Veterinary Assistant (2023 Salary)

Reporting to the Animal and Veterinary Care Manager, the Veterinary Assistant is responsible for providing medical care and support to shelter animals. This position is also responsible for duties which include, but are not limited to, administration of proper humane and medical animal restraint techniques; assisting with and performing exams; administering treatments; performing euthanasia; entering and maintaining medical records; and providing training and guidance to clinic and shelter medicine volunteers.
Presents a positive, enthusiastic, and professional image when representing Joint Animal services internally and externally. Models and promotes a diverse and inclusive staff culture that is friendly and outgoing, collaborative, and free of judgement.
Please note: Interviews are tentatively scheduled for February 7, 2024.
*This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next six (6) months.* These duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provides medical care and support to shelter animals. Assists with and performs exams, administers treatments and wound care. Prepares animals for surgery, assisting the Veterinarian with procedures and surgery, preparing medical instruments, and monitoring patients under anesthesia.
• Performs proper and humane medical restraint techniques for varying species.
• Assists with physical examinations, works daily with animals of varying size and temperament, handling individual animals in a caring and respectful manner while providing compassionate care for all shelter animals.
• Ensures that animals with infectious diseases are handled safely and according to infectious medicine protocols.
• Performs routine lab procedures and tests, collect urine, draw blood, and perform skin scrapings, place catheters and administer intravenous fluids and tube feedings.
• Assists in maintaining inventory of all non- controlled pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies and maintains medication logs in accordance with state and federal law.
• Coordinates and maintains the surgery and exam schedule.
• Maintains appropriate standard of care protocols.
• Euthanizes or assists in euthanizing animals according to established procedures, including documentation required by the Drug Enforcement Administration and all record entries.
• Assists and provides training and guidance to the clinic and shelter medicine volunteers.
• Understanding the policies, procedures, laws (RCWs and WACs), regulations, and specialized terminology associated with veterinary medicine as governed by the state, and federal entities.

Other duties as assigned:

• Cross trains in front desk duties including but not limited to adoption, dispatching, processing reclaims, trap loans, answering phones, and interfacing with the public.
• Performs shelter, office, and outdoor clean-up when necessary (for example: general cleaning, pressure washing, lawn mowing, supply organization, etc).
• Provides back-up to shelter staff as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
A H.S. Diploma or G.E.D. AND one (1) year of increasingly responsible experience as a Veterinary Assistant in a veterinary clinic, animal shelter or similar work environment.
*May have a combination of experience, education, and training that would substitute of the above.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience working in animal services, sheltering, or animal rescue.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OR LICENSE(S):

• Must pass a thorough background investigation and successfully complete reference checks.
• When necessary, this position assists and/or performs euthanasia and must be certified in euthanasia procedures or have the ability to obtain certification within one (1) year from the date of hire.
• Must maintain a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Must be attentive to job safety considerations and follows all required safety policies, procedures, and techniques.
• Must possess a valid Washington State driver's license at time of hire OR must obtain within 30 days from date of hire, and must have a driving record acceptable to the City and the City's insurance carrier; OR must be able to provide own transportation to and from job, meetings, and related job sites.
• Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
• Must possess a Veterinary Medical Clerk license or have the ability to obtain within six (6) months from date of hire.

Knowledge of:

• Animal medical conditions, terminology, transcription and data entry.
• Local, state and federal rules and regulations related to area of work.
• Best industry practices as it relates to shelter medicine.
• Program management and planning skills, clear knowledge of policies and objectives of assigned programs and activities.
• Accurate, lawful and efficient record-keeping techniques.
• Principles of business letter writing.
• General office equipment such as computers, copies, fax machines, and telephone systems.
• Must be attentive to job safety considerations and follows all required safety policies, procedures, and techniques.

Skill in:

• Surgical aspects of patient care including: sterile technique, assisting the veterinarian intra-operatively, postoperative care, recognizing anesthetic complications, perioperative monitoring, and operation specialized equipment. Written and verbal communication including, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Determining appropriate action within clearly defined guidelines.
• Intermediate writing and math skills.
• Professional phone etiquette.
• Time management with the ability to work under pressure.
• Exceptional customer service skills and genuine desire to make a positive impact in the community.
• Using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Presenting a positive, enthusiastic, and professional image when representing Joint Animal Services internally and externally.

Ability to:

• Communicate professionally and effectively with co-workers, leadership, volunteers and members of the public at all times.
• Demonstrate positive customer service and an upbeat team-oriented attitude.
• Model and promote a diverse and inclusive staff culture that is friendly and outgoing, collaborative, and free of judgement.
• Perform medical duties associated with all aspects of shelter or veterinary medicine including: following treatment sheets, recognizing and communicating changes in patient status, common and specialized diagnostic procedures, alternative medicine.
• Follow policies and procedures set by the Veterinarian and Animal and Veterinary Care Manager.
• Research a variety of subjects and present information in an efficient, accurate manner.
• Multi-task and establish priorities in a fast-paced office.
• Demonstrate willingness and desire to work as a member of a team.
• Prepare a variety of reports, logs, records and files related to assigned area of work and activities.
• Be a self-starter and an independent problem solver.
• Work effectively with people in a variety of high-stress situations.
• Organize, meet deadlines, and coordinate projects.
• Speak publicly, in large and small groups, and effectively deliver key messages and presentations.
• Engage volunteers and encourage increased organizational involvement.

Employment Type: Full Time