What are the responsibilities and job description for the Veterinary Assistant position at Bear Creek Animal Clinic?
Job Overview
The veterinary assistant (level I-III) assists veterinary technicians, Doctors, and other hospital staff by providing safe and compassionate animal restraint and patient care. Must be able to communicate effectively and professionally with employees, clients, vendors, and other entities that do business with Bear Creek Animal Clinic and its’ affiliates. Attention to detail and strong ability to multi-task multiple competing factors is a must. Must think independently and work well with the veterinary team. Expectations include cleaning of patient facilities, project management and participation, as well as other tasks involved in the operations of a veterinary practice.
Essential Duties, Responsibilities, and Time Allocation. Duties, responsibilities, and time allocations may change over time to meet the needs of the clinic and can include other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Knowledge of:
- Provides compassionate care to patients while abiding by AAHA, AFVMA, AVMA rules and regulations.
- Performs all duties in accordance with hospital medical policies and procedures.
- Understands all veterinary staff positions in the hospital and general workflow.
- Excellent communication skills both with clients and other team members.
- Basic medical conditions such as vomiting/diarrhea, positive heartworm disease, fleas, ear infections, dental disease, urinary tract infections, and canine cough/feline upper respiratory infections, diabetes, common endocrine diseases, and the vaccines/medications used to prevent or treat these conditions.
- Generic and trademark names of commonly used veterinary medications and the purpose for these medications.
- Prepares and maintains the exam rooms and treatment areas or vehicle.
- Assists the doctor or technicians in some medical, surgical and dental procedures; prepares patients for surgery with a veterinary technician; assists the technician in administering anesthesia.
- Assist the doctor and technician during any and all procedures as required.
- Assists in restraining pets.
- Helps to maintain files of lab test results and ensures that test results are recorded in patient records.
- Problem solving through stepwise process to resolve client conflict throughout the hospital.
- Ensures all medical and communication performed, recommend, and completed or declined are entered into medical record in their entirety.
- Assists in any and all medical treatments, procedures, injections, vaccinations, recovery, and other patient care as is described and allowed per Oregon Veterinary Medical Board.
- In house Idexx Veterinary Laboratory inclusive of VetConnect.
- Non-Idexx laboratory protocols and electronic form submissions.
- Full knowledge and ability to use Avimark Software
- Internal and external texting and communication with clients and staff.
- Timeliness in sample preparation and technique for required lab work.
- Triage phone system for incoming and outgoing calls.
- Assists in patient admits and discharges on the doctor's orders, ensuring that patients are well groomed and in a medically appropriate state.
a. makes follow-up calls to clients.
b. Triages incoming calls
c. Triages client needs
- Properly cleans all surgical and practice wide materials after they are used; keeps the operating room properly stocked and prepared for surgery.
23. Ongoing completion of required federal, state, regulatory, and medical training mandatory and must be completed in a timely manner as part of onboarding and continued learning in this role.
- Maintains an appropriate inventory of all medical supplies as determined by the inventory lead.
- Assists other staff members as required.
- Understands and carries out oral and written directions.
- Maintains positive, cooperative, professional relationships with other employees and clients.
- Prior to being scheduled for specific roles throughout the practice (e.g., out-patient, room nurse, floater), the individual must confirm they have received full training and thoroughly understand the responsibilities involved. By performing these roles, they acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of the duties required to complete them effectively.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Ensures client service is optimum, with regular follow-ups to ensure expectations are clear and met.
- Educates clients on the why of pet care, ensures full understanding and sets clear expectations.
Ability to:
1) Assist all Leads as needed.
2) Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
3) Problem-solve.
4) Work well as a team and cooperate with others.
5) Efficiently communicate with doctors and managers.
6) Interact with clients and co-workers in a professional, courteous manner. Provide excellent customer service to all clients.
7) Proficiently work with veterinary software system.
8) Assist supervisors as the need arises
PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Genuinely enjoys working with animals and is able to deal with them even when
they are stressed or ill or in pain.
- Can stay calm and efficient during a medical crisis.
- Is able to work effectively with doctors.
- Can work in a busy and noisy environment.
- Is experienced in the teamwork approach and works well with all hospital staff members.
- Has excellent client communication skills.
- Utilizes de-escalation tactics as needed for clients, colleagues, and patients.
- Physical Effort: Work requires lifting and carrying animals (will be assisted by
other staff members in lifting animals up to 50 lbs). Walks or stands for extended
periods of time; frequently works in a bent position.
- Working conditions: May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises, and animal
feces or other bodily substances. May be exposed to bites, scratches and contagious diseases.
- Must be able to stand or walk for extended periods of time and occasionally work in a kneeling or bent position.
Pay: $17.50 - $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Continuing education credits
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18 - $28