Senior Veterinary Assistant

Senior Veterinary Assistant

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

Responsibilities:

• 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
• 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
• Enter medical information into digital data bases as appropriate
• Represent ASPCA in a professional and courteous manner
• Provide medical information and representation to other ASPCA departments
• 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
• Participate in veterinary/medical training of CM staff, ASPCA staff and veterinary and technical students by coaching, discussion, and demonstration
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Exemplifies the ASPCA's Core Values:
• Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals
• Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes
• Believes in Team that we are stronger together
• Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible
• Focuses on Impact, specifically making change for animals

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
• Fear Free Shelter certification is required within 60 days of hire
• 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

Education and Work Experience:

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

Language:

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