Lead Shelter Medicine Veterinary Assistant

Lead Shelter Medicine Veterinary Assistant

The Lead Shelter Medicine Veterinary Assistant supports the Clinic Manager performing health checks, surgery, and providing medications for animals. This position is also responsible for providing oversight and support to the Shelter Medicine team while acting as a resource and example for others.

Essential Job Functions:

Uphold the standards and values of LifeLine Animal Project:

Leadership and Management:

• Direct and assist vet assistants and keep them on task in their performance of technical and client-education duties.
• Recognize non-routine or unusual situations and communicate them to the Clinic Manager, along with recommended solutions in an effort to save lives.
• Ensure that client call-backs are completed as directed.
• Explain the nature of and basis for hospital personnel policies and procedures to clients and technical staff when necessary.
• Maintain knowledge of federal and state animal-health laws and regulations, including OSHA. Ensure that the hospital and its employees are in compliance with regulations. Take responsibility to inform the Clinic Manager of any regulatory issues.
• Make recommendations to the Clinic Manager concerning personnel matters. Discuss disciplinary actions needed with the Clinic Manager and assist with follow-through with compassion.
• Provide input on employee performance.
• Provide fair and impartial treatment to each employee with regard to scheduling, coaching, and discipline.
• Direct on-the-job training of technical staff.
• Courageously resolve informal employee complaints and mediates interpersonal problems amongst the technical staff along with the practice manager.
• Serve as liaison between staff and management.
• Give prompt attention to requests for meetings, repairs, and supplies.

Shelter Medicine:

• Provide excellent customer service to all clients and visitors.
• Greet clients and their pets. Gather medical history and information prior to examination and treatment.
• Communicate discharge instructions and information to pet owners. Answer questions to ensure that owners have all information needed to care for their pet.
• Examine animals for diseases, parasites, injuries and other afflictions.
• Assist the veterinarian with diagnostic exams and medical procedures.
• Collect blood, urine, and stool samples as needed.
• Prepare animals for surgery. Monitor health during surgery and recovery.
• Under Veterinary supervision, administer vaccinations and medications for animals in the shelter.
• Perform basic first aid on injured animals.
• Exhibit exceptional stewardship by maintaining cleanliness and orderliness of medication and medical equipment.
• Clean instruments and surfaces. Wrap packs.
• Clean recovery and other cages in the clinic area. Clean crates if needed.
• Data entry of medical information, procedures, and notes.
• Help strengthen and build a community of animal welfare advocates by supporting and engaging the volunteers who aid the clinic teams.
• Ensure efficient operations and exceptional customer service to all visitors, while respecting, embracing, and celebrating the diversity of individuals.
• Continue education by participating in LifeLines 40-hour annual training requirement.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Compassion for animals and the people who love and care for them.
• Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity.
• Knowledge of general animal care principles and practices.
• Ability to stand for extended periods (8 hours a day) and to bend and reach to perform assigned work activities.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. without assistance.
• Ability to interact with impounded dogs, cats and other animals including vicious, stray, sick or injured animals. Ability to handle seeing and dealing with animals that have been abused, neglected or treated cruelly.
• Knowledge of common cat and dog illnesses and options for treatment.
• Ability to administer vaccinations and medications.
• Ability to learn animal management software systems and accurately enter information into the software system.
• Must be able to work weekends.
• Must have a means of travel that ensures prompt arrival for work shifts.
• Must pass a background check.

Education and/or Experience:

Education equivalent to two years of college (pre-veterinary curriculum) or technical school preferred. At least three years recent experience in veterinary practice or medical environment, with increasing responsibilities. Preferred: Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT). Preferred: Five years recent experience in a veterinary practice, with increasing responsibilities. Certification in euthanasia may be required. Valid, Georgia Drivers license may be required. Registered Veterinary Technician a plus.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to unpleasant kennel smells. May have to handle dogs and cats that are stray, injured, diseased or vicious.