Veterinary Assistant

Company: Sacramento SPCA
Location: Sacramento
Posted on: June 23, 2022

Job Description:

Job Title: Veterinary Wellness Clinic Coordinator Department: Clinic Reports To: Clinic Manager; Wellness Clinic Supervisor FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full-time Rate of Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour (DOE) Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday (10-hour shifts, 4-days per week) Overview: The Sacramento SPCA is a vibrant, well-established and respected non-profit animal welfare organization. Through our nationally-ranked high-volume spay and neuter clinic (we are ranked as one of the top 10 clinics in the country!), successful adoption program, behavior and training programs, and a commitment to excellence in animal care, the Sacramento SPCA is giving more than shelter and saving animals one life at a time. General Summary: Access to veterinary care is one of the greatest challenges facing animals in our community today and the Sacramento SPCA is continuously growing its Wellness Clinic offerings. The Wellness Clinic Coordinator is a key position in the Sacramento SPCA's quest to deliver high-quality medical services to the animals in our community. The primary responsibility for this position is to deliver exceptional customer support and guidance to animal owners. Helping pet owners navigate the programs, options and opportunities that exist as well as determining their eligibility for Sacramento SPCA veterinary care programs, are all vital facets of this role to ensure the resources and availability of our services reach those in the most need. Veterinary medical knowledge is required as this position will also assist the veterinarian in performing physical exams, restraint, handling and the administration of medications. Essential Job Functions: Serve as a liaison between clients seeking care for their pet and the internal and external resources that are available throughout the SSPCA and veterinary community to assist those experiencing financial hardship. Answer client phone calls and emails in a professional manner, as well as assisting members of the public in-person, while seeking out opportunities to make meaningful relationships and leave lasting impressions. Provide support to the Staff Veterinarians by safely handling animals for procedures, taking temperature, pulse and respiration rates in preparations for wellness exams and veterinary visits. Under supervision of a DVM or RVT, administer pharmaceuticals such as vaccinations and medications by various routes (PO, IM, IV, SQ). Collect and prepare blood, urine, and feces samples. Quickly and accurately utilize the SSPCA's internal data and record keeping software in order to provide transparent and relevant information, Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment in order to minimize client wait time and provide excellent customer service. Ability to multitask and to follow through on several assignments or tasks simultaneously. Deliver excellent client education regarding overall animal health, benefits of spay/neuter, preventatives, proper husbandry, etc. Recognize opportunities to promote other SSPCA services as needed such as wellness clinic, vaccine clinic, spay/neuter clinic, behavior consultations and training, etc. Manage E-appointments, phone appointments and medical inquiries through all types of communication channels. Check email regularly throughout the day to respond to appointment and information requests in a timely manner. Perform data entry, general filing, fills out forms, manages cash register and cash handling including daily paperwork, and other administrative type duties. Maintain cleanliness of the exam rooms, treatment areas, etc. to provide a safe, clean and sterile environment. Help ensure the safe storage, access, and use of vaccines and non-controlled drugs in compliance with applicable State and Federal regulations. Work collaboratively within a team that is dedicated to saving lives daily, including DVMs, RVTs, VAs, volunteers and support staff in all departments of the organization. Additional Duties and Responsibilities: May schedule spay/neuter appointments and completes appropriate paperwork for clinic related activities (i.e. filing, medical records, clinic correspondence, clinic deposits and refunds, reminders, telephone follow-ups, misc. reports, etc.). May assist in tours, lectures, public education programs, special events and fundraising activities as needed. Must follow all SSPCA cleaning protocols (frequency, duration, disinfecting agents, etc.) Must be punctual and maintain regular, predictable attendance. Must be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and all of the employer's safety policies and rules and must be willing to report safety violations and potential safety violations to appropriate supervisory or management personnel. Provide accurate information and friendly professional service to the public and to co-workers in a responsive, positive, courteous, truthful and tactful manner. Requirements Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of domestic animals including breeds, behavior, appropriate care and housing, common health problems, disease symptoms and handling techniques. Knowledge of low stress restraint and handling techniques. Knowledge of aseptic surgical techniques, animal care and husbandry. Knowledge of anesthesia techniques. Knowledge of sterilization and surgical pack preparation procedures. Proficient in veterinary medical terminology. Knowledge of State and local codes, ordinances and regulations governing quarantine, impounding, care, and disposal of animals. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and Google applications such as Gmail, Google Drive, etc. Ability to identify normal and abnormal animal behavior and symptoms of rabies and other animal disorders. Ability to control and safely handle pharmaceuticals used in the care and handling of animals and disinfectants in the cleaning and disinfecting of animal habitats. Ability to get along and work effectively with the public, management, fellow employees, volunteers, and other agencies and groups. Must possess a valid California Driver's license, clear driving record at least one year prior to application. This position may require a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP) if handling controlled substances in the Spay Clinic. Education and Experience: High school graduate or GED equivalent At least one year of experience assisting a licensed veterinarian in providing medical treatment to animals, including surgical procedures and medical examinations, in an animal shelter, hospital, or similar environment. Physical Requirements: Any allergic condition that would be aggravated from exposure or through contact with animals or chemicals used to sanitize facilities, vehicles or equipment, may be a disqualification. Must stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit regularly to perform duties. Have the ability to perform strenuous physical activity, including lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds alone or up to 100 pounds with the help of fellow employees for short distances. Working Conditions: May be exposed to hostile or abusive members of the public. Must be able to deal with an often times emotion-charged public and carry a fast paced and changing work load which at times can be stressful. By nature of the industry, there may be occasional exposure to dead, injured, sick, unruly, vicious, and/or dangerous animals in addition to exposure to parasites and to infectious diseases. Must be available and willing to work such weekends, holidays, overtime, and attend mandatory training and meetings as the employer determines are necessary or desirable to meet its business needs. Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Either employer or employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time with or without notice and with or without cause. Employment Type: Full Time Years Experience: 1 - 3 years Salary: $18 - $20 Hourly Bonus/Commission: No

Keywords: Sacramento SPCA, Sacramento , Veterinary Assistant, Healthcare , Sacramento, California