Manager, Veterinary Services

ASPCA • Weaverville, NC

11d • $28 - $34 • Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Veterinary Services will play a key role in co-managing the systems, processes, and communication of the Medical Branch at the Behavioral Rehabilitation Center (BRC). This position is responsible for ensuring the efficient delivery of veterinary care, optimizing operational workflows, and facilitating clear, effective communication between the Medical Branch and other departments to support overall success. The ASPCA’s Behavioral Rehabilitation Center in Weaverville, NC, is the first and only facility dedicated to the rehabilitation and study of extremely fearful, under socialized dogs, such as those confiscated from puppy mills and hoarding situations. The goal of the entire BRC team is to work together to improve these dogs’ quality of life and prepare them for life in adoptive homes---an impossible outcome without intensive, structured behavioral interventions and integrative care. The Manager oversees the communication, recordkeeping, and logistics for the Medical Branch. The Manager supports the Senior Director, Veterinary Services along with the other Manager, Veterinary Services in delivering top-notch, compassionate care and assists with examinations, treatments, monitoring all animals, and diagnostic testing procedures. This position helps ensure that the BRC animals’ physical and behavioral needs are met, by providing comprehensive animal care that includes husbandry tasks, observation, and reporting of signs of illness or injury, record-keeping and data entry, and preparation and administration of a variety of medications. The two Manager, Veterinary Services positions work under the supervision of the Senior Director, Veterinary Services, and work closely with the Operations and Behavior branches to facilitate the delivery of veterinary care and to communicate information regarding animals’ health and behavior to other staff members at the BRC. Manager, Veterinary Services reports directly to the Senior Director, Veterinary Services and has no direct reports.

Requirements

• Ability to accurately observe and interpret animal behavior and welfare.
• Ability to skillfully restrain and handle animals using low-stress handling techniques.
• Must be confident with technology and using a computer, have experience learning and using new software in a professional setting, be able to toggle between multiple programs; Possess working knowledge of basic computer/technology skills including email, Microsoft Word, Zoom, Teams, Salesforce, and One Note
• Cultivates a climate in which individual differences and perspectives are valued, encouraged and supported; forms authentic, trusting relationships which enhance individual and team performance
• Displays courage and determination in the face of challenges and inspires others to do the same; exhibits empathy and understanding for the needs of animals, co-workers, clients and communities
• Ability to present innovative approaches to improve and expand upon our collaborative work
• Flexibility to attend mandatory staff meetings and training classes that may occur outside of scheduled work hours
• Must provide a valid driver’s license upon hire and pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating a safe driving history
• Ability to lift 35 lbs/16 kgs without assistance and over this weight with assistance, and the ability to consistently stand, bend, lift, and climb during the course of a regular work shift
• Ability to work closely with behaviorally compromised animals and feel comfortable working in an environment where euthanasia is performed. Able to participate in, and once trained, perform euthanasia, on a regular basis
• Ability to understand that patient death is a regrettable but an inevitable part of the medical profession and practice a healthy coping strategy for such events
• Ability to exemplify ASPCA’s Core Values, Behavioral Competencies, and Opportunity to deploy with National Field Response team as schedule allows.
• Willingness and ability to deploy with National Field Response team as schedule allows.
• Minimum 2 years of experience working as a veterinary assistant or similar in small animal clinical practice or animal shelter required; veterinary technician experience preferred
• North Carolina Certified Euthanasia Technician preferred; eligibility for and willingness to obtain certification required
• Fear Free Shelter certification is required within 60 days of hire
• Language: English (Required)
• Education and Work Experience: High School Diploma (Required)

Nice To Haves

• Degree of Registered Veterinary Technician or equivalent from an American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (AVMA CVTEA) accredited program OR a Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) accredited veterinary technology program preferred
• Registered Veterinary Technicians must possess valid North Carolina Registered Veterinary Technician license or be able to obtain one within 60 days of hire preferred

Responsibilities

• Assist the Senior Director, Veterinary Services and other Manager, Veterinary Services to provide medical care to animals at the BRC, in accordance with ASPCA medical protocols and shelter medicine principles and best practices
• Utilize proficient technical nursing skills, including but not limited to venipuncture, catheter placement, administration of oral, topical, and injectable medications, diagnostic testing procedures, sample collection, sedation, monitoring, triage and basic examination to care for animals at the BRC under direct supervision of the veterinarian.
• Administer daily oral medications to shelter animals independently or in collaboration with the other Manager, Veterinary Services
• Coordinate veterinary care needed for individual animals, including scheduling of veterinary examinations and follow-up care with onsite veterinarian and/or outside veterinary partners. Transport animals to appointments.
• Observe animals closely for signs of illness, injury, and/or poor welfare; document and communicate this information in patient medical records and/or directly to medical, behavior and operations team members
• Assist with humane euthanasia, in compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Once a Certified Euthanasia Technician, perform humane euthanasia independently
• Handle, administer, report, and log controlled substances under the direction of a veterinarian and in accordance with ASPCA protocols and DEA requirements.
• Communicate with the Behavior and Operations teams to ensure medical information is shared coherently and in a timely fashion
• Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care and our staff, by using low-stress handling techniques
• Manage Medical Department and all necessary communications, exclusively or in conjunction with other Manager, Veterinary Services
• Ensure coordination between Medical, Operations, and Behavior branches; participate in cross-departmental meetings, including daily Rounds, and represent Medical Branch as needed
• Complete accurate and timely data entry to animals’ medical records in accordance with principles of medical record-keeping, including the transfer of information from outside veterinary partners and laboratories
• Ensure all medical records are collected, compiled, and updated for animals discharged for placement
• Ensure medical areas are kept clean, organized, stocked and ready for use; order supplies as needed
• Follow and ensure adherence to all written and verbally communicated BRC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and OSHA protocols
• Work with the Sr. Director, Veterinary Services to develop and update written medical materials (protocols, information sheets, data sheets, etc.) and oversee their use by staff and volunteers
• Assist as requested and directed in behavior interventions
• Provide support to other animal care teams as needed, including assisting with daily animal care duties/husbandry during periods of staffing shortages or increased operational need.
• Assist as needed in Learning Lab retreats, eLearning, and online forums
• Serve as rotating manager on duty and point of contact for onsite staff, volunteers, fosters, transport carriers, and facilities.
• Support all other department activities to maintain flow of work throughout the day; facilitate and ensure communication between relevant parties; respond to concerns that arise and elevate as needed
• Utilize appropriate PPE; help ensure proper use by all teams throughout the shelter
• Serve as a member of the BRC leadership team engaging in thought partnership, strategy implementation, and upholding and emulating the core values
• Participate in staff meetings, training classes, continuing education opportunities, and other required ASPCA events and professional development opportunities, including annual performance reviews·
• Perform other duties or projects as assigned by the Senior Director, Veterinary Services

Benefits

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental, and optional vision coverage
• Flexible time off that includes vacation time, sick and bereavement time, paid parental leave, 10 company paid holidays, and paid personal time off that allows you even more flexibility to observe the days that mean the most to you
• Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions — we match dollar for dollar up to 4% and provide an additional 4% contribution toward your future each year
• Robust professional development opportunities including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship with industry-leading peers, internal mobility, opportunities to support in the field, and so much more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED