Veterinary Assistant - Maui Humane Society

MAUI HUMANE SOCIETY

Job Description

The Maui Humane Society's mission is: “To protect and save the lives of Maui's animals; accepting all in need, educating the community, and inspiring respect and compassion towards all animals.”

Job/Position Title: Veterinary Assistant STATUS: Nonexempt DATE: 2023

Primary Purpose: Under the supervision of the Vet Dept Manager, Director of Veterinary Operations and the MHS Veterinarians. The Veterinary Assistant will provide assistance to the Shelter Veterinary Technicians or the Surgery Veterinary Technicians and MHS Veterinarians with their routine health examinations and health maintenance for all animals sheltered at the Maui Humane Society. They may also assist in the preparation and monitoring of animals at MHS for surgery.

Essential Duties/Functions:

• Must safely perform proper restraint and handling of all animals that are received at the shelter. This will include restraint for examinations, intravenous shots and other procedures. At times this may involve the handling of difficult animals and feral animals.
• Prepare the surgical suite for daily surgery if needed. Have necessary surgical supplies out and ready for surgery, ensure proper paperwork is available and completed and animals are clean and fasted for surgery.
• Assist the veterinary technician in surgery with anesthesia, preparing the animal for surgery and recovering the animal from surgery, the cleaning, packing and autoclaving of surgical instruments and other duties related to maintaining a clean and organized surgery.
• Provides routine and minor health care for animals housed at the shelter. Administer daily treatments to animals at the shelter. This will include observing the progress of the animals, bringing concerns to the attention of the veterinarian, clinic manager or lead veterinary technician and documenting findings and treatments prescribed.
• Assisting the veterinary technician with their daily animal examinations (check ins). This will include being able to provide proper restraint, running tests, drawing up medications and entering all necessary information into the shelter software system after the examination is completed.
• Assisting the veterinary technician in the management of the cat building. This will involve checking over the health status of all cats and following up on the progress of cats through the shelter. This may include performing treatments, checking in cats, medications, general exams and assisting in euthanasia when deemed necessary.
• Responsible for getting Euthanasia certified. May assist Vet staff with euthanasia by injection on various species of animals including dogs, cats, birds, and pocket pets.
• Assists adopters and the general public with routine health care information. Should have some knowledge and understanding of most diseases and conditions we commonly deal with. Is able to explain when necessary, the treatment/procedures to owners or potential adopters. Instructs foster care volunteers in procedures related to the health and welfare of the animals entrusted to them. Represents the humane society well by providing good customer service.
• Communicates effectively with the animal care attendants regarding the daily health status of shelter animals and informs the attendants when special treatments are needed.
• Assists with the supply inventory and should have a general knowledge of where supplies are located and their general indications for use. Assists in keeping the E-room and cat building and surgery stocked with necessary drugs and supplies.
• Assists in making spay/neuter appointments, doing reminder calls and preparing surgery tags and paperwork for the next day’s surgery.
• Works with the front office and animal care attendants to ensure shelter animals are prepped and ready for surgery the next day and all necessary paperwork is received.
• Keeps accurate logging and records for any controlled drugs.
• Must be sufficiently computer literate to effectively and efficiently utilize with a high level of accuracy. This includes, but is not limited to inputting microchips, and surgery information, veterinary procedures and findings and creating health records and health certificates.
• Maintains cleanliness in all workstations including sweeping, mopping, restocking and laundry.
• Knows, understands and follows procedures and policies of the Maui Humane Society.
• Maintain and promote a positive public image standard relevant to the Maui Humane Society.
• Help promote fundraising activities and solicit support for the agency overall.
• Attend and participate in departmental and shelter meetings. Attend educational venues as recommended and approved.
• Participate in disaster preparedness and response activities for the shelter and community as it pertains to pet related needs.
• Interact with co-workers and volunteers in an efficient and courteous manner to ensure a cooperative team environment amongst all departments.
• Report any safety hazards, accidents or unsafe use of shelter equipment.
• Responsible for overall cleanliness and organization of relevant work areas.
• Presents a positive and professional image of the Maui Humane Society to the public.
• Supports and encourages a professional and happy working environment for the vet department team and other co-workers.
• Understand that you are considered an “essential worker” in times of community emergencies and will be required to work as deemed necessary by DVO or CEO.

Hourly position. MHS is open Mon to Sunday and all but 5 holidays. Individual schedules vary but employee should be available and willing to fill in on an emergency basis on other days including holidays.

Must have the ability to learn and understand medical knowledge along with the good judgment and self-confidence to be able to assist the veterinary technicians and veterinarians. This could include working under high stress situations when an emergency needs to be attended to. They must be alert, decisive and able to handle all types of stress. Must be a team player and work closely with other staff members in a positive and helpful manner. This position requires good organizational skills, good communication skills and the ability to multitask. Requires emotional capacity to handle euthanasia related decisions.Requires exceptional attention to detail, courteous and professional demeanor, extensive interaction with staff and public; There is a significant amount of responsibility regarding the well-being of the animals. Must be able to educate, instruct and empathize with owners.

Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds and be able to hold and restrain animals of all sizes. The majority of duties will require the veterinary assistant to be on their feet. Should be able to handle animals of various sizes and temperaments and have adequate reflexes to deal with shy, fearful or potentially aggressive animals. Must be able to work at a fast and efficient pace while maintaining safety and health standards for both the workers and the animals.

Qualification Requirements:

• Experience with the handling of animals, particularly dogs and cats .
• Public relations , customer service skills and basic computer skills.
• High school graduate or GED
• Must be willing to support the mission of the Maui Humane Society.
• Must treat all animals humanely, with love and concern both on and off the job.
• Must adhere to all local laws regarding personally owned animals
• General knowledge of pet behavior and care. Ability to work with all kinds of animals.
• Positive attitude is a must!

Additional Qualifications that would benefit this position:

• Veterinary related experience or veterinary assistant school.
• Previous experience and/or exposure to shelter medicine or spay and neuter programs.

**Please send your cover letter and resume.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20