Welfare Officer/Greyhound Rehoming Co-ordinator

WELFARE OFFICER / GREYHOUND REHOMING COORDINATOR

Rásaíocht Con Éireann / Greyhound Racing Ireland has responsibility for the promotion, regulation and ongoing commercial development of the Greyhound industry in Ireland.  The issue of welfare is a key priority for the Rásaíocht Con Éireann and for the greyhound industry generally. Rásaíocht Con Éireann wishes to add to its existing welfare team and recruit an additional person as Welfare Officer/Greyhound Rehoming Co-ordinator to drive the programme of work in this area. Applications are therefore invited for the following position:

Job Title:                            Welfare Officer/Greyhound Rehoming Co-ordinator

Objectives:                        The Strategic Plan 2018-2022 published by Rásaíocht Con Éireann sets out a range of areas for focus including a priority objective to ‘maintain welfare at the centre of our industry’. The care of greyhounds needs to be above reproach and a coordinated industry wide approach to dealing with perception issues relating to greyhound welfare is essential to creating full confidence by all stakeholders in the industry. The successful candidate will play a key role in achieving the objectives of the Plan.

Scope of the Role:

The successful candidate for this role, which is based at our Limerick Head Office, will be responsible for enhancing the approach of Rásaíocht Con Éireann to greyhound welfare across all areas of activity. A particular focus will be on rehoming initiatives and working towards an ever greater percentage of retired greyhound being rehomed.

The role ideally requires an experienced candidate with an understanding of welfare requirements particularly where they relate to the greyhound sector. A strong combination of, administrative, organisational, project management and interpersonal skills are essential along with an ability to promote and extensively advocate a strong rehoming message.

Key responsibilities:

  • - Promote and actively participate in all rehoming initiatives and events organised and attended by the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (IRGT) and/or other welfare organisations
  • - Promote greyhound rehoming’s in Ireland and through European partners on all social media platforms
  • - Liaising with Irish, European, American and Canadian organisations and charities which are involved in the rehoming of greyhounds and/or the welfare of greyhounds
  • - Ensuring that greyhounds being rehomed in Ireland and outside of Ireland are fully prepared for rehoming and all paperwork is completed and in compliance with relevant Transport Regulations
  • - Liaising with veterinary practitioners in the preparation of greyhounds for rehoming
  • - Co-ordinating greyhound transports to UK, EU, U.S. and Canada
  • - Review of IRGT Invoices received in advance of payments
  • - Management of the IRGT’s Greyhound Rehoming List
  • - Liaising with RCÉ’s Care and Foster Centres
  • - Liaising with potential greyhound adopters and assist with the rehoming of greyhounds in Ireland
  • - Provide education and information to the general public and to industry participants regarding best practice in greyhound welfare including rehoming
  • - Provide education and information to the general public and to industry participants regarding best practice in greyhound welfare including rehoming
  • - Carrying out media interviews to promote greyhound welfare and greyhound rehoming’s
  • - Respond to reports received in relation to possible animal welfare issues or concerns
  • - Develop policy and educational initiatives relating to greyhound welfare
  • - Assist the welfare team in investigating complaints, queries and concerns

Hours of Work

The role is a full-time role, 37.5 hours per week, 5 days per week normally Monday to Friday but may vary depending on the needs of the business.

Education and Preferred Behaviours and Competencies

  • Experience in the fields of animal care and welfare
  • Experience/knowledge in the area of pet rehoming
  • High level written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to address welfare issues on behalf of the Rásaíocht Con Éireann / Greyhound Racing Ireland though various media channels
  • Strong time, self management and organisational skills
  • Developed office skills including good knowledge of Microsoft based systems
  • Well developed interpersonal, tact and diplomacy skills
  • Third level qualification in a relevant discipline would be an advantage
  • A knowledge and understanding of legislation and codes of practice would be an advantage
  • Knowledge of public sector organisations would be an advantage

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE RECRUITMENT WEBSITE TO APPLY ONLINE

Rásaíocht Con Éireann / Greyhound Racing Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer