Shelter Clinic Veterinary Assistant III

Description

Job Summary:

Assist the veterinarians in the medical and surgical treatment of animals. Intake animals entering the shelter system following proper protocols of handling and computer data entry. Educate the public on animal health while demonstrating SFAS policies. Ensure the most humane care possible is provided to all animals brought to the shelter. Promote the shelter whenever possible. Assist the veterinarians in the aspects of intake, surgery, laboratory diagnostics, radiographs, animal restraint, vaccinations, and keeping the clinic and kennels clean.

• Assist in the admission of animals to the shelter by performing initial physical exams, reporting medical problems, completing initial vaccinations, and entering all pertinent data into the shelter's software system.
• Ensure all pertinent medical information is entered into the medical record accurately and following set protocols.
• Assist in movement of animals throughout the shelter system.
• Assist the veterinarians in examinations and treatment of injured or ill animals, including radiographs, blood collection, administering medications and treatments, and general TLC.
• Assist the veterinarians with surgical procedures: place IV catheters, administer IV drugs, draw blood, run in house lab machines, log drugs used, monitor anesthesia and intubate/extubate surgery patients.
• Lead surgery: calculate drug doses under veterinary supervision, intubate, oversee, and train Assistant I, II. Log drugs.
• Assist Lead Veterinary Assistant in ordering inventory items.
• Lead radiographs: ordering, restraining, send to server.
• Become Euthanasia Certified.
• Fill medications and administer to shelter animals as directed by Veterinarian on Staff.
• Assist all staff in cleaning kennels in the clinic and intake rooms and restocking of supplies.
• Assist staff in cleaning all clinic areas including but not limited to; restroom, surgical suite, exam rooms and running laundry.
• Interact with fellow staff members, both in the medical and other departments, with respect and professionalism.
• Follow Shelter Guiding Principles.
• Other duties as assigned by Lead Assistant and/or Medical Director.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers/staff/patrons.
• Excellent computer proficiency.
• Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary communication.
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous veterinary technician of two years duration required.
• LVT/RTV/CVT a plus.

• Ability to perform the essential job functions consistent safely and successfully with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly on the telephone.
• Must be able to spend most of the day standing or walking with occasional periods of sitting. Must be able to stoop, bend and reach from time to time.
• Must be able to endure frequent interruptions and handle a great deal of flexibility in assignment of job duties.
• Must be able to talk loudly over animal noises from the kennels when necessary.
• Must have good manual dexterity for handling and examining animals as well as for entering data into the computer system.
• Must be able to handle exposure to large numbers of potentially dangerous, fast-moving animals and other working conditions such as poor ventilation, heat, cold, sudden temperature changes, wet quarters, noise, medical and surgical odors as well as animal odors and dander.