At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch care for animals and support the clinical team in a vibrant veterinary practice.
- Company: Join Overdale Veterinary Practice, a caring clinic in the beautiful Peak District.
- Benefits: Enjoy 6.6 weeks of annual leave, birthday leave, and discounts on pet care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while gaining valuable experience and qualifications.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for animals and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Full-time role with flexible shifts and opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 28000 £ per year.
Overdale Veterinary Practice, Buxton, Buxton, East Midlands
Here at Overdale Veterinary Practice, we are looking for a friendly and caring Animal Care Assistant to join our fantastic tam in Buxton.
You will be expected to deliver a high standard of nursing support to inpatients, either directly or by supporting clinical team members under the direction of a Vet or Nurse. You will also support non-clinical staff with common daily procedures to ensure that the client and patient journey is of the highest quality.This role will report to the Head Nurse or Nurse Manager. You will also have the opportunity to enrol on and complete a recognised Level 2 VCA apprenticeship qualification or complete the IVC Evidensia VCA internal 3-month programme.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Maintain a high standard of inpatient care under direction of the VS or RVN.
- Communicate with the supervising VS and RVN on basic status of inpatients.
- Communicate effectively with clients when performing reception and client-based duties and maintain a high professional standard.
- Assist with setting up for clinical procedures and support the VS and RVN in all required procedures.
- Establish and maintain a good working relationship with all members of the practice.
- Always adhere to IVC Evidensia policies and animal welfare standards.
- Adhere to all SOP’s and implement updates where required.
- Maintain a high standard of cleanliness and biosecurity throughout the building.
- Fulfil the obligations of the rota, sick cover/on call rota & bank holiday cover.
- Support the practice with new initiatives.
- Carry out any reasonable requests made by members of the management team.
Your duties will include:
- Monitor and recording inpatient’s clinical parameters, including TPR, bodily functions and activity and identifying changes and communicate with the supervising VS and RVN on basic status/change in status of inpatients.
- Ensure the highest standard of nursing care is always delivered to all patients under direction of the VS or RVN (not exceeding professional remit).
- Ensure the patient’s needs are met via provision of environmental enrichment opportunities and meeting individual needs of the animal to reduce distress, pain, fear and frustration.
- Provide psychological support to manage stress and patient anxiety, to include stroking, cuddling, handfeeding, and providing comfort and emotional care to inpatients.
- Provide physical support, including exercising the patient to ensure opportunities for elimination and providing mobility support where required.
- Provide individual feeding support (hand feed, provision of preferred feeding bowls etc) to ensure the patient is receiving correct nutrition and support the patient in getting back to normal feeding and drinking behaviour.
- Appropriately move and restrain animals for treatment and procedures, this may include for blood tests, injections, claw clipping, ultrasound, etc.
- Support the clinical team and client with end-of-life care and support.
Cover reception duties as and when required.
About the rota
This is a full-time permanent role working 37.5 hours per week over 5 days. There will be a mixture of early and late shifts with Saturdays on a rota basis.
Want to know more about Overdale?
Overdale Veterinary Centre is based in the picturesque spa town of Buxton, nestled in the Peak District. The clinic has a classical feel about it, with the ethos of providing a high standard of clinical care to our clients across the board.
We have 3 small animal consulting rooms (2 vet and 1 nurse), one dedicated operating theatre, an imaging suite (digital x-ray, ultrasound and endoscopy plus Dental x-ray arriving soon…), prep area with dental facilities and in house laboratory. We have separate cat and dog kennels.
In addition to a competitive salary, you will benefit from:
- 6.6Weeks annual leave
- Additional annual leave for your birthday which will be added to your holiday allowance
- Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/ paternity/ adoption/ shared parental and surrogacy pay
- Cycle to work scheme
- Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing
- Non-accidental injury support
- Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
- Pawsome Benefits – reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100\’s of retailers
- Discounted staff pet care
Overdale Veterinary Practice, Buxton
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Animal Care Assistant employer: VC Evidensia UK
Contact Detail:
VC Evidensia UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Care Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of an Animal Care Assistant at Overdale Veterinary Practice. Understanding their focus on high standards of patient care and effective communication with clients will help you demonstrate your alignment with their values during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for animal welfare and your ability to provide emotional support to animals. Be prepared to discuss any relevant experiences where you've demonstrated compassion and care, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Overdale Veterinary Practice if possible. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Research common veterinary procedures and terminology that you might encounter in the role. Being knowledgeable about basic clinical practices will not only impress your interviewers but also show your commitment to the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Care Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Animal Care Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with these expectations.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your passion for animal care and your commitment to providing high-quality support. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to include any previous experience in animal care, veterinary practices, or related fields. Detail your roles and responsibilities, focusing on how they relate to the tasks mentioned in the job description.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread it for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in the veterinary field.
How to prepare for a job interview at VC Evidensia UK
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Care
Make sure to express your genuine love for animals during the interview. Share any relevant experiences you have had with pets or in animal care settings, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of an Animal Care Assistant as outlined in the job description. Be prepared to discuss how your skills align with these responsibilities, such as monitoring clinical parameters and providing emotional support to animals.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask about the practice, team dynamics, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your interest in the position and helps you gauge if the practice is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with both clinical and non-clinical staff, be ready to provide examples of how you have successfully collaborated in a team environment. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and build good working relationships.