Animal Health Assistant Nf-03

U.S. Army Medical Command • Fort Carson, CO

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Health Assistant works at the Fort Carson Veterinary Treatment Facility, assisting veterinarians and medical staff with patient care, surgical preparation, medication handling, diagnostics, and client counseling. The role may include preparing for and assisting during surgical procedures, monitoring patients using an anesthetic machine, and communicating changes in a patient's condition to medical staff. The assistant prepares and administers prescribed vaccinations and medications, dispenses prescriptions as directed, and provides clients with individualized wellness and preventive-care information.

Requirements

• At least six months of demonstrated experience directly related to the position's duties, gained through practical application in a veterinary medical setting.
• Experience must demonstrate knowledge, clinical skills, and abilities essential to performing successfully in accordance with AVMA or equivalent guidelines.
• Demonstrated proficiency in basic medical terminology.
• Ability to use correct sterile techniques.
• Ability to apply appropriate restraint techniques for routine medical and diagnostic procedures, including proper radiological techniques.
• Proficiency in recording medical history and treatment in ccSOAP.
• Must meet qualification, eligibility, and background requirements and satisfactorily complete an E-Verify employment verification check.
• Direct deposit and a Social Security card are required.
• Must be able to work occasional Saturdays for special events.
• Must not have an aversion to animals, blood, bodily fluids, animal tissues, strong odors, needles, or sharp instruments.
• Must be able to receive all mandated immunizations for work in a direct-patient capacity and/or veterinary environment in accordance with AR 40-562, chapter 4-1.
• Must submit a successful background investigation to DCSA no later than 30 calendar days after entry on duty or placement for internal candidates; appointment is subject to a favorable suitability determination.
• A one-year probationary period may be required.
• Must be able to lift animals and supplies up to 45 pounds, and occasionally more than 45 pounds with assistance.
• Must tolerate long periods of standing, walking, restraining, kneeling, and reaching.
• Must have use of fingers, both hands, and both legs; the position involves exposure to intermittent excessive noise.
• Resume must be two pages or less and clearly document relevant experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Nice To Haves

• Possess, or have the ability to reactivate or obtain, registration, licensure, or certification as a veterinary assistant or higher through an accredited program.
• Demonstrated basic supply management experience, including ordering supplies, maintaining stock levels, completing monthly inventory counts, and documenting expiration dates of medications and vaccines.
• NF-02 experience in basic medical terminology, restraint techniques for routine medical and diagnostic procedures including radiological techniques, ccSOAP recordkeeping, and explaining product information or treatment plans to clients as directed by a veterinarian.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians with preparation for and during surgical procedures, including preparing surgery packs, scalpel blades, and suture material.
• Monitor patients using an anesthetic machine and, when needed, serve as a scrubbed surgical assistant.
• Inform medical staff of changes in a patient's general condition during surgical procedures.
• Prepare and administer vaccinations and oral or topical medications as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Prepare and dispense prescription medication according to veterinarian instructions.
• Assist clients with common animal husbandry problems.
• Provide individualized wellness counseling concerning preventive care, disease prevention, lifestyle risks, and veterinary care.
• Apply appropriate restraint techniques for routine medical and diagnostic procedures, including radiological procedures.
• Record medical history and treatment in ccSOAP.
• Explain product information and treatment plans to clients as directed by the veterinarian.
• Determine preventive wellness plans, including required medical treatments and vaccinations, based on patient medical history.
• Use and maintain in-house laboratory equipment to perform diagnostic tests.
• Complete laboratory request forms for reference laboratories and prepare samples for shipment to outside laboratories.
• Perform basic supply management, including ordering supplies, maintaining stock levels, conducting monthly inventory counts, and documenting medication and vaccine expiration dates, if qualified.

Benefits

• NAF flexible employees may participate in the NAF 401(k) plan.
• Some flexible employees may be eligible for health insurance.
• Professional development opportunities, including training, education, and certification programs.
• Access to some on-base facilities, including fitness centers and libraries.
• Regular full-time and part-time employees are eligible for health and life insurance, 401(k) and retirement plans, paid personal time off, and federal holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed