Veterinary Assistant, ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals•Asheville, NC

1d•$22 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance (ASNA) is the premier training center for high-quality, high-volume companion animal sterilization. Altering an average of 20,000 shelter, rescue, and publicly owned companion animals annually, ASNA has trained more than 6,500 veterinary professionals and fourth year veterinary student externs at our campus in Asheville, NC since 2005. ASNA is proud to set the bar for the standard of care in HQHVSN and provide world-class spay and neuter surgical instruction to veterinary professionals and students. The Veterinary Assistant (VA) is the mortar of the ASNA medical team which provides support to every aspect of daily medical and surgical operations. This versatile position is challenging, fast-paced, physically and mentally demanding, and extremely rewarding. The person in this role must possess excellent multi-tasking skills, diplomatic and outstanding communication, an innate ability to perform both independently and as a team member, and have an uncompromising determination to be high functioning and perform duties consistent with best practices. Fundamental expectations for this role are providing impeccable care to surgery patients, eagerly assisting veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and kennel assistants in perioperative duties, participating in facility upkeep and maintenance, and enthusiastically hosting clients and visiting trainees. This position reports to the Manager, Medical Assistants (MMA) and is based in Asheville, North Carolina.

Requirements

Exemplifies the ASPCA’s Core Values: Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals
Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes
Believes in Team – that we are stronger together
Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible
Focuses on Impact , specifically making change for animals
Possess outstanding interpersonal communication skills
A bility to multitask and deal professionally with high levels of stress in an environment of changing daily operational priorities
Ability to work in both a team environment and independently
Ability to work in physically and mentally challenging conditions
Flexibility in schedule to accommodate program needs, which could include varied daily shifts, weekends, evenings, and holidays
Possess companion animal handling experience
Ability to understand that patient death is a regrettable but an inevitable part of the medical profession and adopt a healthy coping strategy for such events
Provide a valid driver’s license upon hire and pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating a safe driving history
Possess working knowledge of basic computer/technology skills including email and Microsoft Word
Ability to lift 35 lbs /16 kgs without assistance and over this weight with assistance, and the ability to consistently stand, bend, lift, and climb during the course of a regular work shift
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
English (Required)
High School Diploma (Required)

Nice To Haves

Fear Free Shelter certification within 60 days of hire
Preferred 1 year experience in professional companion animal handling in a clinical setting

Responsibilities

Participate in relationships and communications with private sector veterinarians, professional associations, professional advisors, vendors, transport partners, public clients, mentees, and internal ASPCA departments and professionals
Be well versed in ASNA/ASPCA protocols, procedures, and standards of care
Participate in onboarding and training ASNA veterinary assistants and other staff
Provide a safe and compassionate environment for staff, clients, and animals in ASNA care
Receive training in, and master, low-st ress animal handling skills a nd implement these handling techniques consistently in all interactions with animals
Instill the guiding principle that everyone can, and should, actively support the animals’ behavioral and mental health in everything they do
Participate in mentoring visiting trainees relative to veterinary and kennel assistant duties
Practice and encourage open and transparent communications in all interactions, seek out regular feedback from team and peers, and receive feedback in the constructive spirit intended
Participate in overall ASNA facilities upkeep and maintenance including cleaning, inventory and stocking, and organization
Drive transport vehicles as needed
F low of daily operations and surgical teams
Preparation of surgical patients
Anesthesia monitoring
Patient recovery
Patient emergency support
Oral, topical, and injectable medication administration
Medical record keeping
Surgical packs preparation
Equipment operation and maintenance
Inventory control
Upkeep and maintenance of medical, surgical, and kennel areas
Perform all duties of a kennel assistant as needed
Commit to operating in alignment with our Core Values of C ommitment, O wnership, T eam, E levate, and I mpact!
Adhere to all policies related to operational and environmental safety of patients, staff, and visitors related directly to medical operations
Serve in any surgical, medical, or training role as needed and support all daily operational processes to complete the day’s surgeries and training program goals successfully and safely
Fully engage and participate in the self-performance management process including annual reviews, regular feedback sessions, required compliance training, and goal setting
Actively seek individual development opportunities in relation to job function
Travel up to 5% as needed
Under the supervision of the MMA, and in respect to veterinary and kennel assistant operations, encourage and advocate for:
Smooth and efficient operation of ASNA surgical, medical, and training programs
Program policies and strategies that support ASNA’s high standards of quality and best practices
All aspects of operations be enforced with campus wide consistency and adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations
A positive learning environment across campus supportive of ASNA culture
Participate in assigned ASNA department and program specific projects, cross-departmental working groups, and any other assigned commitments to support ASPCA’s 2030 goals
Perform all other duties as assigned by the MMA or the ASNA Senior Leadership Team