Veterinary Surgical Assistant

Veterinary Assistant - Surgical

FLSA Classification: Non-exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Greater Birmingham Humane Society (“the GBHS”) is a progressive animal welfare shelter whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome homeless, abused, neglected and abandoned animals. We are committed to an open admissions policy, animal rehabilitation and a low euthanasia rate. GBHS’ open intake and adoption philosophy is a key part of our progressive mission, enabling us to save and rehome thousands of animals each year.

PRIMARY RELATIONSHIPS

The Veterinary Assistant:

• Reports to the CCC Practice Manager and serves as a member of the veterinary assistant team.
• Interacts daily with veterinarians, clinic technician’s veterinary student externs, volunteers, the general public, and potential adopters.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Humanely handles and kennels all animals and ensures the identification of all shelter animals with appropriate tags or bands before kenneling.
• Prepares surgery room, prep area, and recovery area for surgery
• Assists veterinarian(s) with animal exams, treatments, and surgery
• Performs induction and intubation of surgery animals
• Cleans surgical instruments, prepares and sterilizes surgery packs
• Performs surgery prep of animals (shaving/clipping, scrubbing, etc.)
• Monitors recovery of animals from surgery/anesthesia
• Provides animals with food and water as needed
• Cleans surgery kennels and cages daily
• Cleans and disinfects surgery area, prep area, and surgery cage area daily. This includes, but is not limited to, sweeping, mopping, sanitizing counters, tables, equipment, and doing laundry.
• Prevents animal to animal disease transmission through proper animal handling and cage/kennel/work surface sanitation and disinfection.
• Maintains clean and safe work environment practices
• Properly completes medical, surgical and controlled drug documents related to assigned duties
• Reports inventory and equipment repair needs to practice manager in a timely manner
• Completes treatment update list daily, enters notes, treatments, and medications daily
• Makes sure that the twice-daily medication lists are completed
• Responsible for the handling of controlled substances as directed by veterinarian
• Monitors flow of surgery
• Monitors health and behavior of all animals and reports problems to veterinarian and practice manager
• Assists veterinarian with clinical diagnostic procedures, such as: fecal exams, blood work, skin scrapes, radiographs, etc.
• Works side by side with Lead Veterinarian Technician to make sure the safety guidelines and protocols are met to ensure a safe environment
• Takes immediate action to address any safety concern or noncompliance of safety rules that could put an employee, volunteer, animal, or student at risk
• Assist in the humane restraint of animals during induction, intubation, physical exams, and euthanasia
• Humanely euthanizes animals at the behest of the veterinarian (CET Only)
• Ensures that all animals are properly identified and wearing the proper ID collar with the correct information and makes sure that descriptions are accurate and/or updated.
• Performs other duties as assigned

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Two years or more working under a Veterinarian as a Veterinary Assistant.
• General knowledge of Pharmaceutical medications.
• General knowledge of Veterinary terminology.
• Experience in animal handling and phlebotomy.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A passion for the mission of GBHS and a sense of humor are required.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must frequently lift or move 50 lb animals
• Ability to perform physical work involving standing for long periods, carrying animal crates, bending, scrubbing, mopping, walking quickly, reaching, squatting, and lifting up to 75 pounds with reasonable accommodation.
• Requires handling of animals, sometimes fractious. (Animals may be fractious by nature or resulting from anesthesia induced disorientation)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. (Will be required to communicate with coworkers from other locations to discuss medical treatments and histories of shelter animals)
• Punctual in attendance.
• A positive attitude and ability to get along with others.
• Knowledge of animal handling and communication preferred.

WORK CONDITIONS

This work is performed in a high noise level area. Exposure to industrial cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal feces, zoonotic (human to animal) diseases, bites and scratches. Safety procedures must be adhered to at all times.

The GBHS is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of GBHS to provide EEO to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Pay: $16.50 - $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 32.0 – 42.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $18