Veterinary Assistant

 Humane Colorado’s Veterinary Hospital at CSU Spur team members provide access to high quality veterinary urgent care using an incremental care approach for under-served populations in our community. This position plays a critical role in working with our veterinary team to help prevent and alleviate suffering of animals in our community, maximize our impact, enhance the dignity of our clients, and work collaboratively with the veterinary community.

Humane Colorado's Veterinary Hospital at the CSU Spur campus, is just north of downtown Denver, and is part of the redevelopment of the National Western Center. On the Spur campus, the veterinary hospital will incorporate learning opportunities for the public, through our surgery and dental suites, along with an exam room, that is on view to the public.

Purpose of Position: Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians in providing medical care and treatment for animals in all aspects of the veterinary hospital, which includes urgent care services, high volume spay/neuter and vaccine services. This position works directly with underserved community members and their pets to provide high quality, affordable veterinary care.

Responsibilities

• Assist technicians and veterinarians in the performance of surgical procedures.
• Perform medical treatments and diagnostics at the direction of technicians and veterinarians.
• Consistently provide exceptional customer service effectively communicating with patrons in high stress situations.
• Ensure a smooth and timely flow of office visits from check-in to discharge.
• Accurately obtain patient history from clients.
• Accurately weigh patients and obtain temperature, pulse, and respiration.
• Accurately review discharge patient instructions with clients and distribute educational materials as recommended by doctor.
• Thoroughly document conversations with patrons including all recommendations, declined recommendations and treatments.
• Perform accurate data entry into hospital software system to update patron and animal records.
• Perform safe restraint for cats and dogs, including feral cats.
• Assist in patient recovery.
• Clean surgical instruments and wrap for sterilization. Use autoclave properly to sterilize wrapped packs and pouches.
• Properly clean, disinfect, and maintain all surgical and medical areas, including the autoclave, distiller, ultrasonic cleaner and washer/dryer.
• Operate Humane Colorado mobile unit vehicles, as assigned.
• Stock all areas of hospital as needed.
• Contribute to initiatives to improve processes and procedures.
• Perform euthanasia related tasks including body care.

People Care

People are the key to fulfilling our mission. Making internal and external patrons and their needs a primary focus is expected in all situations. This position interacts with and collaborates with employees at all levels of the organization. Communication occurs through face to face, telephone, and electronic interactions and may also include contact with the general public and Humane Colorado business partners. Communication and contact must be clear, understandable, cooperative, professional and respectful in all circumstances. Employees are expected to actively support a positive team environment, directly address conflict, and appropriately express concerns.

Competencies

Competencies are work behaviors and expectations necessary for successful job performance. They encompass knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and actions. Additional definitions for competencies may be obtained from Human Resources.

Organizational Key Competencies

• Integrity and Ethics
• Adapting to Change and Ambiguity
• Customer and Community Focus
• Emotional Intelligence
• Excellence

Position Key Competencies

• Accountability
• Flexibility
• Teamwork
• Attention to Detail
• Initiative
• Decision Making
• Results Oriented
• Time Management

Supervisory or Managerial Responsibility

• Volunteers

Travel

• This position may require travel to different work sites

Compensation: Starts at $20.00 - $20.90 per hour (Starting pay commensurate with market, experience, and equity.)

Shift Details: 40 hours per week, four 10-hour shift

Full Time Benefits – Please visit our website for a comprehensive list of all offered benefits

• Benefits (medical, dental, and vision)
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Sick Time
• Holiday Pay
• 401(k) with matching
• Sabbatical program
• Employee discounts
• Discounted Pet Insurance
• And more!

Work Conditions and Physical Requirements

Handle and restrain animals of various sizes, weights, and temperaments. Subject to animal bites or scratches. Work performed in high noise level areas. Exposure to cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal dander, and feces. Exposure to radiation in association with performing radiology procedures. Physical efforts require constant bending, stooping, standing, climbing stairs, and walking. Repetitive motion associated with medical and surgical care. Frequent lifting of animals and objects up to 40 pounds with reasonable accommodation.

Posting will remain open until filled, with a minimum posting period of 5 days. 

Position Qualifications

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated success in customer service
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
• Ability to work in a team environment
• High attention to detail
• Ability to perform job duties in an on view educational setting as needed

Required

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Work Experience: at least 6 months of customer service experience

Desired

• Experience working in a veterinary clinic or similar environment
• Working knowledge of current veterinary practices
• Professional experience working with animals
• Veterinary assistant certification
• Bilingual fluency speaking both English and Spanish
• If driving a company vehicle, valid driver’s license and insurable driving record