Shelter Medicine Assistant Level Two

The Shelter Medicine Assistant Level Two assesses animals for signs of health and behavioral issues by completing medical exams and behavioral assessments at the time of intake.  They monitor animals for signs of illness, administer medications and vaccinations, and create and maintain animal records using PetPoint software system. They will assist the Shelter Veterinarian with surgery prep and monitor recovery of animals following surgery. They provide humane care for sheltered animals by feeding animals, providing enrichment, and cleaning and sanitizing animal housing. They provide quality animal care and customer service in accordance with Atlanta Humane Society’s mission, goals, and philosophy.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide constant humane care and handling of the animals, in accordance with AHS established best practices policies, including adequate food and water, clean housing, and medical care
• Assist veterinarian in physical exam which may include administering vaccinations, drawing blood, subcutaneous fluids and other medical duties as assigned by veterinarian
• Provides intake counseling, intake exams, behavior assessments and Petpoint data entry at time of intake
• Preparation of surgical patients using aseptic technique
• Monitor anesthesia through recovery and understand basic anesthesia principles
• Sterilize surgical instruments and maintain laundry
• Accurately perform diagnostic tests as needed, including but not limited to fecal flotation, ELISA tests (parvovirus, heartworm, FeLV/FIV), TiterChek tests, urinalyses, and Woods lamp evaluation
• Maintain accurate and up to date animal records in Petpoint database
• Administer medications daily as prescribed by Veterinarian
• Monitors health and wellness of all animals
• Report any signs of illness or behavioral problems to Shelter Medicine Manager
• Work closely with department staff and volunteers to accomplish AHS goals
• Complete all steps in the owner surrender appointment process in Petpoint database
• Clean and sanitize all animal housing and equipment to minimize the spread of disease
• Conduct routine spot cleaning throughout the day to maintain a clean and safe environment for the animals
• Report any damaged equipment or need for repair to manager on duty
• Ensure quality customer service to patrons who visit or call AHS
• Assist and perform all components of animal euthanasia, as needed, in a humane manner in accordance with all AHS guidelines
• Maintain all necessary documentation of drug logs
• Adhere to safety procedures at all times
• Other duties as assigned

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Minimum of three months prior experience and proven track record of success in current role/position
• Successful completion of AHS medical certifications 1-3
• Successful completion of Fear Free Shelter program
• Acceptable and reliable attendance
• Must be able to communicate with and work well with a diverse clientele, different races, ethnicities, faiths, sexual orientations, income levels etc.
• Must be able to set aside personal judgement for the betterment of client and animals
• Currently hold or obtain euthanasia certification within one year of hire
• Requires humane handling of animals and the safe handling of cleaning supplies, chemicals and equipment in compliance with safety rules and in accordance with SDS rules required
• Ability to utilize effective problem solving/decision making skills
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of animal diseases, medications, and treatment protocols
• Handle agency funds in accordance with established verbal and written agency guidelines
• Ability to work in team environment, strong verbal and written communication skills, customer service background, ability to multi-task, work in high stress environment
• Works in a high noise level area
• Physical efforts require constant bending, stooping and lifting up to 50 lbs. with reasonable accommodations