Assistant Small Animal and Rehoming Coordinator

Role Title: Assistant Small Animal and Rehoming Coordinator - Buckinghamshire South Branch, Community based.

Are you passionate about animal welfare? We are looking for a dedicated volunteer to help find loving and caring homes for the animals in our care. This rewarding role directly impacts the lives of animals, ensuring they find safe and happy forever homes.

About the Opportunity

As an Assistant Rehoming Coordinator, you will play a vital role in finding homes for animals cared for by our local RSPCA branch. You will work with the Small Animal Coordinator, and the team of fosterers, liaise with external organisations, and maintain accurate rehoming records. This role is essential in improving animal welfare and promoting responsible pet ownership.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, the RSPCA is the UK’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity. Our vision is a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Through rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming efforts, we work tirelessly to protect animals from cruelty and neglect.

The Buckinghamshire South Branch is a separately registered local charity, working alongside the national RSPCA to carry out animal welfare work in our area. Our branch focuses on providing small animal welfare and rehoming services with the support of a dedicated team of volunteers.

Key Responsibilities

Rehoming Coordination:

• Act as the contact point for the public, police, local authorities, RSPCA inspectors, and other organisations regarding the acceptance of unwanted or unowned animals.
• Ensure that all animals offered for adoption are assessed prior to rehoming.
• Working with the Small Animal Coordinator and a team of fosterers to make a plan for all intake animals and prepare animals for adoption.
• Oversee the adoption process, including reviewing applications, arranging viewings, and carrying out home visits (in-person or virtually).
• Maintain regular contact with fosterers to oversee animal welfare, including monitoring animal health, behaviour, and rehoming readiness.

Fosterer and Volunteer Management:

• Working with the Small Animal Coordinator to recruit and manage a team of fosterers.
• Working with the team to provide and support training, issuing updates, and maintaining motivation.
• Working with Small animal Coordinator to conduct in-person interviews and risk assessments for fosterer placement suitability, including reviewing references.
• Support fosterers with veterinary visits, including emergencies and end-of-life decisions.
• Organise holiday cover for fosterers, including sourcing temporary carers.

Animal Care and Welfare:

• Arrange for veterinary visits, vaccinations, and neutering procedures for animals in care.
• Ensure all animals are scanned for microchips and returned to original owners when appropriate.
• Develop and implement care plans for each animal, considering health, companionship, and rehoming needs.
• Keep accurate records of all animals in care, including health status, treatment plans, and adoption outcomes.

Administration and Reporting:

• Compile regular rehoming and welfare reports.
• Maintain accurate records of rehoming activities and fosterer details.
• Ensure compliance with data protection legislation when handling sensitive information.
• Contribute to the monthly and annual branch reports.
• Support fundraising events and write content for social media appeals.

What We’re Looking For:

• Excellent organisation and communication skills.
• Knowledge and experience of working with small animals.
• Understanding of welfare guidelines and where appropriate Defra regulations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a volunteer team.
• Comfortable with administrative tasks, including record-keeping and report writing
• Experience in team management is advantageous but not essential.
• Passion for animal welfare and improving the lives of animals.
• Flexible and reliable, with the capacity to offer an ongoing commitment, we are looking for 2 positions to cover days, evenings and weekends.
• You must be 18 years or older, hold a valid driving licence and be able to lift animals in and out of your own vehicle safely, possess your own vehicle, lap top, mobile phone and have access to the internet.  Ideally you will also have space for equipment to foster and assess small animals, especially rabbits.
• Willingness to learn and a positive 'can do' attitude.

What We Offer:

• The opportunity to make a direct and meaningful difference in the lives of small animals.
• Training and development opportunities, including induction and ongoing support.
• The chance to meet new people and make lasting friendships.
• Become part of a compassionate community, meet new people, and make lifelong friends.
• Gain valuable skills through our comprehensive induction and training program.
• Gain leadership and management experience and newly acquired skills.
• Access to the RSPCA Learning Hub with a wide range of training materials.
• The satisfaction of seeing small animals find their forever homes.