VETERINARY ASSISTANT

Mt. Scott Animal Clinic in Portland, OR just hired another DVM and needs another full-time Veterinary Assistant! Our veterinary assistants enjoy a rewarding career centered on a passion for quality veterinary care and client education. We provide training opportunities and a fun, compassionate, inclusive work environment. Our entire team is an integral part of providing high-quality Fear Free medicine and service. Our Core Values maintain our focus on why we enjoy veterinary medicine - caring for pets and their people without sacrificing teamwork and compassion for one another.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Veterinary Assistant supports and assists the Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians, ensuring the safety of pets and clients, and the continuity of quality veterinary care. They work to keep pets safe and comfortable during their visit. The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and may vary depending on the needs of the clinic. You must be experienced with assisting in surgery, or willing and able to learn quickly. You must be able to work Saturday shifts.

See mtscottanimalclinic.com for more information about our wonderful clinic!

WHAT YOU'LL DO (Responsibilities included but not limited to:)

• Foster a culture built on our values: Respect, Learning, Do the Right Thing, WOW Service, and Fun
• Provide professional, efficient, quality medical care and exceptional service to clients while maintaining maximum productivity
• Clean, disinfect, and prepare exam rooms, medical equipment, and surgery between each appointment
• Obtain initial patient information, medical histories, vaccination records, and the reason for the pet's visit. Document patient information, and update records
• Calm, soothe, comfort, and restrain pets before, during, and after procedures
• Take note on examination results and updates records as directed by veterinarians
• Provide the owners education, resources and information on how best to care for pets in general, at the Veterinarian's direction, for specific conditions, and after various procedures
• Monitor and track pet's physical status and vital signs following surgery
• Monitor, record, and report the physical condition and vital signs of the hospitalized pets
• Clean and disinfect cages, pens, runs, and boarding areas
• Feed, water, bathe, and exercise pets during their visit
• Respond to general questions from clients
• Perform and set up procedures that do not require Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician assistance
• Examine pets, performing basic health checks, looking for signs of disease, illness, or injury, and treat them under the direction of the Veterinarian
• May administer medication, perform routine laboratory tests, fill prescriptions, and educate client on use and side effects of medication under the direction of a Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician
• Provide professional, efficient, quality care and exceptional service to clients while maintaining maximum productivity
• Support a practice environment that promotes collaboration and teamwork and ensures the delivery of quality, compassionate, effective, and efficient health care to pets
• Comply with all practice policies, quality assurance guidelines, and minimum standards of care
• Perform other duties as requested

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR (ESSENTIAL QUALIFATIONS):

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Minimum 2 year experience as a veterinary assistant
• Experience assisting in surgery

Professional Licenses/Certifications:

• Certificate of completion from a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program preferred.

Skills, Ability and Knowledge:

• Broad knowledge of animal science
• Basic knowledge of pharmacology
• Proficiency with a variety of computer programs including Microsoft Outlook, Word and industry internet sites
• Basic written, verbal, and active listening communication skills with a customer-oriented approach
• Basic mathematical skills to ensure the administration of accurate drug and fluid doses
• Basic analytical, critical thinking, judgement, and problem-solving skills
• Compassion and empathy for both pets and pet owners
• Interact with a variety of clients and employees in a professional, caring, compassionate, and tactful manner
• Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Strong organizational and time management skills, including managing multiple priorities
• Handle and maintain sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Maintain a calm demeanor in a work environment that fluctuates from orderly to fast paced and stressful

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to talk and hear. The team member must frequently use a computer for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities are required to do this job including close vision. This position requires walking, standing, and sitting for long periods of time. May be exposed to low to moderate noise levels as well as disinfectant/sanitation chemicals, pet dander, and excretions. May experience aggressive, frightened, abused or injured pets that bite and scratch. This position requires exerting up to 40 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds frequently, and/or 10 pounds constantly in order to lift, carry, pull or move objects. Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

BENEFITS:

• 401(k) with employer matching
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Life and ADD insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health Savings Account with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off
• License-renewal reimbursement and Continuing Education allowance
• Professional development assistance
• Quarterly bonuses
• Flexible scheduling with no overnights or Sunday shifts