Spay and Neuter Clinic Veterinary Assistant

Wage $18.14 - $24.50 DOE, including surgery experience and DORA-issued CVTFull Time 4 days/week 9-10 hours/dayRequired: One year of experience caring for animalsPreferred: Two years of veterinary medical care and animal handling in a fast-paced environmentBenefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, SIMPLE IRA, 4 Major Holidays, First Stop HealthGeneralThe Veterinary Assistant performs routine medical care, pre- and post-operative care, and related duties at Animal Friends Alliance. This position requires learning a wide range of policies and procedures and using independent judgment to take appropriate action in medical situations. The Veterinary Assistant position may be either full-time or part-time.Major Duties and ResponsibilitiesAssists the veterinarian during the morning check-in process (including TPR)Assists Client Service Representatives with check-ins of patients in the AMProvides excellent customer service at all timesPrepares the exam room, surgical suite, and recovery area in preparation of patient arrivalHandles and restrains animals safely and humanely for intramuscular, intravenous, and subcutaneous injectionsPrepares some controlled medications under the supervision and direction of the Veterinary Assistant II and/or veterinarianPrepares animals for surgical procedures, including shaving, nail clipping, vaccinating, administering local anesthetic subcutaneously, collecting blood samples, expressing bladders, and implanting microchipsRecords vital signs after completion of surgery, administers post-operative supplementation of subcutaneous fluids as directed, and monitors animals as they recover from anesthesia, leading up to and including extubationIs comfortable using and understanding common monitoring equipment, such as a Pulse Oximeter.Cleans, disinfects, preps, and autoclaves surgical packsCleans kennels and performs related housekeeping dutiesCleans, disinfects, and stores equipment used in and around the clinicProcesses laundry throughout the dayAssists Client Service Representatives with the discharge of dogs and catsMaintains proper inventory levels of cleaning supplies and other supplies. Informs the supervisor when reordering is necessary.Assists clients and the veterinarian with animals receiving post-op re-checksOversees, supports, and trains interns working in the public clinicEnsures that morning/closing checklists are done accurately and completed as assignedOther Duties:Monitors, supports, motivates, and accredits volunteers/interns and their workFollows all safety rules to ensure a safe work environment at all times. Takes immediate action to address any safety concerns or noncompliance issues that could put an animal, employee, volunteer, intern, visitor, or the organization at riskTreats animals humanely, with compassion and concern, both on and off the job, and conveys these values to others, in word and actionRepresents Animal Friends Alliance in a professional and courteous manner at all times.Provides quality service to customers, volunteers, and staff, recognizing their individual contributions to Animal Friends Alliance.Solicits monetary and in-kind donations by raising awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.Provides quality in-person and telephone client service.Learns basic duties of other departments and supports other departments and staffUnderstands and operates by Animal Friends Alliance's Core valuesRegular and timely presence on-siteWork Environment:Work performed in an animal clinic settingPotential for exposure to zoonotic diseases and cleaning chemicalsPotential for exposure to dangerous and fractious animalsPotential exposure to high noise levels when in the kennel areaPotential for animal bites and scratches while handling animalsUnusual Demands:Work is subject to frequent interruptions.Employee is subject to work weekends, holidays, and beyond the normal scheduled hours of work.Employee is subject to working outside in a variety of weather conditions.RequirementsEducation/Experience:EducationRequired: High school diploma or equivalentPreferred: Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an accredited universityExperience:Required: One year caring for animals (external applicants only) // Excellent attendance and work record with Animal Friends Alliance (internal applicants only)Preferred: Two years of veterinary medical care and animal handling in a fast-paced environmentValid Driver's License: RequiredSincere interest in Animal Friends Alliance's mission & visionKnowledge:Knowledge of Google Suite, including Gmail and Google Drive.Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including ExcelKnowledge of animal breed, behavior, handling, and careBasic technical procedures used in giving vaccinations and medicating animalsSkills:Able to prioritize duties and perform multiple tasksAble to work in a high-stress, fast-paced environmentAbility to learn, retain, and communicate a wide variety of informationDetail orientedAbility to acknowledge personal limits and verbalize when further help or training is neededEffective verbal and interpersonal skills for in-person, written, and telephone communication, for interaction with the public, volunteers, and colleagues.Excellent organizational skills.High level of professionalism.Emotional intelligence, work ethics, and integrity.Strong computer skillsAbilities:Able to understand and use a database.Able to prioritize duties and perform multiple tasks.Able to work in a high-stress, fast-paced environment.Able to learn, retain, and communicate a wide variety of information.Able to work autonomously and within a team environment.Able to plan, schedule, and organize multiple priorities and a high volume of work.Physical, Sensory, and Mental RequirementsPhysical RequirementsFrequent:Sit, Stand, Walk, Bend, Squat, Kneel, Crawl, Reach above head, Push/Pull objects & reaching above head.Lift & carry up to 50 pounds unassisted, over 50 pounds with assistanceExposure to hazards: Biological, Chemical, Noise, Sharp instrumentsExposure to marked changes in temperatureOccasional:Write legiblyUse of microwaveClimbOperate standard pedals in a company vehicleSensory Requirements:Can distinguish smells: IMPORTANTCan distinguish tastes: N/ACan hear normal tones: REQUIREDCan hear soft tones: REQUIREDCan distinguish temperatures by touch/proximity: IMPORTANTEyesight: Normal/corrected to 20/40: REQUIREDEyesight: Close eye work: REQUIREDColor Recognition: REQUIREDMental Requirements:Can read, speak, and write English: REQUIREDCan control emotions (remain calm under verbal abuse, tough euthanasia decisions, etc.): REQUIREDHas a positive attitude at the workplace: REQUIREDAble to work with controlled substances: REQUIREDCan handle stress: REQUIREDSalary Description