Purpose of the role:
Hydrotherapists are responsible for the health and welfare of animals under their care while fulfilling their professional responsibilities of working closely with veterinary surgeons and physiotherapists to treat hydrotherapy cases, both generated within Battersea and through external referral. We are responsible for creating and delivering treatment plans, specific to the individual patient’s requirements, and for a range of referral conditions. This includes maintaining accurate and detailed clinical records of the hydrotherapy sessions as well as administrative tasks such as processing payments, insurance paperwork, responding to enquiries, diary management and obtaining veterinary consent and clinical histories. We also must maintain infection control in the hydrotherapy unit, ensuring that all health and safety regulations are adhered to while maintaining all equipment within the hydrotherapy unit to required standards. We are also responsible for general water management including water testing, making chemical adjustments and water audits, as required.
We are looking for a Hydrotherapy Support Volunteer to assist with ad hoc tasks such as tidying up after/between clients, setting up for next client, general cleaning, showering dogs, motivation or light harness support for patients in the treadmill and supporting aspects of their role that, due to daily demands there is not always time for the team to do.
What would I be doing?
• Tidy up after clients, i.e. squeegee the floor, wipe the treadmill glass, tidy shower room, pack away harnesses/float coats, etc.
• Set up for next clients, i.e. putting up the screen when needed, getting harness and equipment ready for next patient, treat top up, etc.
• General cleaning of windows, walls, floors, equipment, etc.
• Showering and drying dogs after session
• AM Helping with set up for the day; setting up equipment, general tidying, note writing etc. and/or PM shut down; cleaning of floors, cleaning equipment, tidying for the next day, etc.
• Assisting with motivation and light harness support during treadmill sessions
• To welcome clients and their animals to our facilities
• Handling of animals with safety and care
What skills and experience would be useful?
• Experience working with and handling dogs and cats
• Someone who is comfortable around all sizes of dogs and cats
• Physically able to carry out physical duties, which would include cleaning tasks.
• Understanding the importance of confidentiality.
• Good communication skills with the ability to listen and take instruction
• Able to work on your own and use initiative and communication to work with in the team, with their continuous guidance and support.
What skills will I gain?
• Experience of volunteer work in an animal sector.
• Develop interpersonal skills & working within a team
• The chance to gain experience within an animal rehabilitation department
All volunteers will have an induction with the volunteering team, and then a role related induction with the team they’re joining.
What will this induction entail?
• Tour of Hydrotherapy suit and plant rooms
• A shadowing session with a member of the Hydrotherapy team to give a breakdown of their day and duties.
• Then an assigned mentor within the team who can show them how to complete their duties.
• Support and training throughout
• Training in canine welfare
Where and when would I be volunteering?
In the Battersea Dogs and Cats Hydrotherapy Team, based at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, 4 Battersea Park Road, SW8 4AA.
6.5-hour shifts, 1-2 x a week (weekdays only). Start time ideally 9am, with a 30-minute breakfast break and a 1-hour lunch break.
What length of commitment are you look for?
Minimum 6-month commitment, with review of this role, with the hopes continuing long term.
We strive to create an inclusive environment and ensure that our volunteers are involved in all aspects of our work, are valued for their commitment, and recognised for the extraordinary things they do for us. We are accredited by ‘Investing In Volunteers’, the UK quality standard for good practice in volunteer management. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and value diversity for all current and prospective employees, volunteers, and Trustees. We aim to ensure that this commitment, reinforced by our values, is embedded in our day-to-day working practices and our work together. At Battersea, we provide reasonable adjustments for those with disabilities or neurodiversity to ensure individuals can achieve the best out of their role.
To discuss this further or for more information, please call 0203 8878 349.
KEY DATES:
Application Deadline - Monday 27th January.
Volunteer Interview - W/C Monday 3rd February (tbc).
Volunteer Induction - W/C Monday 10th February (tbc).
Volunteer Training - Monday 17th February (this training is compulsory, pre-scheduled, and cannot be rearranged - please only apply to this volunteer role if you are available to attend this training).