Veterinary Assistant II, ALMC

Oregon Humane•Portland, OR

55d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Humane Society, founded in 1868, is the Northwest's oldest and largest animal welfare organization. The Veterinary Assistant is a vital member of the animal surgical and medical care team, working collaboratively with the medical and operations leadership to ensure the clinic's performance aligns with medical standards and veterinary practice acts. This role involves assisting with patient exams, providing daily medical care, supporting anesthesia, laboratory, pharmacy, and radiology services, preparing patients for surgery, and maintaining the hospital facility's cleanliness. The Veterinary Assistant also interacts with the public and shelter staff to provide information and consultation, contributing to the organization's mission of animal welfare.

Requirements

High school graduate or GED equivalent.
2-5 years related work experience providing direct care to animals in a veterinary medicine center or in an animal shelter environment.
Hold or obtain Radiology Safety Certification within one year from the date of hire.
Able to maintain certification throughout the course of employment.
Able to communicate with a diverse population in a consistently informative, respectful, and professional manner.
Knowledge and experience working with a wide variety of dog and cat breeds.
Available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
Able to exercise sound judgment and maintain a professional demeanor during all interactions with the public, partner agencies, donors, staff, and volunteers.
Proficiency using the Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Occasional lifting and moving of inanimate objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
Occasional pushing and pulling of carted items weighing up to 100 lbs.
Occasional moving items above shoulder level.
Occasional use of hands and arms at or above shoulder level.
Prolonged standing, sitting and/or stooping may occur.
Occasional climbing and bending.
Must be able to lift, move, restrain, guide, or manage an animal weighing up to 150 lbs. on a leash on an occasional basis.
Must be able to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods.
Ability to respond and perform life-saving techniques in an emergency.

Nice To Haves

We welcome applicants who bring a diversity of identity, culture, experience, perspective and thought.
Encouraged to apply, even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.
Address how your professional and lived experience, scholarship, mentorship and/or service will contribute to the Oregon Humane.

Responsibilities

Assist with and perform patient exams.
Provide daily medical care to patients in the hospital facility.
Provide anesthesia, laboratory, pharmacy, and radiology support.
Prepare patients for surgery.
Maintain the hospital facility at the highest level of cleanliness and order.
Engage with the public and Oregon Humane Shelter Staff to provide consultation and information.
Contribute to the stewardship of the organization’s mission and stay current on animal welfare issues.
Work daily with animals of varying size and temperament.
Handle individual animals in a caring and respectful manner.
Provide compassionate care for patients.
Prep and set up surgical suites, administer pre-anesthesia drugs, and ensure surgical and medical areas are clean and organized.
Perform the circulator role for surgical and dental procedures.
Record and report physical signs of patients before, during, and after surgery.
Enter medical notes and treatment notes into medical records accurately and in a timely manner.
Ensure animals with infectious diseases are handled safely according to infectious medicine protocols.
Clean and sanitize cages and hospital facilities, including exam rooms, treatment rooms, and surgical suites.
Monitor the medical consultation phone as assigned.
Perform pre-adoption medical consultations as needed.
Administer medications, topically and orally.
Adjust to change and contribute to the success of new programs, projects, and/or initiatives.
Fill prescriptions.
Place IV catheters on a consistent basis.
Monitor and collect blood, urine, and fecal samples.
Prepare and run laboratory tests and in-house blood work.
Prepare and send lab and blood samples for external analysis.
Perform radiological services.
Prepare and transport patients for surgery, dentistry, radiology, and other prescribed procedures.
Take incoming patients to appropriate areas.
Prepare patients for dismissal according to established discharge protocols.
Receive and stock medical supply shipments.
Maintain inventory and storage areas in a neat and orderly manner.
Provide clean bedding, water, and litter pans for patients.
Feed and water hospitalized patients as needed.
Assist with public education events such as presentations and in-shelter education.
Perform any other duty as requested by management.
Participate and assist with critical and emergency response situations.