JOB DESCRIPTION

Lead Technician

REPORTS TO: Technician Supervisor, Practice Manager or Practice Owner

The Lead Technician is responsible for coordinating and directing veterinary technicians and assistants to provide exceptional care to our patients and service for our clients. The primary duty of the Lead Technician is to provide training, motivation, education and support to the technicians, assistants, and CSRs. The Lead Technician must operate within a cost-effective basis; meeting financial and budgetary goals as it relates to staff management. The Lead Technician will lead by example; focus on educating and training staff members to provide excellent care as well as provide effective inter-staff communication and problem solving. Lead Technician must share a firm belief in the quality of care we provide and WCAH core values.

The Lead Technician must have strong interpersonal relationship skills to manage the team and also be highly organized and self-starting. In addition to organizational duties, Lead Technician must be accomplished in the care and treatment of animals in the facility. Lead Technician must show ability to follow directions with and without supervision, the ability to ask questions when a task is unclear and the ability to show leadership towards other techs, assistants, and volunteers. The Lead Technician should also have the ability to adapt to the needs of the hospital and the clients. The Lead Technician must understand the care and maintenance needed on all of the equipment used in daily operations and oversee or perform scheduled and needed maintenance. The Lead Technician must have the ability to provide exceptional customer service at all times and assist in deescalating stressful situations.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Vocational school training desirable but not required
• Previous On-The-Job training/experience required

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Advanced knowledge of common veterinary medical conditions, animal care products and their uses are required.

• Minimum 4 years experience as a veterinary technician.

• Prior management of Tech staff is preferred but not required

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 18 years old.
• Genuinely enjoys working with animals and is able to work with them even when they are stressed, ill or in pain.
• Can stay calm and efficient during a medical crisis.
• Is well-spoken and approaches his/her job duties in a mature nature.
• Is experienced in the teamwork approach and works well with all levels of hospital team members including mentorship and training of other staff
• Has excellent client communication skills.

Physical Effort: Work requires lifting and carrying animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs). Walks or stands for extended periods or time; frequently works in a bent position.

Working conditions: May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches and contagious diseases.

The range for the position is $23 per hour to $27 per hour depending on licensure and experience.

Benefits are outlined in the employee manual and are separate from the hourly wage.

Personnel

• Dependable, arrives at shift in a timely manner and is committed to upholding the core values and mission of the hospital
• Leads by example and respectfully able to delegate to tasks

• Supervises Assistants, Technicians and RVT’s and acts as support where needed.
• Reviews applications, screens applicants, and narrows the applicant choices through the interview process.
• Handles performance evaluations for technical team members, introductory, annual and performance counseling as needs arise individually.
• Act as a liaison between doctors and team members.
• Oversee the training and mentorship of new employees or volunteers in the patient care positions.
• Intervene/oversee personnel issues in the patient care department and assist with conflict resolution.
• Conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner even when stressed and/or focused on individual tasks.

• Lead staff in accordance with WCAH core values and mission statement.

Productivity

• Function as a contact person for clients concerning complaints or problems that the client may be experiencing with the hospital.
• Directs patient care staff through structuring, scheduling, motivation, and education to produce the highest level of client satisfaction possible from services the patient care team, provides.
• Oversee client satisfaction feedback and polling.
• Educates clients about procedures, conditions, mediations
• Designs and implements efficient work flow/protocols for the back office
• Responsible for maintaining in-house equipment

• Checks invoices prior to patient discharge.

Other Duties

• Assist and fill in when vacant positions arise or when hospital flow warrants.
• Monitor staff periodically throughout the day, encourage productivity, discourage behaviors that may be detrimental to the positive atmosphere of the work environment.
• Oversee management of programs to minimize loss and maximize product or monetary reimbursement to the hospital.
• Assist the Practice Manager or Practice Owner with other duties as needed.
• Actively promote the best attendance and positive team.