injured, or abandoned animals. Whether it’s rescuing a frightened stray, coordinating urgent vet care, or helping an animal find its forever home, your work will have a direct and lasting impact.

It’s not always glamorous, some days will be emotionally tough, physically demanding, and you will be dealing with friendly animals, but also wild aggressive and injured animals, perhaps with open wounds, fleas and ticks. You will help ease animals’ pain and also witness traumatic end of life scenarios. You will be dealing with distressed owners, fosterers with questions and potential adopters not wanting to compromise in their quest to adopt the perfect animal.

But it's also deeply rewarding and you’ll be part of an organisation that stands up for animals, works within the community, and strives for the best possible outcomes, even in challenging circumstances.

Animal welfare officers are lone workers and its important that you have the ability to remain practical, calm and compassionate under pressure. You will be part of a passionate, supportive team that values what you do, however it's essential that applicants feel confident in their ability to face challenging situations independently on a day-to-day basis.

If you're ready to step into a role where your dedication and care truly matter, to the animals, their owners, and the community, then we’d love to hear from you.

HOURS AND COMPENSATION

HOURS        21 hours per week

SALARY       £25 - 29k pro rata per annum (based on a 35 hour working week) dependent on experience

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collect animals that have been reported to us and seek the appropriate care in line with our standard procedures and in the animals' best interests
• Locating animals from a member of public’s description, who may be scared, injured, and or trapped, and approaching and detaining them in a calm, gentle manner
• Arrange neutering, vaccinations, microchipping and other routine veterinary treatment as required
• Monitor the condition and socialisation needs of branch animals, from a shelter-medicine perspective and consult with other hospitals and branches if the treatment plan or potential outcomes are unclear
• Carry out quality of life assessments on all branch animals
• Work closely with the Branch Manager and use shared databases to maintain an accurate, up-to-date picture of the status of animals in the branch’s care and ensure timely and optimal matching of animals and adopters
• Support the Branch Manager by carrying out home visits as requested with potential adopters and fosterers
• Keep accurate records of activities to ensure efficient processes and enable the compilation of reports and statistics
• Animal welfare education in the branch area – this includes organising and visiting schools and giving talks to educate the next generation of animal owners, as well as helping members of the public learn how best to care for their pets.
• Coordinate necessary supplies and equipment, and maintain these according to health and safety regulations.
• Assist Branch Manager in advertising welfare scheme to the public, facilitating the uptake with local vets and gathering and recording relevant documentation
• As resources allow, refine and manage our Trap, Neuter and Release (TNR) programme, trapping stray and feral cats, releasing feral or wild animals to a suitable location and consistent with standards of welfare for feral animals
• Maintain good working relationships with relevant RSPCA officials and external agencies, e.g., RSPCA inspectorate, other animal welfare charities, social services, animal wardens, the police, local vets, etc.
• Present welfare cases to the board of trustees including possible outcomes and costings in order to gain sign off.
• Attending educational and/or fundraising events, often during evening or weekend hours.
• Assist Branch Manager in researching and establishing new private boarding facilities. Negotiate charity rates and build and maintain relationship with establishment.
• Ensure the allocated branch vehicle is used in accordance with the Branch vehicle policy
• As needed, update spreadsheets and/or our website and social media rehoming pages with lost and found animals and animals ready for rehoming/fostering
• Provide day-to-day direction or support for volunteers (e.g., fosterers) as required
• Attend relevant training courses, including microchipping administering in order to hold community microchipping events.
• Transporting supplies and equipment to and from partners such as Pets At Home to storage or local food banks.
• Carry out other assignments as may reasonably be required to support the mission and objectives of the branch

SKILLS, COMPETENCIES AND EXPERIENCE

Our ideal candidate will be able to offer demonstrable experience in the above areas and possess a varied skill set including:

Essential

• Hold a full valid UK driving licence; the role involves substantial amounts of lone working and driving on a daily basis. Familiarity with London driving is essential
• You will have a passion for animal welfare and for promoting and achieving the aims of the RSPCA is essential
• Experienced in working with and handling animals, both domestic and wild and an understanding of minimising stress. Knowledge of 'choice and control' when handling animals is top priority
• Able to prioritise workload, to work on their own initiative and cope under pressure
• Energetic and physically fit (regular heavy lifting is involved), comfortable working at heights and from ladders
• An effective communicator, with approachable and flexible attitude and ‘can-do’ attitude
• Professional and confident when dealing with members of the public
• Ability to be resilient in emotionally charged and challenging situations
• Flexible and able to work evenings / weekends when required
• Able to use Excel and/or Google Sheets and social media

Preferred

• Experience within the charity sector or animal welfare
• Experience of interacting with members of the public who are distressed or in difficult circumstances
• Experience of objection handling, dealing with conflict and confrontation
• Experience of working in a lone worker field based role
• Customer service experience
• Health and safety training, first aid
• DBS checked