At a Glance
- Tasks: Support veterinary team in delivering top-notch patient care and assist with various tasks.
- Company: Join Forest Veterinary Centre, a leading veterinary hospital in Essex.
- Benefits: Enjoy 5 weeks holiday, CPD funding, staff discounts, and wellness programmes.
- Other info: Flexible hours, career progression opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal care preferred; must be a reliable team player.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: Forest Veterinary Centre, Hemnall Street, Epping, Essex, CM16 4LQ
Contract: Permanent, Full Time (40 hours per week)
Reporting to: Lead Nurse
About Forest Veterinary Centre - Epping Hospital
Forest Veterinary Centre in Epping is part of the Linnaeus group, serving the Essex area from its main hospital located on Hemnall Street. The hospital provides first-opinion and referral services, with advanced diagnostic capability, inpatient and outpatient care, and 24-hour nursing.The facilities include imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound, x-ray), large kennel wards, isolation units, and complex surgical suites.
Role Purpose
To support the veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses, and wider clinical team in delivering excellent standards of patient care at Epping Hospital. The Patient Care Assistant will work flexibly across shifts that include evenings, weekends, and may be asked to assist across branches when required.
Hours & Flexibility
- Full time, 40 hours per week.
- Evenings and weekends required.
- Flexible working across branches if needed.
Key Roles & Responsibilities
- Assist with safe handling and restraint of patients, aiming to minimise stress.
- Maintain patient accommodation: wards, isolation units; including cleaning, disinfection, enrichment.
- In-patient care: feeding, exercising, grooming, monitoring of hospitalized animals.
- Assist with laboratory diagnostic work: sample prep, processing, dispatch.
- Assist with diagnostic imaging: preparation, positioning of patients.
- Sterilisation, cleaning and maintenance of surgical and treatment equipment.
- Support in theatre: preparation, surgical assistance under direction, recovery care.
- Assist with pharmacy tasks: stock management, unpacking, temperature monitoring.
- Assist with reception/client care when needed: telephone calls, appointment booking, client enquiries.
- Adhere to standard operating protocols: PPE, waste disposal, hygiene and safety.
- Participation in training, team meetings, continuous improvement of practice.
Person Specification / Experience Required
- Prior experience in a veterinary or animal care setting (e.g. kennel work, PCA, etc.) preferred.
- Comfortable handling animals safely; calm and empathetic manner.
- Reliable, adaptable, strong team player.
- Good communication skills with both clients and colleagues.
- Willingness to work under supervision and accept direction.
- Flexibility in hours (including evenings, weekends).
- Driving licence preferred but not essential.
Benefits
• 5 weeks holiday + bank holidays + Birthday Leave
• RCVS, BVNA & VDS fees paid
• External CPD funded
• Extensive free online Linnaeus CPD program
• Career progression opportunities
• Staff discount schemes
• Life Assurance
• Enhanced sickness pay
• Enhanced equal family leave
• E-car salary sacrifice scheme
• Employer contribution pension scheme
• Wellness program including:
o Employee assistance program
o Eyecare voucher scheme
o Free annual Flu jab
o Cycle to work scheme
• Recruitment referral reward scheme
- Contact : purvi.kataria@linnaeusgroup.co.uk #LI-PK1 #LI-Onsite
Patient Care Assistant in Epping employer: Linnaeus
At Forest Veterinary Centre, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for our Patient Care Assistants. Located in the heart of Epping, our state-of-the-art facilities provide ample opportunities for professional growth, with extensive training programs and career progression pathways. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our generous benefits package, including five weeks of holiday, funded CPD, and wellness initiatives, making us a rewarding place to build your career in veterinary care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Patient Care Assistant in Epping
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Forest Veterinary Centre and understand their values and services. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local veterinary events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to patient care. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated your skills in animal handling or teamwork. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Forest Veterinary Centre team. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Patient Care Assistant in Epping
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Patient Care Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience you have in veterinary or animal care settings, as this will show us you're a great fit for the team.
Show Your Passion:We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about animal care. In your application, share any personal experiences or stories that demonstrate your commitment to providing excellent patient care.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This helps us quickly understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us directly, apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and can consider you for the Patient Care Assistant position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Linnaeus
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Patient Care Assistant. Familiarise yourself with tasks like patient handling, in-patient care, and assisting in diagnostic imaging. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
If you've worked in a veterinary or animal care setting before, be ready to share specific examples of your experience. Talk about how you've handled animals, supported a team, or dealt with clients. This will show that you're not just qualified but also passionate about animal care.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or the hospital's approach to patient care. This shows you're genuinely interested in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Soft Skills
As a Patient Care Assistant, you'll need to be calm, empathetic, and a strong team player. During the interview, highlight situations where you've successfully communicated with colleagues or clients, or how you've adapted to challenging situations. This will help them see you as a great addition to their team.
