Richmond SPCA
Veterinary Assistant - Shelter Surgery
Richmond SPCA, Richmond, Virginia, United States, 23214
Job Type
Full-time
Description
Reports to Manager of Internal Veterinary Services
The Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. As a leader in the field of animal welfare, we are cultivating a community committed to saving, protecting and enriching animal lives with a mission to provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community. Annually, we rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for about 4,000 homeless animals while also providing our region with vital safety net programs designed to keep thousands of pets in loving homes and out of shelters. Our values of collaboration, creativity, honesty, inclusion and respect guide not only what we do - but how we do it.
Our Internal Veterinary Services (IVS) team provides lifesaving medical care to more than 80% of the dogs, cats and small mammals who enter our shelter. Surgical Veterinary Assistants are essential members of our IVS team, and are responsible for supporting efficient surgical operations and providing surgical prep and recovery care for a high volume of homeless pets undergoing surgery prior to adoption.
Essential Functions
Assist with high-volume shelter surgery via surgical prep and recovery of shelter pets (cats, dogs, small mammals), which includes: Handling (leash-walking, lifting and carrying) Restraint Placing and securing animals in kennels/carriers Assist in maintaining efficient surgical operations by working closely with the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) and team Leads Clean workspace and surgical areas, including cleaning kennels, sweeping, dusting, mopping, emptying trash, restocking supplies Follow established surgical protocols, patient care standards, safety guidelines, equipment handling procedures, and documentation requirements to ensure consistent, efficient, and compliant surgical operations Perform clerical work and invoicing promptly and accurately, as needed Enter patient information into patient charts in a professional and appropriate manner Maintain confidentiality as requested Deliver education and counseling to employees as appropriate Participate in required trainings and meetings Other related duties as assigned Requirements
Ability to work in a high volume, fast-paced environment Comfort handling/learning to handle dogs, cats, and small mammals, including fearful or fractious patients Weekday availability; weekend work may be required Be 18 years of age or older Have reliable transportation, including during inclement weather Qualifications, Skills and Expectations
Effective, professional and empathetic communication (written and verbal) with the public, volunteers, and all Richmond SPCA employees Attitude that contributes to a welcoming, accessible, compassionate and respectful atmosphere Ability to multi-task, follow directions (written and verbal), adapt and accommodate changing demands Ability to respond appropriately during an emergency and to take direction from licensed veterinary staff and/or management Ability to provide productive feedback to management Ability to recognize a need for assistance and ask for help Strong work ethic, reliability, punctuality Uncompromising commitment to the wellbeing of every pet in our care Resourcefulness and ability to work independently in a mature, professional, and productive capacity Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to communicate Strong time management and prioritization skills Computer skills and ability to learn new computer systems; knowledge of DaySmart Vet and PetPoint is a plus Experience working in the veterinary field preferred, but not required Physical Job Requirements
Able to routinely lift 50 pounds Able to push/pull a large cart Able to work with animals (including those who are sick or injured or who have behavior challenges) Able to bend, kneel, stoop and use your arms in a repetitive manner Able to physically restrain a dog weighing up to 50 pounds Able to be on your feet for 8 to 10 hours at a time Willing to work in all weather conditions Have physical strength to perform cleaning duties effectively and efficiently Work Environment
Rapid pace with limited exposure to potential hazards including animal waste, cat litter, various chemicals and disinfectants High levels of noise at times Potential for animal bites and scratches and zoonotic disease (transmitted from animals to people) Duties are primarily performed in a surgical suite shared by the IVS and Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital surgical teams
All employees are eligible to become clients of the low-cost, full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital of the Richmond SPCA. Employees who average 20+ hours a week can participate in our 401(k) retirement plan and have access to paid wellness leave.
Full-time employees are eligible for insurance benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and paid personal leave.
Salary Description
$17 per hour, 40 hours per week (5 8-hour shifts)
Full-time
Description
Reports to Manager of Internal Veterinary Services
The Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. As a leader in the field of animal welfare, we are cultivating a community committed to saving, protecting and enriching animal lives with a mission to provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community. Annually, we rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for about 4,000 homeless animals while also providing our region with vital safety net programs designed to keep thousands of pets in loving homes and out of shelters. Our values of collaboration, creativity, honesty, inclusion and respect guide not only what we do - but how we do it.
Our Internal Veterinary Services (IVS) team provides lifesaving medical care to more than 80% of the dogs, cats and small mammals who enter our shelter. Surgical Veterinary Assistants are essential members of our IVS team, and are responsible for supporting efficient surgical operations and providing surgical prep and recovery care for a high volume of homeless pets undergoing surgery prior to adoption.
Essential Functions
Assist with high-volume shelter surgery via surgical prep and recovery of shelter pets (cats, dogs, small mammals), which includes: Handling (leash-walking, lifting and carrying) Restraint Placing and securing animals in kennels/carriers Assist in maintaining efficient surgical operations by working closely with the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) and team Leads Clean workspace and surgical areas, including cleaning kennels, sweeping, dusting, mopping, emptying trash, restocking supplies Follow established surgical protocols, patient care standards, safety guidelines, equipment handling procedures, and documentation requirements to ensure consistent, efficient, and compliant surgical operations Perform clerical work and invoicing promptly and accurately, as needed Enter patient information into patient charts in a professional and appropriate manner Maintain confidentiality as requested Deliver education and counseling to employees as appropriate Participate in required trainings and meetings Other related duties as assigned Requirements
Ability to work in a high volume, fast-paced environment Comfort handling/learning to handle dogs, cats, and small mammals, including fearful or fractious patients Weekday availability; weekend work may be required Be 18 years of age or older Have reliable transportation, including during inclement weather Qualifications, Skills and Expectations
Effective, professional and empathetic communication (written and verbal) with the public, volunteers, and all Richmond SPCA employees Attitude that contributes to a welcoming, accessible, compassionate and respectful atmosphere Ability to multi-task, follow directions (written and verbal), adapt and accommodate changing demands Ability to respond appropriately during an emergency and to take direction from licensed veterinary staff and/or management Ability to provide productive feedback to management Ability to recognize a need for assistance and ask for help Strong work ethic, reliability, punctuality Uncompromising commitment to the wellbeing of every pet in our care Resourcefulness and ability to work independently in a mature, professional, and productive capacity Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to communicate Strong time management and prioritization skills Computer skills and ability to learn new computer systems; knowledge of DaySmart Vet and PetPoint is a plus Experience working in the veterinary field preferred, but not required Physical Job Requirements
Able to routinely lift 50 pounds Able to push/pull a large cart Able to work with animals (including those who are sick or injured or who have behavior challenges) Able to bend, kneel, stoop and use your arms in a repetitive manner Able to physically restrain a dog weighing up to 50 pounds Able to be on your feet for 8 to 10 hours at a time Willing to work in all weather conditions Have physical strength to perform cleaning duties effectively and efficiently Work Environment
Rapid pace with limited exposure to potential hazards including animal waste, cat litter, various chemicals and disinfectants High levels of noise at times Potential for animal bites and scratches and zoonotic disease (transmitted from animals to people) Duties are primarily performed in a surgical suite shared by the IVS and Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital surgical teams
All employees are eligible to become clients of the low-cost, full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital of the Richmond SPCA. Employees who average 20+ hours a week can participate in our 401(k) retirement plan and have access to paid wellness leave.
Full-time employees are eligible for insurance benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and paid personal leave.
Salary Description
$17 per hour, 40 hours per week (5 8-hour shifts)