Veterinarian; Director of Animal Health

Description

With both a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and veterinary medical experience as a foundation, the Director of Animal Health provides lead direction and oversight to the Animal Health Team in achieving the highest standards of care and best practices in shelter medicine, behavioral healthcare services, and outreach medical service delivery channels. Oversees the implementation and development of Animal Health initiatives, including TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return), veterinary support services to other shelters, the integration of Behavioral Healthcare with Shelter Medicine, and public outreach projects. Supports Mission Delivery in the conscientious utilization of resources to promote operating efficiency and to achieve the strategic goals of the Animal Health Department. Must be committed to the mission and strategic direction of the Atlanta Humane Society.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide lead direction to shelter veterinarians in accomplishing departmental goals
• Provide lead direction to staff responsible for supporting veterinarians in the practice of shelter and public facing medicine
• Oversee the training and development of veterinary talent and steward the development of future medical leadership
• Lead in the development and implementation of public facing veterinary initiatives such as TNR, public and partner spay/neuter services, and preventative clinics
• Oversee the implementation of systems, policies, and procedures to support the delivery of medical care to animals internally; recommend changes as needed
• Provide consultation support to affiliate agencies in the field
• Work closely with the Animal Protection Unit to provide veterinary support during disaster deployments and legal investigations
• Work closely with the Shelter Medicine Manager to implement standardized training for surgical veterinary assistants
• Remain abreast of industry research and best practices, ensuring the standardization and periodic review of all medical and testing protocols, health preventatives, herd health management systems, approved procedures and behavioral healthcare practices
• Ensure the highest level of service and care is provided to animals in accordance with industry best practices, inclusive of behavioral healthcare practices such as Fear Free
• Oversee the deployment of DVM resources to meet the strategic needs of the organization, including doctor scheduling and coordinating relief as needed to ensure continuity of services to all departments and functions
• Administer medical care to shelter, public owned, and affiliate owned animals, inclusive of simple and complex surgeries, dentistry, arranging specialist referrals, and providing behavioral healthcare support
• Advise animal pathway planning discussions/decisions in the shelter
• Ensure departmental adherence to Fear Free principles and practices  
• Enforce the maintenance/accuracy of medical records keeping and drug use logs
• Ensure all state and federal laws, state regulations and accepted standards and procedures regarding clinic operations and the practice of veterinary medicine, drug control, and animal care and handling are adhered to
• Represent AHS as an industry thought leader at events, conferences, boards and committees
• Evaluate department activity and implement appropriate changes to increase efficiency and reduce administrative costs while ensuring compliance with operational objectives
• Enforce and follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment for volunteers, clients, animals, and employees
• Ensure the maintenance of APHIS certifications, continuing education requirements, and appropriate licensure of Animal Health Veterinarians

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited college or university
• Possession of a current license to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Georgia
• Possession of current DEA distribution license
• Minimum five years veterinary medical experience; 1-2 years' experience in a shelter environment
• USDA APHIS Certification
• Ability and desire to coach and train shelter staff, surgical support, students, and newly licensed veterinarians in all the following: herd health management, surgical techniques, euthanasia, medical diagnoses, and treatments within a fast-paced shelter environment
• Working knowledge of guidelines and practices in an animal welfare/shelter environment
• Knowledge of local animal control laws and state humane laws and their application to the public
• Team-oriented and ability to communicate effectively with the public, fellow employees, and volunteers
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness and ability to adjust to tasks in accordance with changing deadlines and priorities
• Demonstrate flexibility, organization, self-motivation, ability to work independently and as a member of a team; strong work ethic and attention to detail necessary
• Handle agency funds in accordance with established verbal and written agency guidelines
• Valid GA driver’s license or ability to obtain a valid GA driver’s license and must be insurable by AHS’s insurance provider
• Requires humane handling of animals and safe handling of cleaning supplies, chemicals, and equipment in compliance with safety rules and according to SDS rules
• Ability to lift, pull or push up to 50 lbs. with reasonable accommodations