Shelter Medicine Assistant Level Three

Atlanta Humane Society And Society•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Shelter Medicine Assistant Level Three performs a variety of animal health care duties and assists the veterinarian in examining and preparing animals for surgery and adoption. The role supports high-quality animal care in accordance with AHS's mission and goals and requires effective communication with peers, volunteers, and leadership. The position involves animal examinations and handling, medication administration, surgical preparation and anesthesia monitoring, diagnostic testing, recordkeeping, and maintaining clean, safe animal and surgical areas. The assistant also collaborates across departments and locations, provides relief assistance to other locations, and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Willingness to learn and acquire new skills and knowledge.
Willingness to complete GVMA Certified Veterinary Assistant Level 1; employer paid.
Willingness to complete AHS Medical Certification Levels 1–3.
Computer literacy in a Windows environment.
Ability to use effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to multitask and handle a high-stress, emotional environment.
Ability to travel and provide program support to other AHS locations and departments.
Obtain certification as a certified euthanasia technician within 12 months of hire.
Ability to work well with a diverse clientele across races, ethnicities, faiths, sexual orientations, and income levels.
Humane animal handling and safe handling of cleaning supplies, chemicals, and equipment in compliance with safety and SDS rules.
Physical ability to bend constantly, lift 50 lbs. or more, stoop, and stand.
Ability to work around dogs and cats of all sizes and varying behaviors or medical conditions, animal waste, and common allergens.
Minimum of six months’ experience in a similar capacity in an animal shelter, veterinary hospital, or clinic is preferred.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a similar capacity in an animal shelter, veterinary hospital, or clinic.
PetPoint experience.
General knowledge of animal welfare.

Responsibilities

Promote teamwork, positivity, compassion, and performance excellence.
Conduct physical exams and relay pertinent information to the veterinarian.
Handle animals humanely and gently according to safety policies, procedures, and Fear Free methodologies.
Calculate drug dosages and administer intravenous, subcutaneous, and intramuscular injections.
Perform induction and intubation for surgical procedures and monitor anesthesia through recovery.
Prepare surgical patients using aseptic technique and place intravenous catheters.
Accurately enter and maintain records in the shelter medical database.
Sterilize surgical instruments and keep up with laundry.
Monitor animal behavior and physical condition and report concerns to appropriate departments or managers.
Maintain safe, sanitary, clean, dry, and comfortable animal areas; clean and disinfect holding facilities according to protocols.
Collect samples for diagnostic testing, including blood, feces, and urine, and obtain radiographs.
Perform diagnostic tests requested by veterinarians, including fecal flotation, ELISA tests, TiterChek tests, urinalyses, and Woods lamp evaluations.
Interact and work cooperatively with other departments, volunteers, and locations to provide information and care and accomplish departmental and AHS goals.
Provide relief assistance to other locations.
Perform other duties as assigned.