What are the responsibilities and job description for the Behavior Specialty Technician position at SAN FRANCISCO SPCA?
Description
Full Time, Non Exempt
About Us
Here for animals since 1868, the San Francisco SPCA is a cherished San Francisco institution, known for compassion, excellence and innovation in the fields of animal welfare and veterinary medicine. We operate a public veterinary hospital, a high-quality, high-volume spay-neuter clinic, a community veterinary clinic, and provide low-cost community medicine programs. The SF SPCA saves the lives of homeless dogs and cats through our shelter medicine and adoption programs. Our innovative programs and services serve as models for humane organizations across the country and around the world.
Iconic and innovative, the SF SPCA offers you the opportunity to join a team committed not only to veterinary excellence and animal welfare, but to a balanced and rewarding work environment.
Role Description
The Behavior Specialty Technician performs an array of diagnostic testing, performs sedations, oversees prescription refills, counsel clients on patient care issues as directed by the doctor and conducts basic behavior modification exercises for dogs and cats. This position is also responsible for engaging in client communication, coordinating with hospital staff, updating medical records, maintaining proper record keeping, and developing animal behavior-related educational content for clients or veterinary professionals. The ideal candidate is committed to the mission and values of the SF SPCA and has experience in Fear Free and/or low stress handling, and evidence/science-based approaches to animal management and training. This position works a 4/10 schedule.
Core Responsibilities:
- Perform clinical tasks such as diagnostic testing, phlebotomy, sedated procedures and monitoring, ultrasounds, cystocentesis, and IV/IM/SQ injection administration
- Coordinate with hospital staff for specialized testing or procedures, such as ACTH stimulation test or sedated radiographs
- Counsel client on implementation of behavior problem management, prescribed behavior treatment plans, safety and prevention
- Engage with clients professionally in person, virtually, by email, or by phone with clarity and empathy
- Complete and maintain timely, accurate medical records, sessions, data entry of behavior modification, email communications and other behavior notes
- Have or acquire knowledge on psychotropic medications; know how to pronounce, dose and give drugs in compliance with veterinary guidelines and following all laws pertaining to controlled substances
- Recognize drug side effects and seek consultation with doctor when side effects occur
- Apply low-stress animal handling and restraint techniques, balancing safe and humane treatment with the recognition that expedient care is often more realistic and less stressful for the patient than eliminating fear.
- Assist with product demonstrations, fitting and implementation of recommended behavior tools
- Work closely with Doctors to update and maintain educational material on animal behavior related topics
Requirements
Qualifications (Required):
- Veterinary Credentials, such as LVT/RVT/CVT
- CA Driver’s License and insurable driving record
- High school diploma or equivalent
- One year veterinary technician experience in a veterinary clinic; experience in animal health and handling
- FearFree® certification required, or to be obtained within the first 90 days of employment
- Available to work weekends, holiday shifts, and overtime as needed
- Commitment to the mission, values, goals, and success of the San Francisco SPCA
- Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational, and customer service skills
- Experience with shelter and veterinary software (EzyVet preferred)
- A team player, able to work in a fast-pace environment
- Demonstrated reliability to maintain confidentiality
- Self-motivated, outgoing and able to initiate and complete tasks
Salary & Benefits
The starting salary for this position depends on the depth and breadth of experience. The expected range is $31.00 -$34.00 per hour. Regular, full-time positions are eligible for a benefits package including:
- Paid Time Off and Holiday pay
- Medical, Dental & Vision insurance
- Life Insurance
- Long-term Disability Insurance
- 401k Retirement Plan and contribution matching
- Student debt relief program
- Pre-tax Commuter Benefits
- Discounts on veterinary care at our SF SPCA Mission Campus Veterinary Hospital and Spay/Neuter Clinic
The San Francisco SPCA welcomes everyone! We welcome all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, political persuasions, languages, abilities/disabilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, socioeconomic statuses, and national origins. Diversity brings innovative ideas, perspectives, and opinions. We consider our differences to be valuable assets that will help us continually strive to be better at what we do and to advance our mission.
The SF SPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job ad reflects the assignment of essential functions and does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The San Francisco SPCA is an at-will employer and may conduct pre-employment background checks and drug screening depending on the role.
Salary : $31 - $34
