Shelter Medicine Assistant Level Three

ATLANTA HUMANE SOCIETY AND SOCIETY•Atlanta, GA

72d•Onsite

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 Shelter Medicine Assistant Level 3 ensures high quality animal care in accordance with the AHS mission and goals and communicates effectively with peers, volunteers, and leadership.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent
Minimum of six months experience in a similar capacity in an animal shelter, veterinary hospital or clinic preferred
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 Level 1-3
Computer literate in a Windows environment; PetPoint experience preferred
Ability to utilize effective problem solving/decision making skills
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and written
Ability to multi-task and handle a high stress, emotional environment
Ability to travel and provide program support to other AHS locations and departments
General knowledge of animal welfare preferred
Obtain certificate as certified euthanasia technician within 12 months of hire
Must be able to work well with a diverse clientele; different races, ethnicities, faiths, sexual orientations, income levels, etc.
Requires humane handling of animals and safe handling of cleaning supplies, chemicals and equipment in compliance with safety rules and according to SDS rules
Works in high noise level areas
Physical efforts require constant bending, lifting 50 lbs.+, stooping, and standing
Exposure to dogs and cats of all sizes and varying degrees of behavior and/or medical conditions.
Exposure to animal waste and common allergens

Responsibilities

Promote a culture of teamwork, positivity, compassion, and performance excellence
Conduct physical exams and relay pertinent information to the Veterinarian
Handle animals in a humane and gentle manner according to established safety policies and procedures and Fear Free methodologies
Calculate drug dosages for individual animals
Administer intravenous, subcutaneous, and intramuscular injections
Perform induction and intubation of patients for surgical procedures
Monitor anesthesia through recovery and understand basic anesthesia principles
Preparation of surgical patients using aseptic technique
Place intravenous catheters
Accurately enters and maintains records in shelter medical database
Sterilizes surgical instruments and keeps up with laundry
Remain alert and aware of animal behavior and physical condition
Report concerns to appropriate departments or managers
Maintain safe and sanitary areas for animals to ensure they are clean, dry, and comfortable
Properly cleans and disinfects animal holding facilities according to established protocols
Collect samples for diagnostic testing, including blood draws, feces and urine collection, radiographs, etc.
Accurately perform diagnostic tests as requested by the Veterinarians including but not limited to fecal flotation, ELISA tests (parvovirus, heartworm, FeLV/FIV), TiterChek tests, urinalyses, and Woods lamp evaluation
Interacts with other departments to provide information and care
Work cooperatively with other departments, volunteers, and locations to accomplish departmental and AHS goals
Provides relief assistance to other locations
Other duties as assigned