Career Opportunities

Position Overview: The veterinary assistant provides support to the veterinarians and technicians in their daily tasks by cleaning and maintaining equipment, feeding, exercising and grooming patients, preparing and sanitizing surgery suites, restraining and handling patients, and clerical and administrative work. They deliver quality care for all patients and provide exceptional service.

Essential Functions:

• Provide compassionate care to all patients
• Greet patients and their owners as they arrive and show them to an examining room, taking the patient's weight and other vital signs upon arrival
• Triage patients, perform physical exams, treatments, and administer medication as directed by the licensed veterinary technicians (LVT's).
• Calm and soothe anxious patients
• Assist doctors and technicians with the administration of medications or with patient restraint
• Perform laboratory tests and take radiographs
• Operate and maintain hospital equipment, including EKG, fluid pump, syringe pump, scales, anesthetic monitors, and machines, etc.
• Fill prescriptions, calculate and administer medications, maintain proper documentation, logging, and security of controlled drugs.
• Feed patients as prescribed by the attending doctor or as the client has requested; record appetites; recognize and report any unusual conditions or abnormal behaviors
• Communicate in a positive manner with clients and ensure that they feel comfortable leaving their pet(s)
• Educate clients about insurance, wellness, and medicinal plans
• Maintain the cleanliness of the hospital each day; clean equipment, kennels, and facilities using chemicals and supplies; ensure the safe use of chemicals; complete laundry
• Bath and care for patients who stay overnight; ensure that every animal released is clean and properly groomed prior to their release
• Adhere to the hospital's safety and wellness regulations
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Maintain accurate medical records
• Show up for work regularly; full-time presence at work is essential for every shift
• Promote hospital products and services and support the organization
• Respond respectfully with urgency to directions given by Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVT).
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Manager; may have other assigned duties if working in a specialty area (i.e., dentistry, surgery, emergency, radiology, cardiology, neurology, internal medicine, etc.)

Competencies:

• Care and Compassion – displays a desire to build rapport, provide personal assistance, and emotional support
• Animal Restraint and Safety – uses sound judgment when handling patients and always takes appropriate precautionary steps when needed
• Communication – uses effective and appropriate methods of interacting with others
• Team Orientation – works cooperatively with the team to address tasks and accomplish goals
• Dependability – demonstrates responsibility in completing all job tasks
• Cleanliness Standards – consistently follows sanitization and sterilization policies and procedures
• Energy and Productivity – completes tasks quickly and thoroughly without prompting
• Time Management – manages time and prioritizes work tasks effectively
• Technical Skills and Learning – keeps up-to-date with new technical skills and knowledge in the field
• Care and Use of Equipment – takes appropriate steps to perform operation checks and maintenance of equipment

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• One or more years' experience in a veterinary environment successfully performing all of the duties of this position
• Vet Tech (VTNE) Certification preferred
• Experience with surgical monitoring, radiology, dental prophylaxis, and client education preferred
• May consider an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience

Position Requirements:

• Maintains current knowledge in the field of expertise and actively seeks opportunities for continuing education and skill improvement.
• Ability to restrain animals, fill prescriptions, and monitor sedation procedures
• Ability to work with or around sick animals, potentially hazardous materials, cleaning chemicals, gas anesthetics, zoonotic diseases, and unpleasant odors
• Requires knowledge of hospital procedures, policies, and services; client and patient treatment protocols; hospital computer systems; and the standard procedures, records, and terminology used in a veterinary hospital.
• Must be flexible with scheduling and able to work some weekends and holidays
• Depending on the functional area of assignment, tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and/or extended periods of time standing and/or walking.
• This is a strenuous job that requires a lot of lifting, cleaning, and constant motion. May involve some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling
• Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work, usually involving lifting or carrying moderately heavy animals (up to 50 pounds)

Additional Information: The list of essential functions, as outlined in this job description, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of any job function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

Position Overview: The Customer Service Representative contributes to the success of a high-performing organization committed to delivering superior care and exceptional service. Performs a range of administrative and customer service tasks, providing valuable support to the hospital.

Essential Functions:

• Provides excellent customer service in-person, over the phone, and during high-stress situations.
• Manages lobby flow, addresses concerns, calms distressed owners, and schedules appointments.
• Handles basic medical emergencies for pets and owners, ensuring safety and well-being.
• Assists with medication pickups, inquiries, and provides information about services and products.
• Inputs and manages data in practice management software, including billing and accounts.
• Assists with retail sales, weighing pets, processing faxes, and maintaining records.
• Reconciles cash drawer and performs end-of-day duties for accurate financial transactions.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required, or equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience
• Knowledge of clerical procedures and ability to organize files and records
• Excellent customer service skills, providing courteous and prompt assistance
• Accurate cash handling and cashiering abilities
• Strong multitasking skills with attention to detail
• Flexibility in scheduling, including weekends and holidays
• Ability to work at a keyboard or workstation for extended periods and perform physical tasks such as standing, walking, climbing, and lifting animals up to 50 pounds

Position Overview:
Help to develop and maintain a high-quality; efficient and effective medical team, by fostering an environment of trust, teamwork and accountability. Work in tandem with the Hospital Manager and reports directly to the Regional Manager.

Benefit Opportunities:

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives.
• Optional relocation package.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off allowance for vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Continuing education allowance and opportunities for advanced professional development.
• Veterinary licensing, state VMA, board certifications and DEA reimbursements
• Employer paid AVMA, PLIT, VIN, and PLUMBS memberships  
• Supportive work environment with a collaborative and experienced veterinary team.
• 401K retirement plan with 100% vested 
• Opportunity to live and work in a vibrant community surrounded by natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
• Emotional wellbeing and employee assistance programs 
• Free Calm App membership 

Essential Position Functions:

• Comprehensive Patient Work-Ups
  • Obtain a complete history in conjunction with the technician.
  • Perform thorough physical exams, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and body condition score for each patient.
  • Make notes on the master health form with any problems and diagnosis.
  • Recommend all appropriate comprehensive diagnostic screenings.
  • Correctly interpret diagnostic results.
• Client Communication and Education
  • Communicate medical findings, recommended diagnostics, prognosis, and the recommended plan to the pet owner. Make notes in the chart to record all such conversations.
  • Note any recommendations declined by the pet owner in the medical record.
  • Provide status reports to the client on hospitalized patients' condition in a timely manner.
  • Perform timely discharge appointments and ask the pet owner if they have any questions.
  • Respond to client phone calls in a timely manner.
• Diagnostic Procedures & Surgery
  • Perform appropriate pre-op exams and diagnostics.
  • Practice good surgical techniques.
  • Ability to use and delegate appropriate surgical prep techniques with the technician.
  • Call back clients with results of diagnostic tests and provide a copy with interpretation for the pet owner.
  • Review discharge instructions with the technician or pet owner.
• Medical Record Responsibilities
  • Record patient exams in medical records using SOAP format.
  • Follow AAHA guidelines for medical records.
  • Complete records by the end of the business day. No records are permitted to leave the hospital.
  • Fully document all patient care to ensure good case management.
  • Complete medical records in a legible and complete manner.
• Pharmacy Duties
  • Prescribe appropriate medication for patient conditions with appropriate dosing.
  • Approve prescriptions and review labels for accuracy.
  • Maintain the security of controlled drugs.
  • Monitor inventory levels of controlled substances.
  • Log controlled substances consistently.
• Promotes Teamwork & Staff Efficiency
  • Assist in keeping appointments running on time.
  • Clearly communicate instructions to staff in a respectful manner.
  • Willingness to assist staff with their duties when needed.
  • Communicate pertinent information to colleagues for efficient case management.
  • Promote a positive attitude throughout the practice.
  • Answer the persistent ringing phone when necessary.
  • Be available to colleagues and management when off duty for matters that cannot wait until the next business day.
• Financial Responsibilities
  • Correctly estimate client invoices.
  • Clearly communicate costs to clients.
  • Follow hospital guidelines for client payment and credit policies.
  • Appropriately use and conserve clinic resources.
• Continuing Education Responsibilities
  • Share information gathered at continuing education meetings with colleagues.
  • Assist in teaching at staff meetings.
  • Assist with mentoring and training staff members.
  • Attend at least 80% of on-site staff training and meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Management.

Additional Position Functions: Assignment to the areas listed below may include the following additional essential job functions:

• Strategic Focus
  • Work with Medical staff to build an understanding and an appreciation of how behaviors impact revenue.
  • Provide feedback to Medical staff on weekly/monthly production performance and coach for improvement.
  • Participate in marketing efforts where appropriate and provide suggestions for improvement.
  • Work with the PetVet Support Center on staff contract and compensation issues.
  • Provide stability and leadership within the Hospital.
  • Work with the Hospital Manager on weekly priorities and expectations.
  • Participate in weekly operational conference calls.
  • Work with the Hospital Manager on Medical Staff Scheduling.
  • Utilize a one-on-one process for ongoing direct communication with Medical staff and other Hospital support staff.
• Tactical Focus
  • Resolve client issues where appropriate (when attending Medical staff or Hospital Manager have not been effective).
  • Receive and evaluate new product information.
  • Evaluate and monitor protocols for the daily running of the hospital from intake to discharge.
  • Monitor cases in the hospital and attend daily rounds when possible to be sure the highest standards are being upheld.
  • Recommend fees for new products and services.
  • Meet regularly with the Hospital Manager to review controllable costs:
    • Medical staff and Support payroll
    • Inventory
    • Other Medical related expenses
  • Participate in assistant and technician reviews.
  • Maintain availability to answer questions with regards to all aspects of the hospital.
  • Participate in practice management updates and training at all levels.

Competencies:

• Clinical Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in examining and  assessing animals. Perform cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopedic, neurological and other  necessary examinations. Diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to develop solutions to challenges relating to the management of a high-quality veterinary hospital.
• Communication Skills: Demonstrate effective communication of diagnostic and therapeutic options to clients. Display effective communication with internal medical and hospital staff.
• Professionalism: Work as part of a high-quality, professional veterinary team with the ability to provide and receive appropriate constructive criticism, suggestions, and feedback.
• Business Acumen: Ability to understand the management and finances of the veterinary hospital practice.
• Ethics: Knowledge and understanding of ethical principles that guide decisions affecting patients.
• Commitment to Continuing Education: Commitment to utilize available resources of continuing education and to facilitate learning of others.

Qualifications:

• Veterinarian degree (DVM) from an accredited college or university.
• Current State Veterinary License.
• DEA registration must be obtained and maintained.
• Five plus years of experience in a veterinary practice.
• Experience overseeing Veterinary Technicians and Assistants as well as other hospital or practice staff.
• Must demonstrate a desire to continue learning in veterinary care and participate in leading staff training.

Position Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Excellent Communication Skills and the ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and in a timely manner with all members of the Medical and Hospital staff.
• Client communication skills, must be able to elicit information, establish rapport, offer explanations with pet owners.
• Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, or pain.
• May include some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work.
• Position does require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Additional Information:

The list of essential functions and additional functions, as outlined in this job description, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this position. The omission of any job function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a required assignment for the position.

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