Vet Assistant

Overview:

This position is responsible for ensuring the health of animals within the facility.  Working at the direction of the Director of Medical Services and Veterinary Assistant Leads, the position assesses the health of each animal at the shelter, maintains records on each animal and strives to ensure that each animal receives appropriate care.  Vet Assistants will administer vaccinations, parasite prevention and treatment, as well as assist veterinarian(s) with on-site surgeries when appropriate.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: 

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


• Observes and evaluates animals for signs of illness, injuries and parasites.


• Determines when an animal needs immediate veterinary care and will notify either the Veterinarian, Assistant Medical Director,  or Lead Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). 


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


• Monitors inventory levels and maintains medical supply and drug inventory of assigned areas.


• Assists veterinarians in any on-site procedures, including surgery.  Monitors anesthesia, autoclaves surgical packs, monitors 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 medical quarantine areas. 


• Enters medical information into the computer system (PetPoint). 


• Maintains clinical logs and records as directed and assigned by the veterinarian, Assistant Medical  Director and/or Lead RVT


• Work with adoption staff and the public to perform final medical checks for adopted animals.


• Maintains a sanitary environment in surgery and clinic areas.


• Maintain a positive and respectful attitude


• Willing to attend meetings pertinent to the position


• 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.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

• Leadership – Maintain a positive, upbeat role, promote and exemplify 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 Shelter


• Other duties as assigned

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.


• AVA graduate preferred.


• Minimum 6-months of experience in veterinary hospital/medical field work or animal shelter

Required Technical / Other Skills and Abilities

• Proficient with computer data entry


• Good interpersonal skills 


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


• Must be well-organized and detail-oriented


• 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

•  None

Physical Demands

Must be able to stand and/or walk for long periods of time to assist with medical procedures, clinics, intake appointments, etc. Noise and disruptions are a constant. Must be able to restrain & handle animals safely. Frequent computer use is also necessary.