What are the responsibilities and job description for the Weekend Veterinary Receptionist position at Animal Emergency & Specialty Center of Chattanooga?
Department: Receptionists
Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Compensation: $16.00 - $18.00 / hour
Animal Emergency & Specialty Center (AESC) in Chattanooga is seeking an experienced Veterinary Receptionist (WEEKEND ONLY) to join our dynamic, fast-paced, and compassionate team. As a leader in emergency and specialty veterinary care, we are looking for a dedicated individual to provide exceptional customer service while supporting the clinic's operational needs during our busy weekend shifts. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with prior experience in a veterinary practice, animal emergency care, or specialty veterinary setting who thrives in a high-volume environment and enjoys making a meaningful impact on both patients and their owners.
Location:6393 Lee Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Hours: Friday – Sunday, 3:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Hourly Wage: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour (Based on experience)
Key Responsibilities
Client Relations & Communication:
- Greet clients, answer calls, and provide a friendly, compassionate first impression to pet owners arriving for emergency or specialty care.
- Gather accurate information about the patient's condition and history to ensure the care team is prepared for treatment.
- Act as the liaison between the clients and the veterinary team, ensuring clear communication, empathy, and a high level of service.
- Handle sensitive and urgent situations with professionalism and empathy, calming worried clients and providing updates as needed.
Appointment Management & Scheduling:
- Efficiently schedule, confirm, and reschedule appointments for emergency visits and specialty consultations.
- Ensure accurate data entry of patient information, including detailed medical history and presenting complaints.
- Handle high call volumes, triage patient inquiries, and assist clients with emergency admissions or urgent care scheduling.
Patient Intake & Documentation:
- Accurately document patient information and updates into the electronic medical record (EMR) system.
- Process intake forms, consent forms, and financial documents for emergency and specialty services.
- Assist clients with checking in and checking out, ensuring all necessary documentation is completed.
Financial Transactions:
- Provide clients with accurate information on pricing, payment options, and financial policies for emergency or specialty services.
- Process payments for services, including billing, invoicing, and payment collection, while maintaining confidentiality and accuracy.
- Assist with managing outstanding invoices and follow-up on payment plans as needed.
Collaboration & Team Support:
- Work closely with veterinarians, technicians, and other support staff to ensure smooth and efficient clinic operations, particularly in high-stress or urgent situations.
- Stay informed about the daily schedule, patient flow, and staffing needs to support the clinical team effectively.
- Ensure the clinic's front desk area is clean, organized, and stocked with necessary supplies.
Emergency & Specialty Procedures:
- Maintain a calm and organized demeanor during emergency situations, assisting with the triage process and ensuring timely client check-ins.
- Assist with preparing patient paperwork for specialty procedures, ensuring all records are up-to-date and readily accessible.
Experience:- Prior experience as a receptionist, preferably in a veterinary emergency, specialty practice, or high-volume veterinary hospital is strongly preferred.
- Experience handling client concerns in stressful situations, including working with emergency cases.
- Familiarity with veterinary terminology and procedures, or the ability to quickly learn.
Skills & Attributes:- Strong customer service skills and the ability to handle challenging or emotional situations with empathy and professionalism.
- Ability to manage a high call volume, multitask efficiently, and maintain composure during busy or emergency situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with a focus on active listening and clear, concise explanations.
- Basic computer proficiency and experience with veterinary practice management software (e.g., Avimark, Cornerstone, or IDEXX software).
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, ensuring accurate documentation and efficient scheduling.
- Ability to maintain a professional and calm demeanor during high-pressure situations.
Education & Certification:- High school diploma or equivalent required.
Veterinary receptionist certification or similar training is a plus, but not required.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus but not mandatory.
- Experience in a 24-hour emergency clinic or specialty veterinary practice.
- Familiarity with medical billing, insurance claims, and emergency protocols in veterinary medicine.
- Interest in advancing knowledge of veterinary medicine and continuing education opportunities in the field.
Competitive Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour, based on your experience and qualifications.
Benefits Package: including Medical, dental, and vision insurance and optional Disability and Life Insurance coverage.
Paid time off (PTO) to support a healthy work-life balance.
401(k) retirement plan with company matching for long-term financial security.
Employee assistance programs (EAP) to support mental health and wellness.
Continuing Education Opportunities to support your growth in veterinary medicine, including webinars, workshops, and other professional development resources.
Onboarding and Training:
- Comprehensive onboarding process, including training on veterinary-specific software and protocols.
- Continuous learning environment with support from a dedicated team of veterinary professionals.
Weekend Schedule:
- A weekend-only position offering the opportunity for work-life balance during the week. Shifts are from Friday through Sunday from 3:00 PM to 3:00 AM.
Supportive Team Culture:
- Join a team that values collaboration, professional growth, and creating a positive impact in the lives of pets and their owners.
- Opportunity to contribute to the life-saving care and compassionate service provided at a highly respected specialty and emergency center.
Salary : $16 - $18
