Community Medicine Veterinary Assistant

Humane Society for Southwest Washington•Vancouver, WA

10d•$21 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Humane Society for Southwest Washington is seeking a Community Medicine Veterinary Assistant to join their team. This is a full-time, FLSA nonexempt opportunity. HSSW has been a leader in animal welfare since 1897, serving over 10,000 animals annually across two shelter campuses and providing high-quality care, medical services, and compassion. Their community-based approach, including the Nierenberg Community Veterinary Clinic and the Sandra Richardson Miller Mobile Veterinary Clinic, aims to keep pets and people together by expanding access to affordable veterinary care, spay/neuter services, training, and support. HSSW also operates ReTails Thrift Store, which provides vital funding for their mission. The organization fosters an innovative, high-energy culture where employees can make a real difference in animal welfare. HSSW has been recognized as Best Non-Profit for two consecutive years. The Community Medicine Veterinary Assistant will provide advanced technical and operational support within the HSSW Community Veterinary Clinic. This role is crucial in supporting veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians in a high-volume setting focused on spay/neuter surgery, preventative care, and increasing veterinary service access for underserved communities. The position requires a skilled veterinary assistant comfortable in a surgical setting, assisting with anesthesia and patient care, and supporting efficient clinic operations while maintaining high standards of compassion and professionalism. This position reports to the Director of Community Medicine Operations and collaborates with veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and volunteers.

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years of experience working as a Veterinary Assistant in a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or high-volume spay/neuter program.
Demonstrated ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced medical environment.
Strong animal handling skills with dogs and cats of varying temperaments.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to multitask and maintain attention to detail in a high-volume environment.
Commitment to the mission of improving access to veterinary care and supporting the human-animal bond.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting surgical or anesthesia procedures strongly preferred.
Experience in shelter medicine or high-volume spay/neuter environments preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with patient intake, handling, and preparation for surgery and medical appointments.
Support veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians with examinations, treatments, and procedures.
Prepare animals for surgery including patient identification, weighing, pre-operative preparation, and surgical prep.
Assist with anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery under the direction of veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians.
Monitor patient safety and report changes in condition promptly.
Maintain accurate medical records within the clinic database.
Assist with post-operative monitoring and discharge preparation.
Support daily clinic flow to maintain efficient patient throughput.
Prepare and maintain surgical packs, instruments, and treatment areas.
Clean and disinfect clinical areas, equipment, and kennels according to disease control protocols.
Assist with inventory management and stocking of clinic supplies.
Support patient discharge and provide clear instructions to clients.
Assist with community cat program patients and high-volume spay/neuter services.
Provide professional and compassionate communication with clients accessing community veterinary services.
Educate clients on preventative care, surgery preparation, and post-operative instructions.
Support a welcoming environment for people and pets from diverse backgrounds.
Work collaboratively with veterinary staff to support efficient clinic operations.
Assist with training newer veterinary assistants and volunteers as needed.
Promote a positive, respectful workplace culture focused on teamwork and accountability.
Represent HSSW in a professional and courteous manner at all times.

Benefits

Health insurance effective the first of the month following hire (full-time employees).
Dental and vision insurance effective the first of the month following hire.
Matching percentage 401(k) retirement plan beginning the first month after hire, with a 3-year graded vesting schedule and ROTH contribution option.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to all employees and household members.
Section 125 FSA Cafeteria Plan for out-of-pocket health and/or dependent day care expenses.
Access to affordable life, disability, and accidental supplemental insurance.
Numerous employee discounts and discounts with partner organizations.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.
Paid Time Off (PTO) accrues at a rate of 1.84 hours for every 40 hours worked.
Floating Holidays (full-time employees).
Bereavement leave.
Pet bereavement leave.