Spay and Neuter Clinic Veterinary Assistant

Animal Friends Alliance•Fort Collins, CO

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Assistant performs routine medical care, pre- and post-operative care, and related duties at Animal Friends Alliance. This position requires learning a wide range of policies and procedures and using independent judgment to take appropriate action in medical situations. The Veterinary Assistant position may be either full-time or part-time.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
One year caring for animals (external applicants only)
Excellent attendance and work record with Animal Friends Alliance (internal applicants only)
Valid Driver’s License
Sincere interest in Animal Friends Alliance’s mission & vision
Knowledge of Google Suite, including Gmail and Google Drive.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel
Knowledge of animal breed, behavior, handling, and care
Basic technical procedures used in giving vaccinations and medicating animals
Able to prioritize duties and perform multiple tasks
Able to work in a high-stress, fast-paced environment
Ability to learn, retain, and communicate a wide variety of information
Detail oriented
Ability to acknowledge personal limits and verbalize when further help or training is needed
Effective verbal and interpersonal skills for in-person, written, and telephone communication, for interaction with the public, volunteers, and colleagues.
Excellent organizational skills.
High level of professionalism.
Emotional intelligence, work ethics, and integrity.
Strong computer skills
Able to understand and use a database.
Able to work autonomously and within a team environment.
Able to plan, schedule, and organize multiple priorities and a high volume of work.
Can read, speak, and write English: REQUIRED
Can control emotions (remain calm under verbal abuse, tough euthanasia decisions, etc.): REQUIRED
Has a positive attitude at the workplace: REQUIRED
Able to work with controlled substances: REQUIRED
Can handle stress: REQUIRED

Nice To Haves

Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
Two years of veterinary medical care and animal handling in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

Assists the veterinarian during the morning check-in process (including TPR)
Assists Client Service Representatives with check-ins of patients in the AM
Provides excellent customer service at all times
Prepares the exam room, surgical suite, and recovery area in preparation of patient arrival
Handles and restrains animals safely and humanely for intramuscular, intravenous, and subcutaneous injections
Prepares some controlled medications under the supervision and direction of the Veterinary Assistant II and/or veterinarian
Prepares animals for surgical procedures, including shaving, nail clipping, vaccinating, administering local anesthetic subcutaneously, collecting blood samples, expressing bladders, and implanting microchips
Records vital signs after completion of surgery, administers post-operative supplementation of subcutaneous fluids as directed, and monitors animals as they recover from anesthesia, leading up to and including extubation
Is comfortable using and understanding common monitoring equipment, such as a Pulse Oximeter.
Cleans, disinfects, preps, and autoclaves surgical packs
Cleans kennels and performs related housekeeping duties
Cleans, disinfects, and stores equipment used in and around the clinic
Processes laundry throughout the day
Assists Client Service Representatives with the discharge of dogs and cats
Maintains proper inventory levels of cleaning supplies and other supplies. Informs the supervisor when reordering is necessary.
Assists clients and the veterinarian with animals receiving post-op re-checks
Oversees, supports, and trains interns working in the public clinic
Ensures that morning/closing checklists are done accurately and completed as assigned
Monitors, supports, motivates, and accredits volunteers/interns and their work
Follows all safety rules to ensure a safe work environment at all times. Takes immediate action to address any safety concerns or noncompliance issues that could put an animal, employee, volunteer, intern, visitor, or the organization at risk
Treats animals humanely, with compassion and concern, both on and off the job, and conveys these values to others, in word and action
Represents Animal Friends Alliance in a professional and courteous manner at all times.
Provides quality service to customers, volunteers, and staff, recognizing their individual contributions to Animal Friends Alliance.
Solicits monetary and in-kind donations by raising awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.
Provides quality in-person and telephone client service.
Learns basic duties of other departments and supports other departments and staff
Understands and operates by Animal Friends Alliance’s Core values
Regular and timely presence on-site