Vet Assistant

POSITION OVERVIEW

Working at the direction of the clinic manager, the vet assistant position for the Desert Community Animal Clinic (DCAC) works as part of a dynamic team to treat owned-animals brought into the facility for an array of wellness and preventative services.  Vet Assistants will administer vaccinations, parasite prevention and treatment, and assist the veterinarian and RVT with on-site surgeries and euthanasia when appropriate.  (Note: this is a 4/10 workweek - Wednesday through Saturday; 10 hour shifts)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: 

• Ensure the safety and health of animals within the clinic. 


• Helps to evaluate animals for signs of illness, injuries and parasites.


• Will help determine when an animal needs immediate veterinary care and will notify the Veterinarian and/or RVT.


• Prepares and administers medications (orally, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenously) and vaccinations according to instructions and direction from the veterinarian.


• Helps the clinic manager to monitor and maintain medical supply and drug inventory.


• When needed assists veterinarians in any on-site procedures, including surgery.


• Monitors anesthesia, autoclaves surgical packs, and animals during recovery.   


• Runs and interprets diagnostic tests. 


• Collects and processes fecal samples, performs skin scrapings. Utilizes a microscope to interpret results and communicate the results to the veterinarian. 


• Performs basic bandaging and wound care for animals. 


• Cares for, cleans, and feeds animals in assigned areas. 


• Enters medical information into the computer system. 


• Maintains clinical logs and records as directed and assigned by the veterinarian or RVT.


• Maintains a sanitary environment in all animal care, exam rooms, treatment and surgery areas. 


• Escorts clients into the exam room and executes basic pre-exam duties in preparation for Veterinarian exam/consultation. 


• Maintain a positive and respectful attitude.


• Operate within compliance with state, federal, local, AVMA  laws and guidelines.


• Adhere to the organization’s policies and procedures as stated in the employee handbook and Standard Operating Procedures manual.


• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays and evenings. 


• Attends staff meetings, training, and other events related to the position. 


• Other duties as assigned.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

• Leadership – Maintain a positive, upbeat role, promote and exemplify Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter values and represents departmental objectives and interests to internal and external customers


• Customer Service – Follow up on complaints, questions, and concerns; respond to internal/external customer needs in a friendly, timely and efficient manner


• Teamwork - Develop and promote teamwork and cooperation among co-workers


• Safety – Comply with established safe work practices and attend to all safety-related training provided or made available by the DHS facility and Shelter

QUALIFICATIONS – To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• High School Graduate or G.E.D.


• Minimum one year of veterinarian assistant experience either in a veterinarian office and/or other animal care facility.


• Controlled Substance Permit may be required.


• Bilingual (English and Spanish) language skills are a plus. 

Required Technical / Other Skills and Abilities

• Must be well-organized and detail-oriented


• Ability to complete basic math calculations.


• Proficient computer data entry skills


• Good interpersonal skills 


• Able to effectively communicate with staff and a diverse public population


• Able to enthusiastically work in a fast-paced work environment, while problem solving and multitasking


• Must be flexible to work additional hours when workload requires


• Knowledge of animal behavior a plus


• A watch with a second hand is required


• A Stethoscope could be required

Required Licenses/Certifications

• Controlled Substance Permit may be required

PHYSICAL DEMANDS –  Must be able to stand and/or walk for long periods of time to assist with medical procedures, clinics, intake appointments, etc. Must be able to lift 35 lbs to waist; restrain & handle animals safely weighing up to 100 lbs.  Frequent computer use is also necessary. 

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION 

• Customer Information


• Pet information including medical status