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POST INFORMATION 1. POST DETAILS Job Title: Department: Reports to: Salary: Hours: Animal Welfare Officer (5 Posts) Two year fixed term contract (maybe be extended) One of the Group Environmental Health Employer Councils or Belfast City Council Group Chief Environmental Health Officer or other lead Council Head of Environmental Health or other nominated officer through line management SO2 Pt 32 34 27,052 - 28,636 per annum 37 hours per week. In addition, the postholder will be required to work additional and unsocial hours for the effective performance of the duties of the post and maybe be required to be on call outside office hours for which
payment will be in accordance with the employer Council policy.

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JOB PURPOSE To carry out on behalf of District Councils the enforcement requirements of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, in respect of non-farmed animals, ensuring that investigations into complaints in respect of unnecessary suffering are completed and enforcement notices served and to endeavour to prevent unnecessary suffering and promote good practice and compassion..

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MAIN DUTIES
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Take the appropriate necessary action to enforce the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 in respect of non-farmed animals. Carry out investigations into complaints of unnecessary suffering to non-farmed animals, in an appropriate and compassionate manner. Assess and evaluate both the animal and its environment to ensure compliance with the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011 and take appropriate action to safeguard the animals welfare which may include transportation of small animals in Council vehicle. Where unnecessary suffering has taken place, take appropriate action including where necessary seeking veterinary advice and liaising with contractors in arranging transportation and board for non farmed animals in a Council approved establishment.

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Educate and offer advice and literature to owners and carers of animals which seeks to improve or maintain the welfare of the animal(s) and prevent and alleviate suffering. Where a breach of the Act is detected during investigation, deal with the matter in accordance with legislation and Council policies. Issue Improvement notices and complete all required documentation and reports of incidents. Undertake enforcement action to include serving of Notices, preparation of evidence and prosecution files and attendance at Court hearings to give evidence. Network and work with internal and external agencies and other voluntary animal welfare organisations to develop and maintain effective working relationships. Prepare written reports, maintain records, compile and collate statistical returns and legal documents to a high standard. Undertake training and attend meetings, supervision, seminars and other events designed to improve communication and assist with the effective development of the post. Where necessary work across all 26 council areas and undertake shared responsibility for holiday /sickness coverage. Carry out such duties as may be specified by your Line Manager.

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PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential Requirements Applicants must, as at the closing date for receipt of applications:

Have a relevant third level qualification in animal care/ animal management or a related discipline and one years experience in the handling of animals in furtherance of the objectives of a business or other working environment. This experience must include: providing advice and guidance to members of the public; producing written reports and maintaining records; operating a range of Microsoft Office IT packages or equivalent packages; liaising with other public or professional bodies.

or

Two years experience in the professional care/ management and handling of animals in furtherance of the objectives of a business or other working environment. This experience must include: providing advice and guidance to members of the public; producing written reports and maintaining records; operating a range of Microsoft Office IT packages or equivalent; liaising with other public or professional bodies.

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11/762 Applicants must, as at the closing date for receipt of applications, have a full, current driving licence which enables the post-holder to drive in Northern Ireland. Desirable In addition to the above qualifications and experience, the council reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants who can demonstrate on the application form, by providing personal and specific examples, employment experience of court procedures and/or legal enforcement. Competencies Applicants must also be able to demonstrate evidence of the following competencies which will be tested at interview: Excellent oral and written communication skills; Ability to maintain customer focus; Planning and organising skills; Problem solving; Negotiating skills; Confident decision making; Ability to analyse and interpret information/ data Good literacy, administrative and IT skills; Ability to communicate effectively with other professionals and with members of the public; Ability to compile precise and detailed reports.

Canvassing Canvassing of members of any of the 26 Councils directly or indirectly shall disqualify the applicant. Criminal Convictions The successful applicant must disclose any criminal convictions made against him/her after he/she commences employment. Disclosure Applicants shall disclose in writing whether to his/her knowledge he/she is related to any Member of Senior Officer of any of the 26 Councils.

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11/762 IT IS THE APPLICANTS RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT RELEVANT INFORMATION TO DEMONSTRATE HOW THEY MEET THE MINIMUM SHORTLISTING CRITERIA AS OUTLINED IN THE PERSON SPECIFICATION ABOVE. Banbridge District Council reserves the right to enhance the essential criteria to aid shortlisting and may decide to interview only those applicants whom, from the information available, appear most suitable for the above position. The appointment will be made in accordance with the Councils Code of Employment Procedures, and canvassing will disqualify. Application forms and further details are available from the Councils website www.banbridge.gov.uk or by writing to the Human Resources Section, Banbridge District Council, Civic Building, Downshire Road, Banbridge BT32 3JY, quoting the appropriate Job Reference Number, to be returned NOT LATER THAN 4.00 PM ON FRIDAY 6 JANUARY 2012. BANBRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER AND WELCOMES ALL SUITABLY QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED APPLICANT, IRRESPECTIVE OF GENDER, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, RELIGIOUS BELIEF, POLITICAL OPINION, RACE OR DISABILITY. BANBRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL IS COMMITTED TO THE HEALTH AND WELL BEING OF ALL EMPLOYEES AND RECOGNISES THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKLIFE BALANCE.

TON 15.12.11

Dec 2011