Overview
Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Spokane, WA at Spokane Humane Society
Veterinary Assistant:
Primary Job Purpose:
Spokane Humane Society is an animal welfare non-profit agency whose mission is supported 100% by donations from the community. The Veterinary Assistant is responsible for assisting the veterinarians and licensed veterinary technician in all phases of shelter veterinary care, including surgery assistance, animal exams, treatments, and euthanasia. The veterinary assistant is responsible for learning and accurately maintaining all patient medical records in the clinic, providing accurate information to customers, volunteers, and staff. Accountable for the animal care and cleanliness of the clinic. The Veterinary Assistant supports the mission, goals, and philosophy of the Spokane Humane Society. Each team member of SHS must demonstrate the core values of the organization which include eager and willingness to go above and beyond, dependable and dedicated to the vision of SHS, and able to be not only be compassionate to animals but also their humans, and fellow staff.
The Veterinary Assistant is responsible for the following items:
Essential Duties (include but are not limited to):
· Hospitalized patient care: Cleans, feeds, waters and monitors all animals in the veterinary clinic to attain the high standards for a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment for the animals. Exercises hospitalized dogs as needed. Assists staff veterinarians and licensed veterinary technician with medications and treatments of hospitalized in-patients.
· Prepares clinic area, prepares, and monitors animals for surgery. Maintains surgical packs and equipment needed for surgery.
· Assists veterinarians (and LVT as applicable) in all phases of health exams and treatments:
o Sets out supplies and prepares for exams and treatments as needed.
o Humanely handles and restrains animals. Use of ‘fear free’ when possible.
o Prepares vaccines & microchips; administers wormers and other treatments as needed.
o Assists LVT with lab diagnostics (hematology, fecals, SNAP tests, etc.) as needed.
o Prepares and administers medications as prescribed by the veterinarian.
· Performs cleaning procedures in the clinic – use of Rescue® concentrate in sanitization of kennels, floors and dishes according to protocols.
· Works closely with clinic volunteers. Provides support and training as needed.
· Supports staff veterinarians and licensed veterinary technician in all surgical paperwork and relevant shelter medical records. Adheres to federal regulations regarding the recording of legend drugs.
o Channels polite, positive, compassionate, and service-driven attitude in all staff and public interactions. Adheres to high standard of customer service when assisting the public, volunteers, staff, and rescue representatives. Willing to engage positively and take advantage of shelter staff/clinic teammate teaching opportunities as they arise.
· Quality Assurance: Proficient in completing duties on time and with precision. Able to review the accuracy and thoroughness of one’s work as well as the work of others, constructively apply feedback to improve performance, and generate ideas to enhance and promote quality in work related to animal and/or business services.
· Adaptability: Capable of adjusting to changes, delays, or unexpected events in the work environment. SHS works with animals who are unpredictable at times in behavior and health; in addition, our donors/sponsors can provide information that is past a preferred deadline. All employees demonstrate being able to manage competing demands, prioritizing tasks, and altering approaches to best fit the situation.
· Interpersonal Skills: Proficient in developing and maintaining positive working relationships with all agency team-members. Each day arrives to work as a positive team member both inside and outside the organization, while effectively handling internal pressure as animal welfare can be unpredictable.
· Dependability: Reliable in following instructions, both written and verbal. Responsive to management direction and able to complete tasks on time or notify the appropriate person with an alternate plan when necessary.
· Judgment: Adept at making timely decisions, exhibiting sound and accurate judgment, and explaining the reasoning behind decisions. Able to use SHS resources to support decisions such as tele health and approved partners.
· Language Ability: Competent in reading and writing reports, emails, and procedure and policy documents. Effective in communication with community members and present information and responding to questions from management staff, volunteers, customers, and the general public in a positive way.
· Problem Solving Ability: Capable of identifying and preventing problems before they occur by verifying your own work before submitting. Formulating alternative solutions when necessary and transferring learning from past animal and/or business experiences to continue to improve job performance.
Secondary Job Functions:
Reports any health, behavior, safety, or security concerns to the veterinarian in a timely manner.
Attends department and all-staff meetings as requested and provides ideas and suggestions designed to improve shelter/clinic services programs and working conditions.
Provides transportation of animals to and from local veterinary clinics for additional diagnostic procedures as directed by staff veterinarians.
Complete SHS maintenance forms when damages to structures or equipment require repair, and report to the Operations Manager.
Take appropriate action in the event of emergencies, such as break-ins, thefts, power failures, fires, or floods. Contact the sheriff’s department at Crime Check 456-2233 or 9-1-1 when police authority is needed, and your direct supervisor.
Marginal Duties:
· Performs or assists in humane euthanasia according to Spokane Humane Society procedures and federal regulations.
· Restocks food, cleaning, and office supplies for the clinic.
· Lists medical supplies needed for ordering when inventory is low.
· Provides Exam support in cases of absence, excessive intake, or on other occasions as needed.
· Perform additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned, including but not limited to special projects, cross-departmental collaborations, and other duties as needed to support the team and organization.
· Perform additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned, including but not limited to special projects, cross-departmental collaborations, and other duties as needed to support the team and organization.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $16.30 – $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Schedule:
10 hour shift
4×10
Work Location: In person
Title: Veterinary Assistant
Company: Spokane Humane Society
Location: Spokane, WA
