Veterinary Assistant
KEYWORDS:
Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Technician
POSITION TYPE/SCHEDULE:
Full time (40 hr/wk) or part time accepted, Monday-Friday only, no weekends or major holidays, some afterhours may be requested. 10 hour shifts with a 1 hour lunch break.
LOCATION:
The Crossings at Inlet Beach - 13123 East Emerald Coast Parkway, Suite D, Inlet Beach, FL 32461
ABOUT US:
Paws in Paradise Animal Hospital is a small animal practice that seeks to be a pillar of the community through service-oriented care for our clients and their pets. Our objectives are to:
- Provide optimal medical and preventative care for our patients
- Provide transparent, clear, and effective communication and
- Actively give back to the community through service and involvement
We believe in fostering a culture of community and family for our employees and clients, providing them a fulfilling environment to be in while building something we can all be proud of together. We value the relationship, continued trust, and goodwill established with our clients, employees, and community, and we focus on making each experience exceptional.
EDUCATION:
- GED or High School Diploma Required
JOB SUMMARY:
The technician assistants at Paws in Paradise Animal Hospital assist the veterinary technicians with patient care and treatment, monitors hospitalized pets, maintains inventory, prepares prescriptions, performs routine in-house laboratory work, educates clients regarding veterinary care and procedures, and assists with surgical procedures. The technician assistant operates under the supervision of the technician team leader and the practice manager.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Communicate with clients regarding the medical status of their pet. Provide accurate information to clients concerning fees, hospital policies and procedures, etc.
- Instruct clients as to what they should do prior to bringing their pets in for procedures, how to care for their pets after discharge from the hospital, how to administer medications, etc.
- Educate clients regarding preventive medicine and vaccination requirements. Recommend laboratory procedures, such as pre-anesthetic profiles, geriatric screening, fecal evaluations, urinalysis, heartworm checks, infectious disease testing, etc. Give clients handouts and educational materials to take home to further their understanding of veterinary issues.
- Demonstrate warmth, courtesy and professionalism in all interactions with clients. Exercise compassion and care in all interactions with patients.
- Restrain animals in a safe, efficient and compassionate manner during examinations and procedures. Know how to properly handle difficult or contentious animals.
- Follow established procedures in order to assist veterinarians with examinations and facilitate the flow of clients and patients through the out-patient clinic. Consult with veterinarians on a daily basis to plan each day’s activities. Keep doctors apprised of potential problems, discussions with clients, etc.
- Review medical records and notes made by the admitting receptionist in order to discern the nature of the visit and any tests or procedures that may be needed.
- Greet clients and escort them and their pets into an exam room. Place the patient on the exam table and prepare for the doctor to enter the room. Obtain basic information (weight, temperature, etc) on the pet.
- Discuss with the client the reason for the visit (chief complaint), any symptoms or problems being experienced, and any procedures that may need to be done (i.e. vaccinations, fecal or heartworm tests, etc). Utilize a pre-exam checklist, lifestyle surgery and any other applicable client educational pieces to ensure that all medical needs are covered.
- Obtain any laboratory samples that may be needed from the pet or make sure that laboratory work is performed by another team member while the patient is still in the exam room. Utilize a fecal loop when necessary. Anticipate and prepare any medications or vaccines the doctor will need to treat the patient.
- Notify the veterinarian when patients in the exam room are ready to be seen. Advise the veterinarian of the information already known such as the nature of the visit, preventive procedures due, tests that are to be run, etc. Assist the veterinarian within the exam room by restraining the animal, preparing forms, obtaining instruments, etc. Remain in the exam room until excused by the doctor.
- Ensure all procedures rendered during the visit are documented for proper billing. Ensure that all vaccinations, procedures, notes, etc have been documented in the medical record.
- Escort the client and patient to the front desk and give the medical record and patient visit form to the receptionist for client receipting. Prepare the exam room for the next visit.
- Prepare specimens for outside laboratories. Obtain results from the laboratory over the phone or fax.
- Take, develop and maintain radiographs following proper safety procedures.
- Perform routine suture removals, nail trims, and weight checks. Apply bandages and splints under the direction of the attending veterinarian.
- Give injections, as directed by the veterinarian - intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous.
- Promote the practice’s products, programs and services. Utilize passive marketing. Make suggestions to clients about products appropriate for their pet’s condition.
- Accurately dispense prescription medications as directed by the veterinarian. Prepare prescription labels and appropriately package medications. Ensure that medications are added to the patient’s record and appropriately charged to the client.
- Follow DEA and OSHA guidelines. Document controlled drug logs anytime a controlled drug is used. Follow appropriate safety and handling of hazardous materials. Follow established hospital safety guidelines regarding radiographs, controlled drugs, animal handling, etc.
- Clean and straighten exam rooms, treatment and lab areas. Restock exam rooms with supplies as needed. Assist other team members to keep the public areas of the practice clean and well maintained. Clean and maintain all medical equipment as required.
- Demonstrate initiative and teamwork in everyday duties, assisting other team members within the practice.
- Organize work areas and exercise time management skills to maximize personal efficiency within the practice. Prioritize tasks and handle multiple tasks in a calm, organized manner.
- Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provides support with all community and client communications and interactions including Chamber of Commerce functions and community outreach initiatives.
- Contributes to team effort by providing input on best practices for accomplishing company goals and seeks constant improvement for this position.
- Willingness to assist with and perform other duties as requested.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to prioritize effectively and proactively problem-solve and have good attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Competency in computer data entry and basic recordkeeping.
- Human relations skills to deal effectively with visitors/customers in person or on the telephone.
- Demonstrated capability with organizational skills and time management.
- Good Computer skills including Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook and Excel).
- Ability to work in a team environment.
CONDITIONS OF WORK:
Active, on your feet for 8-10 hours per day and requirement to lift up to 50 lbs.
POSITION PAY:
Starting pay at $18.00 per hour. Adjustments commensurate with experience. Regular raises are considered based on time with the company, efficiency with job position, and increase in responsibilities.
Production and bonus pay consistent with company profits.
COMPANY BENEFITS (NEGOTIABLE):
Dental/Vision insurance
Employee discount/Petcare
Paid time off and sick leave
401K Plan with matching
Uniform Allowance
Life Insurance
Short Term Disability that covers maternity leave
CALL TO ACTION:
At Paws in Paradise Animal Hospital, we are not looking to be just another veterinary clinic. Animals have been an integral part of each or our lives; from dogs and cats, to pigs and cows, and even sea turtles and other marine animals. Our clients, employees, and greater community need to see, by our actions, what we are all about. In other words, the value we are proposing:
- We facilitate pet owners in getting the most out of life for their furry companions by providing the tools needed for health, happiness, and community.
- We help our team members realize their potential through connecting them with opportunities in growth, advancement, and doing what they love.
- We contribute to our community through outreach, involvement, and dedication to the future.
If this sounds like what you have been searching for within veterinary medicine, we’d love for you to be part of the team
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the essential job required, management reserves the rights to modify, add, or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary.
Job Types: Part-time, Full-time
Pay: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Paid parental leave
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Uniform allowance
- Vision insurance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
