Specialty Veterinary Technician Supervisor

Job Details

Job Location: Walpole, MA 02081, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $38.00 - $48.00 Hourly, Job Shift: Day, Tufts V.E.T.S. is a multispecialty emergency and critical care VECCS level 1 certified facility in New England. We are an affiliate of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, at Tufts University, providing a unique environment that integrates learning into a busy private practice setting. We are committed to providing the highest standard of patient care from a wide range of specialty services including emergency and critical care, anesthesia, surgery, internal medicine, oncology, radiology and diagnostic imaging, ophthalmology, dermatology, cardiology, and urgent care. We are continually seeking to unite highly skilled professionals in veterinary medicine to provide a collaborative environment that strives to promote and strengthen the human-animal bond.

Tufts V.E.T.S. strives to be a community where diversity and inclusion are a priority.

SIGN-ON BONUS: $5,000

REPORTS TO: Clinical Services Manager

The Specialty Technician Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the cardiology, dermatology, internal medicine, oncology, ophthalmology, pharmacy, and radiology services at TVTES. The supervisor will work closely and collaboratively with veterinarians, technicians, assistants, and all other team members within each service.

This position will require time both on and off the floor. The supervisor will work on the floor, modeling best practices in client/patient interactions with team members while observing and coaching team members on their clinical skills, knowledge, and patient care. The supervisor will ensure efficient workflows, delegation of tasks appropriately, and ensure a high standard of patient care are being followed by all team members in each of the services. They are to build good working and interpersonal relationships with all other services. As a member of leadership, they play a vital role in building and maintaining a healthy culture throughout the hospital.

This position requires someone who is organized, confident, and can maintain professionalism in tense situations. The supervisor is invested in the success of the department as well as the hospital, leads effectively and thoughtfully, is a champion through change, and possesses the ability to solve complex problems. A high level of emotional intelligence is key to succeed in this role. The supervisor must be committed to controlling their emotions in a high stress environment and navigating interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. One must have the ability to navigate difficult conversations while being aware of body language, tone, and words to ensure an approachable and optimistic interaction. This includes deescalating employee conflict and gossip in a constructive and productive way.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITITES

• Perform all duties and tasks required of a Veterinary Technician.
• Motivate, inspire, and empower team members.
• Ensure optimal patient care by providing clear expectations and direction for team members.
• Provide coordination of the day for all specialty services.
• Assure that breaks included in each daily schedule.
• Oversee equipment maintenance and inventory for specialty services.
• Demonstrate advanced technical skills, knowledge, and client service.
• Work with the management team to advance the mission of Tufts VETS.
• Provide technical support and delegation.
• Provide team members with coaching and training that are in line with hospital expectations.
• Monitor and give frequent feedback to team members to ensure they deliver exceptional patient nursing care.
• Conducts performance evaluations with the Clinical Services Managers support.
• Develop departmental policies and procedures.
• Provide conflict resolution both internally and externally.
• Maintains the schedule for all specialty services that provides appropriate and adequate coverage for services. Including time off requests, callouts, holidays, and transferring of team members to other services as needed.
• Participates in being on-call for staffing concerns.
• Participate in callout and open shift coverage.
• Work required shift schedule including weekends and holiday coverage as required by the services.
• Partakes in the resolution of problems/issues between team members with tact and professionalism.
• Handle disciplinary action when necessary/appropriate (with management approval).
• Participate in recruitment and retention. Including interviewing applicants for positions within the specialty services.
• Oversees with onboarding and training of new hires within the specialty services.
• Facilitates and promotes individual growth and development goals/plans for team members.
• Works with the Learning and Development Coordinator to develop training related to each specialty.
• Provide guidance as needed to students and interns.
• Act as an advocate for the specialty services.
• Meet regularly with the Clinical Services Manager.
• Encourage collaboration and build strong inter-departmental relationships.
• Delegate responsibilities to technicians and assistants and work with them to develop specific plans that address the needs of the service.
• Hold regular department meetings.
• Attend and participate in leadership meetings with the management team.
• Oversee payroll for the specialty services including time clock review, pay adjustments, PTO, and approvals.
• Act as the point of contact for other services questions or concerns.
• Participate in in-hospital training and implementation of guidelines.

Maintain an optimistic attitude and follow TVETS policies including the Employee Code of Conduct. Your conduct and interaction with hospital team members and clients is a top priority and is continually evaluated.

• Adhere to all hospital policies and standards as required by employee manual.
• Serve as a representative of the hospital. Display courtesy, tact, consideration, and a positive attitude in all interactions with clients, patients, and hospital team members.
• Adhere to your work schedule. Be on the floor ready to work at the start of your shift.
• Demonstrate initiative and teamwork in your duties each day.
• Demonstrate professionalism and discourage gossip/rumors.
• Maintain strict confidentiality.
• Follow all hospital safety protocols.
• Communicate openly, effectively, and regularly with all management, supervisors, and specialists.
• Maintain positive rapport between all hospital team members and clients.

Personal conduct and interpersonal skills are very important. Interaction with hospital team members and clients is a top priority and is continually evaluated.

**Position responsibilities may change on a temporary or regular basis according to the needs of the service or business without it being specifically included in the job description.

SCHEDULE:

• Fulltime commitment.
• Shifts TBD.
• Includes being on-call for staffing concerns and holiday and weekend coverage as needed.
• This position is considered essential and is therefore required to work as scheduled during inclement weather (i.e., during snowstorms).
• Schedule subject to change at managements discretion to meet the needs of the hospital.

Qualifications: EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Degree in Veterinary Technology and/or Animal Science
• Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT/LVT/RVT)
• Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) desirable

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of 2 years of leadership or supervisory experience
• Minimum of 5 years working in the veterinary field as a Veterinary Technician
• Minimum of 3 years working in specialty and/or emergency medicine preferred

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of 18 years old.
• Genuinely enjoys working with animals and can treat them compassionately even when they are stressed, ill or in pain.
• Must support and foster an environment of diversity, inclusion, collaboration, and empathy.
• Must have excellent interpersonal relationship and communication skills.
• Can multi-task in a fast-paced working environment.
• Can stay calm and efficient under pressure.
• Is detail oriented and reliable.
• Has a high commitment to providing exceptional patient/client care.
• Has excellent communication skills.
• Must be professional, approachable, and maintain an optimistic outlook.
• Physical Effort: Work requires lifting and carrying animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs.). Walks or stands for extended periods or time; frequently works in a bent position.
• Working conditions: May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises, and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches, and contagious diseases.

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• Required to maintain credentialing requirements and CE each year.
• Advanced training and credentialing such as becoming a VTS is strongly encouraged.
• Must complete annual supervisor and leadership CE and training as assigned including educational reading.