Temporary Senior Veterinary Assistant

Overview

Who We Are

Have you ever wondered what happens to cats and dogs whose owners are unable to afford veterinary care? We did. The ASPCA's Community Medicine (CM) team provides expert veterinary care to support the welfare of animals and their people through our stationary and mobile veterinary clinics, serving the most underserved communities in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.

We help pet owners overcome barriers to care, bringing quality services directly to the communities that need us most and partially or fully subsidizing the cost of basic and preventive care. CM treats people and pets with dignity and respect, assisting pet owners in making informed decisions about their pets' health and wellbeing regardless of their financial circumstances. When you come to work at the ASPCA, you join a team of over 1,000 dedicated colleagues with deep knowledge, skills, and passion for the animals we serve.

What You'll Do

The Temporary Senior Veterinary Assistant (SVA) -Community Veterinary Clinic (CVC) is a vital member of our veterinary medical team. The Temporary SVA supports two program functions for pet cats and dogs living with their families or in the care of the rescue community in ASPCA focus areas in New York City: spay/neuter surgery and primary pet care.

Throughout the day, Temporary SVAs are responsible for client communication, assisting the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician, animal handling, preparing animals for surgery, entering medical records, and monitoring patients while they are under anesthesia.

Temporary Role Details:

• This is a temporary, contingent position and the person hired will be employed through a third-party staffing agency.
• This position is intended to last 6 months from the first day of service.
• The target hiring range for this temporary role is $25 - $26.44 per hour and may be modified in the future.
• The role is typically a Monday-Friday, 8-hour schedule with flexibility to work occasionally beyond the scheduled work day and Saturdays approximately once per quarter may be required.
• This position is an on-site role and reports to the Brooklyn CVC.

What's Expected of You - Position Responsibilities & Qualifications:

Medical:

• Care for up to 35-40 cats and dogs per day in spay/neuter surgery
• Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, and for our clients by using low-stress handling techniques during various procedures (examples: exams, treatments, injections, venipuncture, intubation)
• Monitor vital signs of sedated and anesthetized patients in pre-operative, operative, and post-operative phases
• Take direction regarding medical protocols and animal care from the clinic veterinarian or veterinary technician
• Organize and maintain pre-operative area and operating room for patient anesthesia, surgical preparation and sterilization
• Ensure anesthesia machines, pulse oximeters, scales, and other equipment are functional and report equipment that is not working properly
• Clean, sonicate, pack, and sterilize surgical instruments and endotracheal tubes
• Work with coworkers to clean and disinfect animal areas and facility while utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment
• Assist with patient exams, take medical history, perform diagnostic testing, and prepare medications to go home with the client/patient
• Provide support and medical services in special cases as needed, including evaluation of animals living in hoarding situations

Customer Service:

• Communicate with all clients in a non-judgmental, effective and professional manner
• Greet clients and assist with the intake process, including assisting clients in filling out intake and service documents, flag relevant medical history
• Communicate basic veterinary medical concepts to clients, including, but not limited to vaccine protocols and anesthetic risks
• Explain information provided by the veterinarian about an animal's condition to clients

Other:

• Enter medical information into digital databases as appropriate
• Represent ASPCA in a professional and courteous manner • Adhere to all protocols put forth by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• Follow all written and verbally communicated CM Standard Operating Procedures
• Collaborate and foster good communication with ASPCA colleagues
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Experience using a computer and navigating software applications
• Ability to lift and carry 40-plus pounds repeatedly throughout day with assistance
• Ability to work standing for 8 or more hours
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work efficiently and calmly under challenging conditions
• Must maintain open mind regarding changes and be willing to learn, implement, and teach new protocols
• Excellent animal handling skills (cats, dogs)
• Strong interest in animal welfare and serving underserved communities

Language:

• English (required)
• Bilingual (Spanish) Strongly Preferred

Education and Work Experience:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Minimum 1 year animal handling in a professional setting required, veterinary medical experience preferred