Equine Assistant (1253)

For many years The Donkey Sanctuary has promoted the self-development of children and adults through the benefits of being in the presence of donkeys. We offer Donkey Assisted Activities (DAA) at our Donkey Assisted Therapy (DAT) centres, including Donkey Facilitated Learning (DFL), Donkey Management Programme (DMP) and Wellbeing with Donkeys (WWD). These ground-based activities support the development of people’s life skills and wellbeing, helping individuals to better deal with challenges in everyday life, while also promoting positive attitudes towards donkeys.

Do you have a passion for Donkeys? Would you like to help make a difference?

We have an excellent opportunity for a flexible and proactive person with strong interpersonal skills to join our dedicated team at The Donkey Assisted Therapy Centre, Manchester. As Equine Assistant, you will care for the centre’s donkeys in line with current policy and practice and assist in the provision of donkey-assisted activities for vulnerable children and adults both on and off The Donkey Sanctuary sites.

About you:

· Experience of working with equines, preferably donkeys.

· Experience of working with vulnerable children and adults.

· Excellent communication skills.

· A real team player.

· Friendly and approachable.

· Competent IT skills.

About the role:

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include –

· Feeding, grooming and caring for donkeys, maintaining a high standard of cleanliness throughout the centre, including stables, arena and pastures.

· Ensuring the care and welfare of all donkeys is maintained to a high standard, including observing signs of ill health/potential ailments and treating where appropriate.

· Supporting and assisting with donkey-facilitated activities.

· Assisting in the training of donkeys under the guidance of the Equine Co-Ordinator and provide input into shaping plans when appropriate.

· Working alongside internal & external equine professionals such as the vet and farrier as required.

· Assisting with promotional activities both in and out of The Donkey Sanctuary, including the supervision of volunteers, donkeys and work experience students.

What we offer in return:

This is a full-time, fixed term contract starting as soon as possible until 31 December 2024, working 37.5 hours per week, 5 days over 7, with weekend work as part of the team rota.

Benefits:

Competitive pension.

Life Assurance.

31 Days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 will each full year of service.

Wellbeing Team.

Recorded Pilates classes.

Long Service Awards.

Healthshield Plan –

· Reimbursement of some medical expenses up to the specified limits per membership.

· Offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel and entertainment from participating outlets.

Free Parking.

Closing date for completed applications: Sunday 5 February 2023.

For further information regarding this role, including application instructions, please copy and paste the following link into your web browser:

https://jobs.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/jobs/vacancy/equine-assistant-1253/1271/description/

The Donkey Sanctuary is a Disability Confident Employer.

The Donkey Sanctuary is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults), and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract

Salary: £22,369.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Sick pay
• Store discount
• Wellness programme

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Application deadline: 05/02/2023
Reference ID: 1253