Veterinary Assistant

The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA)•Vancouver, BC

13d•CA$25 - CA$25•Onsite

About The Position

Working with doctors and the rest of the hospital care team, the Veterinary Assistant is responsible for assisting staff, patients, and clients in a variety of functions, as assigned. This includes communicating with the public and clients, assisting with patient appointments and surgeries using low stress and fear-free handling techniques, record-keeping, inventory, housekeeping, maintenance, and other duties as required to ensure efficient operations and high quality of care. Veterinary Assistants may be assigned to any of the following posts while on shift: Client Care Representative Exam-Room Assistant Surgical Room Assistant Dental Assistant Inventory

Requirements

Successful completion of a Veterinary Office Assistant Certificate or equivalent or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable to the employer
Strong computer skills; experience in using common veterinary practice software would be considered an asset
Experience in delivering high quality customer service to a variety of stakeholders
Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to multi-task and complete tasks/projects within defined timelines
Excellent interpersonal skills along with a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
Philosophical harmony with BC SPCA policies, programs and protocols
Able to fulfill physical demands of the job which may include standing for long periods of time, walking, sitting, and lifting heavy objects and patients
Understanding of the risks associated with working with animals and an ability to follow safety requirements and other precautions such as fear free handling techniques
Willingness and no identified barriers to exposure to supplies commonly used in a hospital setting such as anesthetic gases, chemicals, drugs including controlled substances, and x-ray radiation within Canadian safety standards
Philosophical harmony with the vision, mission and strategic directions of the BC SPCA

Nice To Haves

experience in using common veterinary practice software

Responsibilities

Communicating with clients using a variety of media including telephone, email, and/or text
Answering incoming enquiries
Reminding clients of upcoming appointments including providing any instructions as required
Follow up communication on progress from past appointments
Performing other communication as required
Scheduling appointments
Greeting all clients coming into the hospital and offering your assistance
Inform clients of expected wait time and take reasonable measures to ensure their wait is comfortable
Announcing arrival of an appointment to the applicable team member
Admitting and discharging patients, fill prescriptions, and complete over-the-counter-sales
Acting as initial source of information to clients on topics such as, but not limited to vaccinations, basic lab tests, common diseases, basic pet behaviour, low stress and fear free handling, and over the counter diets and products
Preparing a new client file for all new clients/patients; ensuring all existing records are complete, accurate, and up to date
Preparing estimates, patient visit lists (PVL), invoices, prescription labels, medications, and discharge instructions, as required
Reviewing invoices with clients, outline balance owing, and process payments
In collaboration with the RVT, ensuring all fees associated with a patient are placed on the patient visit list
Ensuring client has all medications and personal belongings when discharged
Issuing reminders, marketing materials, and other information to existing or prospective clients
Registering microchips with the BC Pet Registry
Ensuring the hospital is clean and tidy as per daily task lists; assist in outside maintenance as required
Performing end of day closeout
Checking in clients and patients and recording the reason for the visit
Obtaining weight of large dogs prior to entering the exam room
Guiding client and patient to the appropriate exam room
Recording vitals as relayed verbally by the veterinarian
Notifying doctor that the patient is in the exam room and providing a brief history
Attending examinations and inputting data in the medical record as relayed verbally by the veterinarian
Preparing estimates, obtaining doctor’s approval on estimate, and once approved, providing estimate to client
If client approves treatment at estimated cost, taking patients to Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) and assisting either the RVT or the doctor in further procedures (e.g. blood collection, radiographs, vaccinations, hospitalization, etc)
Preparing medications and presenting to RVT or doctor to check; once approved, dispensing and providing medications to client
Discharging patients, recording any follow up required, and booking future appointments as necessary
Providing basic information for clients regarding vaccine, deworming, flea control, and dental protocols and other hospital policies
Ensuring the exam rooms are always clean and stocked with supplies
Maintaining laundry flow and restocking laundry for exam rooms
Providing support and assistance to doctors and Registered Veterinary Technologists during surgical and dental procedures required
Assisting with checking in patients, taking patient histories, and recording notes throughout appointments and procedures
Assisting with treatments, diagnostics, and basic procedures during appointments
Helping Registered Veterinary Technologist with preparation, set up, inducement, monitoring, and recovery after various surgeries and dental procedures
Assisting with cleaning and preparation of surgical suite, dental equipment, surgical instruments, and treatment area
Maintaining laundry flow and restocking laundry for treatment, surgery and recovery areas
Caring for hospitalized patients that may need to be walked and cleaned up throughout the day
Maintaining lists of supplies to be ordered
Placing orders
Stocking supplies as needed