Wellness/Vaccine Veterinary Assistant I

Sacramento SPCA•Sacramento, CA

22d•$19 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Assistant in Vaccine/Wellness has the primary responsibility for the safe, sanitary, and efficient operation of the SSPCA Vaccine and Wellness Clinic. This position assists the Vaccine/Wellness RVTs and staff veterinarians in providing preventative care education to pet guardians, veterinary services to, primarily, cats and dogs, and maintains all procedures and practices with the SSPCA Clinic to meet the highest standards possible.

Requirements

Knowledge of domestic animals including breeds, behavior, appropriate care and housing, common health problems, disease symptoms and handling techniques.
Knowledge of animal care and husbandry.
Knowledge of gentle, minimal restraint or Fear Free handling techniques.
Knowledge of State and local codes, ordinances and regulations governing quarantine, impounding, care, and disposal of animals.
Ability to identify normal and abnormal animal behavior and symptoms of rabies and other animal disorders.
Ability to control and safely handle pharmaceuticals used in the care and handling of animals and disinfectants in the cleaning and disinfecting of animal habitats.
Ability to get along and work effectively with the public, management, fellow employees, volunteers, and other agencies and groups.
Must possess a valid California Driver's license, clear driving record at least one year prior to application.
High school graduate or GED equivalent with six months of experience assisting a licensed veterinarian in providing medical treatment to animals, including surgical procedures and medical examinations, in an animal shelter, hospital, or similar environment.
One to three years of experience assisting a licensed veterinarian in providing medical treatment to animals, including client communication and medical examinations, in an animal shelter, hospital, or similar environment.
Any allergic condition that would be aggravated from exposure or through contact with animals or chemicals used to sanitize facilities, vehicles or equipment, may be a disqualification.
Use hands/arms for repetitive grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation. This job involves the use of computers for data entry and e-mail communication, as well as the use of telephones.
Must stand, sit, walk, bend and stoop frequently to perform duties. Must have the ability to perform prolonged strenuous physical activity, including lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds alone or up to 100 pounds with the help of fellow employees for short distances.
Must be available and willing to work such weekends, holidays, overtime, and attend mandatory training and meetings as the employer determines are necessary or desirable to meet its business needs.

Responsibilities

Assists in the setting up of the lobby and exam rooms in preparation for patients and clients.
Engage with and welcome pet guardians, including asking questions about their pet’s health and requested services.
Prepare vaccines and medications for administration.
Under supervision of a RVT, assists with safe restraint of patients for the administration of pharmaceuticals such as medications and vaccines.
Provides support during Wellness exams to the Staff Veterinarians.
Assists with the safe restraint of patients for the collection of and prepares blood, urine, and feces samples.
Performs various procedures under the direct supervision of a Staff Veterinarian or RVT such as intramuscular, intravenous and subcutaneous injections.
Under supervision of a RVT or Staff Veterinarian, filling medication prescribed by Staff veterinarian.
Provide approved educational materials to pet guardians.
Maintains cleanliness of the exam rooms and other related areas, to provide a safe, clean and welcoming environment.
Must be punctual and maintain regular, predictable attendance.
Must be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and all of the employer’s safety policies and rules and must be willing to report safety violations and potential safety violations to appropriate supervisory or management personnel.
Schedule vaccine appointments and complete appropriate paperwork for Vaccine/Wellness Clinic related activities (i.e. filing, Clinic correspondence, payments and refunds, appointment reminders, telephone follow-ups, misc. reports).
Assists in tours, lectures, public education programs, special events and fundraising activities as needed.
Provides accurate information and friendly professional service to the public and to co-workers in a responsive, positive, courteous, truthful and tactful manner.
Offered the opportunity to cross train in several different areas of Shelter care, including Surgery support and Animal Care.