Job Description
Job Description
Salary : $18.50-$20
Vet Assistant
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Alaska SPCA is a nonprofit advocate for pets throughout Alaska. We believe that animals, as living creatures, are entitled to basic rights relating to their care, treatment, and protection. Our mission is to reduce the suffering of Alaskas dogs and cats.
This mission is achieved by :
- Protecting animals from cruelty.
- Advocating for the moral and ethical treatment of animals.
- Providing animals with shelter and care when in need.
- Educating the public about responsible animal ownership.
- Providing an affordable spay and neuter program.
- Offering affordable vaccinations.
Job Summary :
The Veterinary Assistant position is responsible for assisting the technicians and doctors with daily care of all Alaska SPCA patients. They assist technicians with pre- and post-operative care of patients, vaccinations, preparing and sterilizing surgery packs, pharmacy, lab procedures, cleaning of treatment and surgical areas. In addition, the Veterinary Assistant will help the surgical team with invoicing and handling and restraint. This position works closely with customers, clinic veterinarians, other veterinary technicians, and customer service staff.
Essential Job Duties :
Create invoices for surgical patients and prepare medications to be sent homeDispense medications per veterinarian's orderPerform laboratory tests in house and prepare samples to send out to the labCommunicate with clients / owners about status of patients as directed by the veterinarianAssisting in the recovery of animals of animals after surgeryKnowledge and ability to intake and release patients, including delivering post-operative instructions in a competent and friendly mannerKnowledge of vaccine protocols, and how to reconstitute, prepare and administer vaccinations along with microchipsClean and sterilize surgical instruments / supplies and securely wrap each surgical packRecognize and respond appropriately during an emergency, taking directions from a veterinarian or technician along with maintaining competency during CPR proceduresParticipate in all mandatory meetingsCollecting deposits and payments, answering client questions in person, on the telephone, and via emailHelping to keep the hospital clean and prevent the spread of diseases by doing laundry, cleaning kennels, sanitizing surgical areas etc.Follow all written and verbally communicated departmental standard operating proceduresCommunicate with clients and assist with rechecks as neededRestrain cats / dogs properly to ensure the safety of the veterinarian, tech and myself while performing a serviceMust exhibit professionalism in behavior and performance at all times by :Maintaining excellent interpersonal relationship skills in dealing with coworkers
Communicating in effective and professional manner with customers and coworkersRepresent the Alaska SPCA in a professional and courteous manner at all timesPreferred Skills / Abilities :
Ability to communicate with clients in a clear, friendly, concise, understandable and professional mannerAbility to be a team player and assist coworkers when they are in needPerform work with speed and accuracy while remaining calm in high stress and emergency situationsExceptional organizational skills, an eye for detail and the ability to multitaskWork collaboratively and effectively with coworkersAdaptable to changing schedules and occasional unexpected needsComputer skills / knowledgeHigh school diploma or equivalentPreferred Qualifications :
Previous animal handling experienceKnowledge of veterinary clinic procedures and terminologies as directedKnowledge of companion animal welfare issues and sterilizationPhysical Requirements :
Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods of timeMust be able to move / lift up to 50 pounds at timeFrequent bending and standing throughout the dayJob Status :
Non-exempt; Full-Time 40hrs / wkCompensation and Benefits
18.50-$20 an hour, depending on skills and experienceDiscounted clinic servicesDisclaimer
The Alaska SPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a work environment that values diversity and inclusiveness. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment of all individuals based on job-related qualifications and without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, marital status, change in marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance
We are an at-will employer and conduct pre-employment background checks. This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is not a contract - management reserves the right to change its contents at any time.