Senior Veterinary Assistant

ASPCA

88d • $25 - $26

About The Position

The Senior Veterinary Assistant (SVA) - Mobile Veterinary Services (MVS) is a vital member of our veterinary medical team. The SVA supports two program functions - mobile spay/neuter surgery and mobile primary pet care – for pet cats and dogs at various locations across the five boroughs of New York City. The SVA drives the mobile clinic to each clinic location to meet the rest of the medical team. Throughout the day, SVAs are responsible for client communication, assisting the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician, animal handling, preparing animals for surgery, entering medical records, and monitoring patients while they are under anesthesia. After discharge, the SVA and veterinary technician clean and restock the mobile clinic and the SVA drives it back so it is ready to go the following day.

Requirements

• Experience using a computer and navigating software applications
• Ability to lift and carry 40-plus pounds repeatedly throughout day with assistance
• Ability to work standing for 10 or more hours
• Fear Free® Veterinary certification is required within 60 days of hire
• Must have a Commercial Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain one within the first six months of hire and pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating a safe driving history
• Must be willing and comfortable learning to drive Mobile Clinics, which are up to 37 feet long, through city street traffic (training provided by ASPCA)
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work efficiently and calmly under challenging conditions
• Must maintain open mind regarding changes and be willing to learn, implement, and teach new protocols
• Excellent animal handling skills (cats, dogs)
• Strong interest in animal welfare and serving underserved communities

Nice To Haves

• Veterinary medical experience preferred
• Bilingual (Spanish) strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Care for up to 25-30 cats and dogs per day in spay/neuter surgery
• Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, and for our clients by using low-stress handling techniques during various procedures
• Monitor vital signs of sedated and anesthetized patients in pre-operative, operative, and post-operative phases
• Take direction regarding medical protocols and animal care from the clinic veterinarian or veterinary technician
• Organize and maintain pre-operative area and operating room for patient anesthesia, surgical preparation and sterilization
• Ensure anesthesia machines, pulse oximeters, scales, and other equipment are functional and report equipment that is not working properly
• Clean, sonicate, pack, and sterilize surgical instruments and endotracheal tubes
• Work with coworkers to clean and disinfect animal areas and facility while utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment
• Assist with patient exams, take medical history, perform diagnostic testing, and prepare medications to go home with the client/patient
• Provide support and medical services in special cases as needed, including evaluation of animals living in hoarding situations
• Communicate with all clients in a non-judgmental, effective and professional manner
• Greet clients and assist with the intake process, including assisting clients in filling out intake and service documents, flag relevant medical history
• Communicate basic veterinary medical concepts to clients, including, but not limited to vaccine protocols and anesthetic risks
• Explain information provided by the veterinarian about an animal’s condition to clients
• Safely drive and park mobile clinics to and from various locations in New York City
• Operate and troubleshoot mobile clinic generators
• Enter medical information into digital data bases as appropriate
• Represent ASPCA in a professional and courteous manner
• Provide medical information and representation to other ASPCA departments
• Adhere to all protocols put forth by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Department of Transportation (DOT)
• Follow all written and verbally communicated CM Standard Operating Procedures
• Collaborate and foster good communication with ASPCA colleagues
• Participate in veterinary/medical training of CM staff, ASPCA staff and veterinary and technical students by coaching, discussion, and demonstration
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions

Benefits

• Paid vacation time
• Paid sick time
• Ten paid holidays
• Paid personal time
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Pre-tax dependent care and health flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• 401(k) with generous employer contributions beginning after one year of service
• Employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees