DVM Assistant

DVM Assistant

Horizon Veterinary Specialists, founded in August 2018 by five board-certified veterinarians, aims to drive positive influence in the veterinary community. With a state-of-the-art facility, a culture centered on inclusion and education, and a passion for excellent medicine, Horizon is committed to serving patients and clients, while supporting the dedicated professionals in veterinary medicine.

Our 24/7 emergency and critical care team serves small animal patients across Ventura and surrounding counties, accepting walk-ins and referrals. We have a large, fully equipped, multi-unit ICU that includes an isolation ward and quiet rooms. Our emergency department team is fortunate to have access to our Internal Medicine department six days a week, for consultation and supportive services.

We are a growing practice who is currently looking for a skilled, caring and compassionate doctor's assistant to join our team! Our team at Horizon Veterinary Specialists works in a collaborative, yet driven environment which provides abundant opportunities for growth, development, and patient/client service. We understand and embrace the importance of every pet as a family member and treat each one with the utmost care.

Job Description

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Monitor and stay updated on the current status of receiving, inpatient census, outdoor census, and triage board; track both inpatient and outpatient caseloads.
• Request and review relevant records from referring DVMs for incoming ER cases.
• Update patient records throughout the day, facilitate client communication, generate and present estimates, assist with send-out lab requests and lab data entry, and review PVL charges. Monitor inpatient financials, alert DVMs when patients are approaching estimate limits, and provide daily financial updates and continued care estimates to clients.
• Create and present estimates in collaboration with DVMs and handle client financial transactions when required.
• Prepare discharge instructions, ensuring medications and supplies are accurately gathered and provided. Streamline the discharge process when clients arrive.
• Provide clients with updates on admitted/hospitalized patient status, both at the start and end of the day, under DVM guidance. Set discharge times, facilitate communication between clients and DVMs, and address client questions when the DVM is unavailable.
• COMM Box Management: Assist DVMs in reviewing and managing their COMM boxes, triaging messages for urgency, pharmacy refill requests, and client communication. Check COMM boxes at least twice a day, prioritizing on-shift DVMs, but also triage off-duty DVM messages when possible. For urgent questions about off-duty DVM cases, consult the on-duty ER DVM for assistance.
• Take referral calls when no DVM is available.
• Create and manage the doctor's task list to ensure all items are completed by the end of the day.
• Collaborate with CSR, Supervisors, and technical staff to manage daily workflow and client communication needs (e.g., informing clients of delays).
• Facilitate effective communication between DVMs and VetSurg for surgeries and critical anesthetic patients.
• Maintain clear, efficient, and professional communication with colleagues, clients, and vendors.
• Must be able to withstand unpleasant odors and noises. May be exposed to bites, scratches, animal waste and potentially contagious diseases.

Whether you're looking to just be a master of your role or trying to grow into that next career move, you'll have opportunities through a variety of virtual and hands on, interactive training and continuing development!

Qualifications

We're Looking For:

• At least 3 years of experience in an emergency / specialty veterinary hospital setting preferred.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in using a Windows-based computer system, including email, internal communication platforms (Teams, M365, etc.), word processing, and spreadsheets. Familiarity with Practice Management Software (EzyVet and Smart Flow) and basic office equipment (copy/fax/scanner machine, credit card/debit machine). Accurate typing and spelling skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and push or pull up to 100 lbs.
• Frequent sitting, standing, bending, squatting, crouching, reaching, and walking.
• Ability to hold a phone handset and type on a computer for extended periods.
• Strong reading comprehension and math skills at a high school graduate level or above.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills with keen attention to detail.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities (with guidance).
• Professional communication skills, both with peers and clients.
• Accountable, responsible, motivated, proactive, trustworthy, dependable, and punctual.
• Ability to handle high-stress situations with poise.
• Experience managing a caseload for 2 doctors simultaneously.
• Adaptability in various situations, including interacting with clients in emotional states and supporting multiple doctors and staff for optimal patient and client flow.
• Comfortable supporting the charge nurse in facilitating communication and patient management.

Additional Information

Pay Range: $24.50 - $28/hr. depending on experience level.

We offer our staff:

• Comprehensive Benefits (health, dental, vision, liability, 401k & 401K matching program, life & supplemental insurance, HSA, & FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time for ALL Employees
• Paid Bereavement Program
• Paid Parental Leave Program
• Competitive Compensation
• Continuing Education Allowance (applicable to licensed employees)
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Access to a CVA/CVT/CVPM Partnership through Penn Foster
• Career Development Opportunities
• Referral Bonus Program for most positions!
• Additional Benefits May Also Be Available (i.e. Personal Pet Discounts, Holiday Pay, Uniform Allowance, Bonuses etc)

*Hiring eligibility may be contingent to a candidate authorizing and completing a satisfactory background check.

*Note – some benefits may only be available to or vary slightly for full time employment status vs part time status.