Veterinary Assistant Shift Lead

Ethos Veterinary Health•Winchester, VA

12d•$16 - $23

About The Position

Valley Veterinary Emergency & Referral Center in Winchester, VA is hiring a full- time Veterinary Assistant Shift Lead to join our outstanding Emergency team! We are hiring for day and overnight shift. Position Summary Valley Veterinary Emergency & Referral Center is a 24/7 award-winning veterinary hospital seeking a dedicated Veterinary Assistant Shift Lead to join our team. The Veterinary Assistant Shift Lead serves as the primary point person for daily operations on the treatment floor. This role supports the emergency clinicians, technical team, and client service staff while ensuring smooth workflow, high-quality patient care, and a positive team environment. This position requires strong communication skills, accountability, critical thinking, and a commitment to upholding the hospital’s core values. Our center is a newly renovated, 13,000+ square foot facility with dedicated staff and state-of-the-art equipment (like digital radiography and endoscopy) to offer the highest level of emergency and critical care.

Requirements

Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, especially in high-pressure or emotional situations.
Excellent conflict-resolution capabilities with a focus on fair, equitable outcomes.
Effective verbal and written communication skills across all levels of staff.
High degree of personal and professional integrity.
Commitment to ongoing personal development and leadership growth.
Ability to receive and integrate constructive feedback.

Responsibilities

Serve as the go-to resource for treatment staff during assigned shifts.
Provide real-time guidance, support, and coaching to maintain efficient workflow and high patient care standards.
Alert the Technician Manager to any unresolved staff, client, or DVM concerns that arise.
Ensure staff remain productive and engaged, including during downtime.
Assist in overseeing new-hire training and ongoing staff development in collaboration with the Technician Manager and Training Coordinator
Participate in Shift Lead and Technician Manager meetings.
Help define team goals and support the hospital’s mission and core values.
Foster a culture of respect, professionalism, accountability, and teamwork.
Promote a positive atmosphere free from gossip, negativity, or rumor-spreading and engages in corrective action when required
Advocate for change and actively share ideas for improvement across shifts.
Complete a minimum of 3 hours of leadership or practice management continuing education annually.
Support emergency clinicians and ensure smooth workflow throughout the practice during the shift.
Ensure daily responsibilities and checklists—including treatments, triage support, surgery prep, cleaning, and other tasks—are completed thoroughly and on time.
Oversee adherence to operational policies, procedures, and protocols.
Ensure accuracy of medical records, billing, and invoices.
Act as an escalation point for conflicts or concerns between doctors, technicians, and clients.
Assist with workplace injuries, incident documentation, and worker’s compensation reporting.
Help maintain compliance with OSHA, DEA, state labor codes, and veterinary medical board regulations.
Identify opportunities for workflow, process, and procedural improvement and advocate for implementation.
Provide clear, respectful, and professional communication with all hospital staff, clients, rDVMs, and leadership.
Report operational updates, challenges, and staff concerns promptly to the LVT Manager.
Ensure team members feel supported, valued, and informed throughout the shift.
Demonstrate accountability and ownership for all job duties and responsibilities.
Complete tasks on time unless prior communication with management is m
Maintain flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Continually learn, grow, and improve within the veterinary and leadership aspects of the role.
Follow all internal processes, protocols, and policies relevant to the position.