Veterinary Receptionist

Job Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Veterinary Receptionist to join our team. The ideal candidate will be the first point of contact for our clients and their beloved pets, providing exceptional customer service while managing the front desk operations of our veterinary clinic. This role requires a love for animals, strong communication skills, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Job Duties

• Provide professional experience to all who call or come into practice. This will include but not be limited to answering the phones promptly, assuring there is always someone in the front office, always using a professional tone of voice, being well groomed, and understanding the practice well enough to assist clients or route their requests appropriately.
• Advise technicians when animals have arrived for their appointments and are ready to be picked up. Properly identify each animal and assure the client record is created identifying the pet and the owner(s).
• Schedule appointments, surgeries, and boarding/day care reservations. Schedule the clients’ next appointment including routine or re-check visits. Encourage clients to make reservations to see a veterinarian for any serious or on-going concerns. Call clients if they are late for their appointment by more than 15 minutes. Assure you all appointments are accurately captured in the electronic medical records.
• Using basic veterinary practice understanding, will communicate with pet owners and convey information relayed by the veterinarian or technician. This will include but not be limited to understanding vaccinations, basic lab tests, common diseases, and pet behavior. Refer to electronic pet records frequently to assure only the most timely and accurate information is conveyed.
• Be familiar with services provided by the clinic and standard fees for each. Generate, explain, and present fee estimates for vaccines, surgeries, or other services. Ensure that invoices are complete before checking out the client. Collect payment and process transactions accurately and promptly, providing itemized invoices and receipts.
• Be able to accurately close and count out the cash drawer. Assure all transactions are accurately entered into the system, including identifying charge receipts or method of payment.
• Take personal pride in assuring the front office always maintains a professional appearance including but not limited to maintaining an organized workspace, assuring a lack of clutter or appearance of disorganization, using a polite tone of voice in all communication, and keeping lobby and outside walk clean and sanitary. Assist with cleaning up pet waste as needed. Restock and clean client refreshment area. Take out the trash and recycle.
• When taking information or messages, take accurate and complete notes, and convey to the intended recipient in a timely manner. Prioritize messages of an urgent nature.
• Make appointment and surgery reminder calls to clients; complete medical call-backs; and complete our mail correspondence as appropriate.
• Manage record requests from other hospitals or specialty practices, including following up to assure records were received. Assure you any records received from other practices are added to the AVCV client records.
• Send client sympathy, thank you, and welcome cards as appropriate using stamps.com/FedEx/UPS as appropriate.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must have an excellent understanding of strong customer service and be willing to always provide it even when a customer is distressed or frustrated. Must be able to not take disgruntled customers personally.
• Must have previous cashier experience or otherwise demonstrate the ability to handle financial transactions in cash or credit. Must be honest and reliable.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality and use discretion when exchanging information in the front office.
• Must be a self-starter who will self-initiate if other tasks have been completed or the phones are not ringing.
• Must speak fluent English and have legible handwriting. Must be willing and able to learn the practice computer system and use it appropriately. Should also be comfortable using email, the web, and MS Office standard programs. Must be able to take oral and written directions.
• Must be able to multi-task or otherwise work on multiple tasks at one time.
• Strong common sense and problem-solving skills.

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School or equivalent preferred. Some post High School education appreciated.
• Previous experience in customer service and/or retail position preferred.
• Previous experience in animal care environment or at minimum a passion for dogs and cats preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Must be willing and able to support clinic work hours, including working split or weekend shifts as needed.
• Must be able to work successfully in environment with constant exposure to cats and dogs including successfully managing any allergies, and being able to work in an environment that includes sound of dogs barking, cats meowing, and other sounds typical to a veterinary setting.
• Must be able to maintain calm in the event a client or their pet is upset.
• Expected to have reliable transportation or otherwise assure always prompt and present as scheduled. Excellent attendance record expected.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to sit, stand, twist, reach, bend and kneel throughout the shift.
• Must be able to work on phones and/or computer for entire shift as determined by needs of the business.
• Must be able to regularly lift 25 lbs. and up to 50 lbs. on occasion or with assistance.

COMPENSATION:$The starting pay is $12.00 an hour for entry level and goes up based on experience

✔ The above is general in nature and is not intended to be an exhaustive job description or list of duties. AVCV reserves the right to revise, change, or add job duties and responsibilities as required by the business.

✔ Drug Free & Tobacco Free Work Environment ~ Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Uniform allowance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 12 hour shift
• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Holidays
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $12