At a Glance
- Tasks: Assess and implement behavioural rehabilitation for dogs to enhance their chances of rehoming.
- Company: Join Dogs Trust, a passionate team dedicated to dog welfare.
- Benefits: Earn £27,500 per year plus benefits in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Fixed term role with a community-focused team in Basildon.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of dogs and their new families.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of dog behaviour and experience in training programmes required.
The predicted salary is between 27500 - 27500 £ per year.
Want to help get tails wagging again? We are looking for someone who can assess, design and implement behavioural rehabilitation for our dogs joining us in our centres.
As Behaviour Officer, you’ll take the lead, figuratively and literally, when it comes to the assessments of our dogs and their training programmes. You’ll play a key role in supporting adopters, during the adoption process and after rehoming, to ensure that every dog has the best possible chance of successfully settling into their new life.
This is a fixed term contract between 1 October 2026 - 30 October 2027.
What does this role do?
- Assess the behaviour of dogs, before they enter the centre and during their stay, to identify potential behaviour needs.
- Design and implement Behaviour Modification Programmes and training plans to enhance each dog’s chances of rehoming.
- Oversee and support the implementation of training and behaviour plans by colleagues.
- Monitor the progress of individual training and rehabilitation programmes and maintain detailed records of the progress of each dog.
Could this be you?
To be successful in this role, you’ll need a thorough knowledge of dog behaviour and welfare, with experience of writing and implementing training and behaviour modification programmes. You’ll have excellent communication skills with the ability to handle delicate situations sensitively and professionally and experience of handling dogs with challenging behaviour. But above all, you’ll be passionate and committed to the work of Dogs Trust.
What does this team do?
Our rehoming centres house thousands of dogs each year until they are able to find a loving new home, and the success of our centres wouldn't be possible without our dedicated team of staff and volunteers; there is a real family-community within each of our centres. Come rain or shine, our team are out in all weathers to make sure the dogs have the best possible life. Dealing with thousands of visitors each month, our rehoming centres are the face of Dogs Trust and we pride ourselves on our staff providing the very best in customer service.
Interviews are provisionally scheduled for 2nd September at Basildon Rehoming Centre.
Behaviour Officer in Wickford employer: Dogs Trust Company Limited
Join Dogs Trust as a Centre Manager in Shoreham by Sea, where your leadership will directly impact the welfare of dogs and their journey to forever homes. With a strong commitment to employee development, a supportive work culture, and the unique opportunity for on-site accommodation, this role offers a fulfilling career path in animal welfare. Enjoy competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to work alongside a passionate team dedicated to making a difference in the community.
Contact Details:
Dogs Trust Company Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Behaviour Officer in Wickford
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Dogs Trust Company Limited.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Dogs Trust Company Limited!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Dogs Trust Company Limited, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Dogs Trust Company Limited or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Behaviour Officer in Wickford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Dogs Trust Company Limited:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Dogs Trust Company Limited! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dogs Trust Company Limited
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
