Veterinary Technician

FLSA STATUS

Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Associate's Degree

EXPERIENCE

Two years of animal handling and veterinary technician experience One year of surgical preparation, sedation, and anesthesia monitoring experience

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (AALAS) - American Association of Laboratory Animal Science within 1 year

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles Ability to use a variety of technical machinery including developing x-rays, cleaning equipment and entering essential research data into computers and databases Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all visitors, physicians and co-workers Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing workflow, and actively participating in problem-solving

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Establishes and maintains working relationships and communicates effectively with the Houston Methodist Academic Institute (HMAI) animal care, veterinary and research teams. Collaborates with all members of the care team by reporting pertinent information and data in a clear, comprehensive manner. Participates in follow-up communication with research team requests when additional information is necessary to fulfill orders and/or technical services. Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Assists with training, performs veterinary procedures, and provides pre, peri and post-operative care such as, but not limited to, blood collection, TB test placement and reading, parenteral and oral administration of materials, animal restraint, anesthesia, surgical instrument sterilization prep, shaving and skin preparation, animal transport, administration of anesthesia and analgesia, intubation, bandaging, or any other treatment as directed by the veterinarian. Performs surgical procedures using appropriate instruments and aseptic techniques while a veterinarian is present and performs specialized irradiation treatments per research staff and study specific requests. Serves as backup for small animal service request scheduling and assists with the Comparative Medicine Post Approval Monitoring Program by verifying requested procedures and substances performed throughout the animal vivariums are on approved protocols.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Ensures that animal records are maintained in conformance with institutional policies and federal regulations including the Animal Welfare Act, Good Laboratory Practices and the standards required by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care for accreditation. Ensures the CMP facility remains prepared for routine regulatory inspections and meets occupational health and safety standards and works closely with the Lead and Supervisor to identify and address issues with both written and electronic animal treatment records. Identifies and clearly communicates all health problems to veterinarians in oral or written form and must understand verbal and written directions of the veterinarians and/or supervisor/manager. Creates, reviews and addresses issues with study card document requests from research staff and confirms that procedures and treatments are listed on an approved protocol per the post approval monitoring program.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Identifies and communicates cost saving initiatives within the department and is self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks. Participates in the management and maintenance of Comparative Medicine (CMP) veterinary drugs and supplies including controlled substances and regular inventory and supply order documentation. Assists with training and accurate entry of billing charges for services provided by CMP Veterinary Team.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions that improve quality and service for a variety of animal care, technical procedures and facility support practices. Embraces opportunities to acquire additional knowledge regarding guidelines and regulations that affect CMP’s animal research facility. Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and expands learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a technician and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

Uniform: No Scrubs: Yes Business professional: No Other (department approved): No

ON-CALL*

Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below. On Call* No

TRAVEL**

Travel specifications may vary by department May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No #J-18808-Ljbffr Houston Methodist