Veterinary Assistant - Shelter Surgery

Richmond SPCA • Richmond, VA

4h • Onsite

About The Position

The Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. As a leader in the field of animal welfare, we are cultivating a community committed to saving, protecting and enriching animal lives with a mission to provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community. Annually, we rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for about 4,000 homeless animals while also providing our region with vital safety net programs designed to keep thousands of pets in loving homes and out of shelters. Our values of collaboration, creativity, honesty, inclusion and respect guide not only what we do – but how we do it.

Our Internal Veterinary Services (IVS) team provides lifesaving medical care to more than 80% of the dogs, cats, and small mammals who enter our shelter. Surgical Veterinary Assistants are essential members of our IVS team, and are responsible for supporting efficient surgical operations and providing surgical prep and recovery care for a high volume of homeless pets undergoing surgery prior to adoption.

Requirements

• Effective, professional and empathetic communication (written and verbal) with the public, volunteers, and all Richmond SPCA employees
• Attitude that contributes to a welcoming, accessible, compassionate and respectful atmosphere
• Ability to multi-task, follow directions (written and verbal), adapt and accommodate changing demands
• Ability to respond appropriately during an emergency and to take direction from licensed veterinary staff and/or management
• Provide productive feedback to management
• Ability to recognize a need for assistance and ask for help
• Strong work ethic, reliability, punctuality
• Uncompromising commitment to the wellbeing of every pet in our care
• Resourcefulness and ability to work independently in a mature, professional, and productive capacity
• Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to communicate
• Strong time management and prioritization skills
• Participate in required trainings and meetings
• Computer skills and ability to learn new computer systems; knowledge of DaySmart Vet and PetPoint is a plus
• Ability to work in a high volume, fast-paced environment
• Comfort handling/learning to handle dogs, cats, and small mammals, including fearful or fractious patients
• Daytime availability with the ability to work on weekends and holidays (typically scheduled Sundays through Thursdays)
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have reliable transportation, including during inclement weather
• The Richmond SPCA must provide for the care, feeding and medicating of shelter animals even in the event of public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions, or an inclement weather closure. This position is considered Essential Personnel, which means that, if scheduled, you would be required to work even when the Richmond SPCA may be closed to the public.
• Able to routinely lift 50 pounds
• Able to push/pull a large cart
• Able to work with animals (including those who are sick or injured or who have behavior challenges)
• Able to bend, kneel, stoop, use stairs and use your arms in a repetitive manner
• Able to physically restrain a dog weighing up to 50 pounds
• Able to be on your feet for 8 hours at a time
• Have physical strength to perform cleaning duties effectively and efficiently

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in the veterinary field preferred, but not required
• Computer skills and ability to learn new computer systems; knowledge of DaySmart Vet and PetPoint is a plus

Responsibilities

• Assist with high-volume shelter surgery via surgical prep and recovery of shelter pets (cats, dogs, small mammals), which includes: Handling (leash-walking, lifting and carrying)
• Restraint
• Placing and securing animals in kennels/carriers
• Assist in maintaining efficient surgical operations by working closely with the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) and team Leads
• Clean workspace and surgical areas, including cleaning kennels, sweeping, dusting, mopping, emptying trash, restocking supplies
• Follow established surgical protocols, patient care standards, safety guidelines, equipment handling procedures, and documentation requirements to ensure consistent, efficient, and compliant surgical operations
• Perform clerical work and invoicing promptly and accurately, as needed
• Enter patient information into patient charts in a professional and appropriate manner
• Maintain confidentiality as requested
• Deliver education and counseling to employees as appropriate
• Other related duties as assigned

Benefits

• Richmond SPCA employees are eligible to become clients of our low-cost, full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital and have access to an Employee Assistance Program.
• Employees who average 15+ hours per week are eligible for voluntary (employee-paid) benefits including accident insurance, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance.
• Employees who average 20+ hours a week can participate in our 401(k) retirement plan and have access to paid wellness leave.
• Full-time employees are eligible for insurance benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and paid personal leave.
• The Richmond SPCA is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees