Job Details

Job Title:

DCAC Veterinary Assistant

Department:

Medical

Reports to:

DCAC Clinic Manager

FLSA Classification:

Non-exempt: Full Time (eligible for overtime)

Supervises:

None

Compensation:

$20/ hour, plus benefits

Schedule:

Four 10-hour shifts per week: Wednesday through Saturday

POSITION OVERVIEW

Working at the direction of the clinic manager, the vet assistant position for the Desert Community Animal Clinic (DCAC) works as part of a dynamic team to treat owned-animals brought into the facility for an array of wellness and preventative services. Vet Assistants will administer vaccinations, parasite prevention and treatment, and assist the veterinarian and RVT with on-site surgeries and euthanasia when appropriate.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Ensure the safety and health of animals within the clinic.
• Helps to evaluate animals for signs of illness, injuries and parasites.
• Will help determine when an animal needs immediate veterinary care and will notify the Veterinarian and/or RVT.
• Prepares and administers medications (orally, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenously) and vaccinations according to instructions and direction from the veterinarian.
• Helps the clinic manager to monitor and maintain medical supply and drug inventory.
• When needed assists veterinarians in any on-site procedures, including surgery.
• Monitors anesthesia, autoclaves surgical packs, and animals during recovery.
• Runs and interprets diagnostic tests.
• Collects and processes fecal samples, performs skin scrapings. Utilizes a microscope to interpret results and communicate the results to the veterinarian.
• Performs basic bandaging and wound care for animals.
• Cares for, cleans, and feeds animals in assigned areas.
• Enters medical information into the computer system.
• Maintains clinical logs and records as directed and assigned by the veterinarian or RVT.
• Maintains a sanitary environment in all animal care, exam rooms, treatment and surgery areas.
• Escorts clients into the exam room and executes basic pre-exam duties in preparation for Veterinarian exam/consultation.
• Maintain a positive and respectful attitude.
• Operate within compliance with state, federal, local, AVMA laws and guidelines.
• Adhere to the organization's policies and procedures as stated in the employee handbook and Standard Operating Procedures manual.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays and evenings.
• Attends staff meetings, training, and other events related to the position.
• Other duties as assigned.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

• Leadership - Maintain a positive, upbeat role, promote and exemplify Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter values and represents departmental objectives and interests to internal and external customers
• Customer Service - Follow up on complaints, questions, and concerns; respond to internal/external customer needs in a friendly, timely and efficient manner
• Teamwork - Develop and promote teamwork and cooperation among co-workers
• Safety - Comply with established safe work practices and attend to all safety-related training provided or made available by the DHS facility and Shelter

QUALIFICATIONS - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• High School Graduate or G.E.D.
• Minimum one year of veterinarian assistant experience either in a veterinarian office and/or other animal care facility.
• Controlled Substance Permit may be required.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) language skills are a plus.

Required Technical / Other Skills and Abilities

• Must be well-organized and detail-oriented
• Ability to complete basic math calculations.
• Proficient computer data entry skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Able to effectively communicate with staff and a diverse public population
• Able to enthusiastically work in a fast-paced work environment, while problem solving and multitasking
• Must be flexible to work additional hours when workload requires
• Knowledge of animal behavior a plus
• A watch with a second hand is required
• A Stethoscope could be required

Required Licenses/Certifications

• Controlled Substance Permit may be required

List of specific physical demands of the job will be provided to all viable candidates. Below is a summary:

Must be able to stand and/or walk for long periods of time to assist with medical procedures, clinics, intake appointments, etc. Must be able to lift 50 lbs to waist; restrain & handle animals safely weighing up to 100 lbs. Frequent computer use is also necessary.