RSPCA NSW is a non-government organisation whose mission is to prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection. RSPCA NSW works with local councils, state and federal governments and other interested groups, including community organisations, wildlife authorities, farmers and professional associations.

RSPCA NSW is committed to its values of:

• Integrity: Doing the right thing
• Respect: Valuing all people
• Honesty: telling the truth and being honest in actions and words
• Collaboration and Cooperation: Working cohesively towards a common goal
• Enthusiasm and commitment: Willingness to take action and achieve results
• Accountability: Being responsible, taking action and keeping commitments
• Compassion: Actively listening to fully understand and genuinely empathise with people’s realities
• Resilience: The ability to recover from setbacks, adapt well to change and persevere in the face of adversity

RSPCA NSW Community & Engagement improves the welfare of animals and people by empowering communities through education, services and volunteering support, strengthening the bonds between animals and people.

 

POSITION PURPOSE

The role has primary responsibility for the Access to Veterinary Care (AVC) program, a new program within RSPCA NSW that assists clients experiencing financial hardship access appropriate veterinary care for their pets at RSPCA NSW’s Yagoona veterinary hospital. The role also supports our Community Programs caseworkers by providing a comprehensive knowledge of veterinary care so reasonable treatment plans may also be developed and approved with external veterinary providers.  The role will undertake case management for any approved AVC clients.

This is a one year role covering parental leave but with excellent prospects for continuing employment at the RSPCA for the right person.

 

POSITION RESPONSBILITIES

AVC Nurse Responsibilities:

• Work with clients and clinic staff to gather relevant information and assess eligibility of each inquiry for financial assistance
• Build positive and effective relationships with clients from varying backgrounds to assist them in accessing veterinary services
• Respond to internal requests regarding the AVC program
• In conjunction with clinicians, develop a reasonable and affordable treatment plan which ensures the animal and client’s wellbeing are considered
• Assist with veterinary treatments and management of AVC patients when required i.e. admits/discharges, nurse consults, TPRs, running pathology or providing medications
• Responsible for all client communications within working hours Monday-Friday, including ensuring comprehensive records are input on ALL relevant databases

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Manage and provide monthly financial reports on AVC fund costs
• Provide monthly output statistics on the activities performed within the program and the demand for service
• Work with senior management to evaluate and refine the program so it successfully meets its objectives for RSPCA NSW and clients
• Provide business documents when requested by senior management
• Support the fundraising team to generate financial support for the program predominately by providing content and advice
• Assist with potential future planning to expand the program outside of the Sydney area
• Review and develop necessary Standard Operating Procedures as required

Other Responsibilities:

• Additional ad hoc tasks requested when time permits
• Raise community awareness and understanding of the links between human wellbeing and animal welfare through community and individual educational engagement
• Educate/train staff on AVC program processes

 

QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES AND AUTHORISATIONS

Required Qualifications

• Certificate IV in veterinary nursing
• Current NSW Class C driver’s license

Desirable Qualifications

• Customer service training
• Mental Health First Aid Training
• Trauma informed Care training
• Animal First Aid Training

 

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

A motivated team member, your engaging and collaborative style combined with a passion for excellence will be key to your success in this role.

Experience

• At least 4 years’ experience in veterinary nursing
• Prior customer service experience
• Demonstrated experience working with people from diverse backgrounds and knowledge of the challenges they face
• Demonstrated experience in working in a team environment in veterinary hospitals
• Extensive knowledge of common animal diseases/conditions and their treatment
• Demonstrated ability and confidence in utilising discretionary authority within role
• Demonstrated understanding of animal health and welfare concerns
• Developed effective strategies and show decisiveness in dealing with emotionally charged situations, difficult and controversial issues
• Demonstrated ability to work through issues, weigh up alternatives and identify the most effective solutions

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of current standards and practices of veterinary care and best animal welfare practices
• Well-developed clinical nursing skills
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills
• Well-developed ICT skills
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
• Empathy – ability to empathise with client’s situations while maintaining professional boundaries
• Critical thinking – ability to analyse information gathered and assess objectively
• Resilience and ability to demonstrate self-care practices
• High sensitivity to reputational risk

 

This role may require some work outside of normal business hours