Hospital Veterinary Assistant

Summary:

Overview

Join a team of experts as a Hospital Veterinary Assistant on our ASPCA Animal Hospital team to make a real impact on the vulnerable animals who need us most.

Who We Are

The ASPCA Animal Hospital (AAH) is designed to provide life-saving care and relieve suffering for animal victims of cruelty and neglect who come to us through our internal partners: ASPCA Adoption Center, Kitten Nursery, Community Medicine and Community Engagement (CE) teams; and our external partners: NYPD and other NYC organizations. Additionally, we provide subsidized care exclusively for animals whose owners are experiencing financial challenges and could not otherwise afford medical care for their pet.

What You'll Do

The Hospital Veterinary Assistant is responsible for the daily care of surgical patients and assisting the Licensed Veterinary Technicians and Veterinarians in a high-quality, high-volume emergency hospital.

Where and When You'll Work

This is a full-time, onsite position (40 hours/weekly ) at our 92nd Street location. Schedules are Tuesday-Saturday 8am-4pm and Monday & Tuesday: 8a-6p, Friday & Saturday 10a-8p. This position may require occasional flexibility and occasional overtime during off-hours, weekends, evening hours and possible holiday support.

What You'll Get

Compensation

The starting pay rate for this role is $24.00 hourly and falls under a collective bargaining agreement.

Benefits

• Affordable health coverage , including medical, employer-paid dental and optional vision coverage.
• Flexible time off that includes vacation time, paid personal time, sick time, bereavement time, paid parental leave, and 10 company paid holidays that allows you even more flexibility to observe the days that mean the most to you.
• Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions - we match dollar-for-dollar up to 4% and provide an additional 4% contribution toward your future each year.
• Robust professional development opportunities including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship with industry-leading peers, internal mobility, opportunities to support in the field and so much more.

For more information on our benefits offerings, visit our website.

Responsibilities:

Responsibility buckets are listed in general order of importance, and include but are not limited to:

Nursing Care and Client Services

• Knowledge of basic veterinary medical concepts, including, but not limited to surgical procedures, surgical instruments, anesthesia, and animal handling.
• Admit surgical patients as needed
• Provide compassionate and quality patient care at all times.
• Be proficient in animal handling and restraint for injections, venipuncture, intubation, etc.
• Treat animals and clients with care and respect utilizing Fear Free guidelines.
• Document and communicate and patient concerns or observed changes to LVT and/or Veterinarian
• Feed and medicate patients following veterinarian and LVT instructions
• Lift patients up to 40 pounds.

Housekeeping and Maintenance of surgical suites and instrumentation

• Clean and disinfect surgery prep, operating rooms, and pack and prep while utilizing appropriate PPE when appropriate
• Follow all departmental PPE and cleaning protocols
• Follow all protocols put forth by Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
• Follow all written and verbally communicated departmental Standard Operating Procedures.
• Take inventory and stock supplies as needed.
• Assist in keeping supplies stocked by noting when supplies are running low in surgery and pack and prep areas
• Make certain entire hospital including treatment, surgery, exam rooms and kennels are kept extremely clean through the day
• Clean, wrap, and sterilize surgical packs by use of dishwasher and autoclave
• Prep operating rooms for surgery, obtain instruments as needed for surgical procedures
• Assist anesthetist with anesthesia - including induction, prepping for epidurals/local blocks, and shaving patients for surgery
• Scrub patients for surgery utilizing strict aseptic technique
• Run bloodwork for surgical patients as needed by LVT or veterinarian

Professionalism, Communication, and Performance

• Represent ASPCA in professional and courteous manner at all times.
• Provide management with regular feedback about training needs, new hires, coworkers, interns, hospital needs, etc.
• Collaborate professionally with other ASPCA department managers and staff.
• Support organization and departmental policies and protocols
• Maintain open mind regarding changes and be willing to learn, implement, and teach new protocols.
• Possess thorough knowledge of AAH daily procedures and protocols
• Ensure and maintain high quality standard of care, work ethic, and performance
• Work independently without supervision and as part of a team
• Work efficiently and calmly under challenging conditions
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions
• Advise Supervisor of any conditions that are unsafe including unrecognized hazards or infractions of safety rules.
• Attend surgery department meetings (which provide continuing education)

Qualifications

• Able to lift up to 40 pounds
• Able to work standing for 10 or more hours
• Basic to advanced computer skills, including Excel, Microsoft Office and ImproMed
• Knowledge of veterinary hospital protocols and procedures
• Must have a high degree of integrity and accountability
• Must possess strong animal handling and restraint skills
• Must possess strong customer service skills, robust inter-personal communication and the ability to work in a team environment or independently
• Possess a sense of humor that can balance flexibility and enthusiasm and thrives on detail
• Proficiency in Impromed, preferred.

Education and Work Experience

• High School Diploma (Required)
• 1+ years experience in the Animal Care Technician role or equivalent
• 1+ years veterinary hospital and/or shelter experience preferred
• Experience in surgery preferred but not required
• Fear Free Shelter or Fear Free Veterinary certification is required within 60 days of hire

Language:
English (Required), Spanish

Education and Work Experience:
Bachelors, High School Diploma (Required)


1 - 2 years' experience in the Animal Care Technician role or equivalent, 1 - 3 years' veterinary hospital and/or shelter experience preferred., Experience in surgery preferred but not required