Veterinary Assistant / Veterinary Technician (FT)

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Veterinary Assistant / Veterinary Technician

Hours: Full -Time (May include weekend shift)

Supervisor: Clinic Assistant Manager  

Classification: Non-exempt, Hourly  

SUMMARY  

The Veterinary Assistant is responsible for daily operations, flow of the care, and helping provide medical treatment for owned animals in the clinic, and at times, shelter animals. The Veterinary Assistant plays a crucial role supporting veterinarians, working with pet owners, and also with other staff. This is an hourly position with a wide range of responsibility. This is an ideal position for a person who takes great pride in helping animals and wants to find an environment that will empower them to do so. Initial responsibilities will be in outpatient services, though the possibility to work in surgery or dental care also exists in the future.

QUALIFICATIONS  

Must be an energetic and caring individual with excellent communication skills, who can thrive in a high stress, fast-paced environment and remain calm under pressure. Must also have great organizational skills and the ability to work individually and as part of a team. The right candidate will be solution-oriented, and deeply committed to helping educate owners and treating animals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

1. Provide support to the veterinarians, including but not limited to taking radiographs, animal restraint, cytologies, administering vaccines, dispensing medications, venipuncture and assisting with euthanasia, as directed by the veterinarian. 

2. Provide excellent customer service as you check patients in and out of the clinic, gather an accurate medical history, discuss any health or surgery related issues as directed by the veterinarian with pet owners, and provide accurate instructions for animal care and medications.

3. Enter data from all examinations and client interactions correctly, completely, and in a timely manner. 

4. Run/prepare/relay blood-work. Maintain clinic equipment including blood machines and anesthetic equipment.

5. Open and close the clinic prep area, exam rooms, and recovery cages that have been used —this includes general cleaning, stocking, and maintenance of these areas.

6. Attend clinic and all staff meetings. 

7. Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to, assisting all clinic teams, performing dental cleanings on animals, answering phones, assist with training new technicians and providing clinic support as needed. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

While performing this job, you will be required to continually walk, stand, squat, twist, and kneel, reach and grab with your hands and arms, in addition to being able to lift and move animals, materials and equipment weighing 40 lbs or more. You will be exposed to the kennel/shelter setting, mainly indoors but sometimes outdoors in the care of animals. You will be exposed to various weather conditions when working outdoors. You will be exposed to disinfectant solutions while cleaning. You will be consistently exposed to animals and animal allergens. You may also be subject to potential danger including parasites and infectious diseases, animal bites and scratches. 

MENTAL DEMANDS  

While performing this job, you will be regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; observe and interpret situations; analyze and solve problems; learn and apply new information and skills; perform repetitive work on multiple, concurrent tasks; fulfill intensive deadlines; and interact with staff, the public, volunteers and others encountered in the course of work. 

Please note: This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

The Humane Society of Huron Valley is an at-will employer.