Temporary Hospital Veterinary Assistant

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals•New York, NY

15h•Onsite

About The Position

As a Temporary Hospital Veterinary Assistant (HVA) at the ASPCA Animal Hospital, you’ll play a vital role caring for animals who have experienced cruelty and neglect, while working alongside a dedicated team focused on eliminating barriers to essential veterinary care—ensuring every pet receives compassionate, high-quality treatment, no matter their owner's financial circumstances. AAH provides expert, urgent medical care to some of NYC’s most vulnerable animals. As a component of the NYC safety net system, we provide subsidized care for animals whose owners are experiencing financial challenges and could not otherwise afford medical care for their pet. We also provide medical care for animals who come to us through our internal partners, including victims of cruelty and neglect as part of our partnership with the NYPD. The ASPCA Animal Hospital (AAH), is passionate about minimizing fear, anxiety, and stress and pain in our patients. Team members in this position are responsible for providing services and communication to clients, members of the public, co-workers, and patients that are consistent with our practice’s standards and Fear Free values.

Requirements

Ability to comprehend veterinary medical concepts to support patient needs
Possess excellent customer service skills
Basic to advanced computer skills, including Excel, Microsoft Office, and proficiency in Impromed preferred
Language English (Required)
High School Diploma or equivalent
1 - 3 years of veterinary hospital and/or shelter experience preferred
1 - 2 years’ experience in an animal care role or equivalent

Nice To Haves

Bilingualism (fluent in English and Spanish) preferred but not required
Bachelor’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

Assist Veterinarians and LVTs with general duties in all departments
Treat animals and clients with care and respect, providing compassionate, low-stress patient care to all patients utilizing the AAH Fear Free guidelines.
Proficiency in animal handling and restraint for medical procedures
Capture radiographs while practicing AAH Fear Free protocols
Knowledge and ability to intake and release patients and competently explain medications, physical therapy, and warning signs
Monitor and document vital signs. Capable of recognizing abnormal values and immediately communicating concerns to LVTs /Veterinarians
Assist with inpatient nursing care as directed by LVTs including and not limited to bottle-feeding neonates, administrating oral, topical and ophthalmic medications, performing physical therapy, running in-house tests (a-Stat, BG, PCV, TS, etc.) and preparing samples for laboratory pick-ups
Prepare patients for treatment room and surgical procedures, observing all hospital policies, to enforce sterility and safety of patients
Follow LVT/Veterinarian directions during emergencies and maintain competency in CPR
Ensure prompt and accurate documentation of treatments and procedures and communicate patient concerns or observed changes to LVTs /Veterinarians
Safely lift and transport patients up to 40 pounds
Walk dogs outside in any weather as instructed
Follow all PPE protocols while cleaning and disinfecting all hospital departments including treatment, surgery, wards, exam rooms, and kennels
Follow all protocols put forth by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Follow all written and verbally communicated departmental Standard Operating Procedures
Set up wards and treatment, exam, and operating rooms for patient procedures, anesthesia, surgery, and support pack and prep room responsibilities
Ensure equipment in all areas is functional and report equipment malfunctions to management
Take inventory and stock supplies as needed in all departments
Effectively prioritize the needs of trainees, patients, and the veterinary medical support staff
Represent ASPCA in a professional and courteous manner
Support organization and departmental policies and protocols
Communicate in an effective and professional manner with clients, the public, and all ASPCA staff members to ensure the safety and compassionate care of our patients
Adopt a learner mind-set demonstrating willingness to learn, implement, and teach policies
Support onboarding and coach assigned trainees through responsibilities and patient care
Provide management with regular feedback about training needs, new hires, coworkers, interns, hospital operations, etc.
Ensure and maintain high quality standard of care, work ethic, and performance
Work calmly and efficiently under challenging conditions; independently and as part of a team
Attend staff meetings and training sessions
Advise supervisor of unsafe conditions including hazards or infractions of safety rules