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- Tasks: Support veterinary teams in delivering top-notch care for animals at Epping Hospital.
- Company: Join the Linnaeus group, a leader in veterinary care with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 5 weeks holiday, CPD funding, staff discounts, and wellness programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal care preferred; strong communication and teamwork skills essential.
- Other info: Flexible hours, career progression opportunities, and a vibrant team atmosphere await you.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
If you are a current Linnaeus Associate, you will need to apply internally. In order to do this, please contact our Talent Acquisition team (details can be found via The Link) and someone will be in touch to discuss and progress your application.
Job Title: Patient Care Assistant
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:
- Employee assistance program
- Eyecare voucher scheme
- Free annual Flu jab
- Cycle to work scheme
- Recruitment referral reward scheme
Forest Veterinary Centre is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. Being privately owned, we can truly be driven by our purpose, to create a better world, and think long-term as opposed to being focused solely on short-term profits.
At Linnaeus, A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS starts with a better world for our people. Our Associates are over 6000 strong and empowered to speak up, step up and deliver quality services. You’ll have access to a huge network of specialists, worldwide development opportunities and an easily accessible, comprehensive wellbeing package that prioritises your physical and mental health, allowing you to focus on what you do best – care for pets.
We are committed to fostering a culture that is inclusive and diverse, we care about you and want you to be authentic, with everything you need to perform at your best. We are all individual but two important things bring us together: a commitment to excellence and our passion to achieve our purpose.
All applications with the relevant skills and qualifications will be carefully considered. If you need any support in completing your application or simply want to find out more about Forest Veterinary Centre, Linnaeus or the role, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at careers@linnaeusgroup.co.uk.
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Patient Care Assistant employer: Linnaeus
Contact Detail:
Linnaeus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Patient Care Assistant
✨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! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or at events. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you, which can give your application a boost!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to patient care. Think about scenarios you might face as a Patient Care Assistant and how you'd handle them. Confidence is key!
✨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 team at Forest Veterinary Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Patient Care Assistant
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 why you want to work with us at Forest Veterinary Centre and how you can contribute to our mission of delivering 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 understand your qualifications and enthusiasm without getting lost in unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 work. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in 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 demonstrate your suitability for the role and your ability to adapt to the fast-paced environment.
✨Emphasise Your Team Spirit
As a Patient Care Assistant, you'll be part of a larger clinical team. Highlight your teamwork skills during the interview. Share instances where you've collaborated effectively with colleagues or contributed to a positive work environment. This will show that you can fit in well with their culture.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful queries about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or the types of cases you might encounter. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the workplace is the right fit for you.