Veterinary Services Assistant

Title: Veterinary Services Assistant

Departments: Animal Medical Department

This position reports to: Veterinary Services Manager

All applicants are encouraged to apply for our online Veterinary Technician school assistance program. This program will pay for AMD Assistants to go through Penn Foster/year and NHS will cover the costs of the program.

Purpose of Position: The Veterinary Services Assistant provides vital support for veterinary medical staff within the Animal Medical Department. The Veterinary Services Assistant enhance the lives of animals at the Nebraska Humane Society (NHS) by preparing animals for adoption, alleviates animals suffering through administration of medications and provides for a clean, safe work environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees are required to follow any other job related duties assigned by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, and does not alter the “at‐ will” relationship.

• Perform accurate, high quality and high volume data entry of animal medical records:
  • Veterinary examination findings
  • Surgical records
  • Treatments and procedures
  • Review medical entries for fidelity of data and completeness of care
• Perform medication rounds for shelter animals
  • Administer prescribed pain medications, antibiotics, antiparasitics and vaccines
  • Relieve animal suffering and comfort the sick
  • Provide supplemental feeding to puppies and kittens too young for adoption
  • Assist NHS veterinarians in disease surveillance
• Prepare surgical instrument packs for veterinary use by:
  • Cleaning surgical instruments and drapes
  • Wrapping surgical packs
  • Sterilize surgical packs
  • Training volunteers
  • Assist Veterinary Manager in overseeing surgical instrument inventory and quality
• Maintain clean treatment, housing and examination areas through cleaning, disinfection and organization of animal housing and workspaces
• Assist veterinary staff in the surgical preparation of animals
• Collect specimens and assist in performing diagnostics as prescribed by NHS veterinarians and allowed for by Nebraska regulations
• Provide enrichment and stress reduction for animals through humane handling
• Perform medical rounds with NHS veterinarians
  • Ensure prompt and accurate medical record updates
  • Assist in examination of shelter animals
• Recover anesthesia patients with the assistance of veterinary technicians and trained volunteers
• Assist in training new staff members, department volunteers, veterinary students and interns
• Collaborate with personnel from other NHS departments
• Act as a resource for adopters answering pre and post adoption medical questions
• Periodically review, provide input and adhere to Animal Medical Department and shelter protocols
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Operations Manager or veterinarian

Position Qualifications: Education, Experience, Certification, and Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Required

• Minimum: High school diploma or GED
• Must adhere to applicable state and federal laws governing the practice of veterinary medicine
• Display affection and compassion for animals and concern for their welfare
• Must adhere to highest ethical standards; possess trustworthiness, exercise maturity and sound independent judgment while maintaining a professional manner and personal appearance
• Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing
• Must have valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record and be able to provide proof of vehicle insurance
• Be comfortable and skilled working with a culturally diverse staff and community
• Must be considerate, respectful and display a helpful demeanor to all employees, volunteers and customers
• Must be able to work cordially, safely and efficiently in face-paced, stressful conditions
• Must possess the ability to cope with loss of animal life from illness, injury and euthanasia
• Must exhibit the organization core values of compassion for all animals, respect and dignity for all, strive for excellence and teamwork
• Ability to safely and humanely handle animals
• Ability to respectfully give and receive feedback
• Ability to work independently and part of a team
• Ability to work in close proximity of others

Desired

• Previous experience in a veterinary or medical clinic or shelter
• Familiarity with Microsoft operating systems and computer literate in Microsoft Office

Work Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions within the work environment.

• Evening, weekend and holiday hours will be necessary in the event of an emergency, staffing shortages or special events.
• The noise level in the office environment is usually quiet, though barking or whining of animals may be escalated at certain times in certain areas of the building.
• High exposure to animals whose reactions to the shelter environment cannot be predicted.
• Temperatures in the shelter environment are varied, though usually moderate, and dependent on the season.
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases and hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to work around animals without severe allergic reactions.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Nebraska Humane Society provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, status as a veteran, or any other protected category, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.