Barks & Recreation is a social enterprise that provides support to adults who have a learning disability to walk dogs.
We are looking to fill the role of Dog Walk Support Worker and invite interested candidates to submit their CV along with a personal statement showing how they meet the roles requirements.
The successful candidate will reflect the organisations values and show a genuine understanding of the lives, needs and potential of people who have a learning disability.
About The Vacancy
Our Dog Walk Support Workers provide one-to-one support for adults who have a learning disability, using dog walking as a catalyst to improve their wellbeing, confidence, independence and community engagement.
Due to flexibility within our team, the vacancy can be for a part time or full time role. We invite applicants to provide further information about their availability with their application.
Our sessions typically run from 9.30am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm, or 9.30am to 4.30pm - Monday to Friday.
It is essential that the successful candidate has a full UK drivers license and access to their own car during work hours.
Job Description
The successful candidate will:
Supporting Individuals
- Provide transport to and from the home of the individual they are supporting, and to the dogs they are walking.
- Understand adult safeguarding and accurately document and report any concerns, incidents or accidents.
- Communicate effectively with individuals, colleagues and customers.
- Support the individual to achieve agreed goals and aspirations.
- Work collaboratively with parents, carers and other professionals.
Dog Walking Responsibilities
- Maintain the positive relationship we have with our dog owners.
- Confidently and safely walk dogs of all breeds and sizes.
- Have a basic understanding of dog behaviour, body language and welfare needs.
- Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate dog walking etiquette.
- Be willing and able to safely transport a dog in their own vehicle on occasion.
Working Practices
- Assess risk and follow all relevant risk assessments and safety procedures.
- Work independently, using initiative and good judgement.
- Carry out duties in a reliable, trustworthy and professional manner.
- Share and demonstrate our values and commitment to improving the lives of the people we support.
- Represent Barks & Recreation positively within the community.
Person Specification
The successful candidate will have:
Essential
- A full UK driving licence and access to their own vehicle during working hours.
- Experience of supporting people who have a learning disability, either in a professional or personal capacity.
- Experience with dogs, either in a professional or personal capacity.
- The ability to assess and minimise live and potential risk.
- Availability on occasional evenings to meet new customers.
- An understanding of appropriate dog walking etiquette.
- A fun, friendly and outgoing personality, with a genuine love of dogs.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Reliability, integrity and trustworthiness.
- A willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check.
What we offer
- A fun, relaxed and rewarding job - filled with dogs!
- Every weekend off
- 5.6 weeks annual leave including all bank holidays, Christmas and New Year
- Free training opportunities
"I previously worked for Barks and Recreation and could not recommend the service enough! The work they do for the dogs and the people they support is fantastic, it’s a trusted and reliable service with a great ethos at its heart."
How To Apply
The applicant is asked to send their CV along with a short personal statement (no longer than one page of A4) stating why they are the perfect fit for this role, as well as demonstrating their:
- Experience with supporting individuals who have a learning disability.
- Understanding of the lives, needs and potential of adults who have a learning disability.
- Experience and understanding of dog behaviour and dog walking etiquette with a focus on keeping a dog safe.
We expect to receive a large number of CV’s for this role. Please use your personal statement as an opportunity to stand out from the rest.
The deadline for applications is Sunday 23rd August 2026 at 5pm.
Job Type: Permanent
Pay: From £13.60 per hour
Benefits:
Experience:
- dog profession or ownership: 1 year (required)
- Learning Disability support: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- drivers licence and access to own car during work hours (required)
Work Location: In person
