Veterinary Assistant

Classification: Full or part time, non-exempt

Job Relationship: Reports to Clinic Supervisor; works closely with Clinic Manager, Veterinary technicians, and Veterinarians.

Position Summary: Responsible for assisting with client and animal check-in and discharge, assisting with animal handling for exams/procedures, assisting with daily cleaning responsibilities.

Provides assistance to Community Clinic, RVT’s, and Veterinarians

• Keeps all clinic areas orderly, stocked and cleaned following disinfection protocol; responsible for maintaining sterile environment
• Cleans surgical instruments; wraps and sterilizes surgery packs
• Maintains veterinary equipment in good working condition
• Maintains laundry by cleaning, folding, and putting away to designated areas
• Required to cross-train between Clinic sub-departments
• Follows all safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment. Takes immediate action to address any safety concern or noncompliance of safety rules that could put an employee, volunteer, client, animal, or the organization at risk
• Supports the APL’s desire to celebrate a diverse and inclusive culture that fuels the compassion that connects us to one another.

Animal Care and Surgery Flow

• Assists RVTs and Veterinarians with pre-surgical preparations, including physical exams
• Safely retrieves and restrains animals for surgeries, exams, tasks, and verifies
• Assists with non-anesthesia surgical preparation (clipping/scrubbing)
• Monitors animals through post-anesthesia and recovery
• Administers non-controlled treatments (oral, topical or SQ), as directed
• Assists with capturing x-ray images
• Assists with laser therapy
• Ensures supplies are written on order list as they diminish
• Trains other staff, volunteers, or interns
• Maintains a healthy and safe environment for animals and people
• Maintains laundry throughout the day
• Updates animal records in Pet Point

Provides professional client and volunteer care

• Always represents the APL in a professional and courteous manner
• Provides quality service to customers, volunteers, and staff
• Works closely with Clinic Supervisor, Clinic Manager, RVTs and Veterinarians to provide prompt customer service and client education to ALL clients
• Provides phone calls to clients as needed
• Assists with intake in morning as needed, and discharges clients in evening
• Actively promotes the APL programs and events to clients and volunteers
• Refers clients to appropriate staff for service
• Promotes communication and cooperation between APL departments.

Performs other duties as assigned including but not limited to:

• Informs supervisor of special needs cases for potential public relations or direct mail pieces
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned; participates on special committees as needed

• Accurate typing and data entry skills
• Ability to use good judgment
• Dependable regarding schedule with the ability to be flexible to accommodate the needs of the APL
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Internal applicants currently in good standing
• Ability to thoroughly read and understand instructions
• Ability to work with animals, disinfectants, and cleaning supplies
• Ability to perform physical work: scrubbing, mopping, bending, lifting, walking, sitting and standing for up to 8 hours a day, lifting up to 50 pounds with assistance

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a variety of people
• Ability to efficiently use Google Chrome and Internet Explorer
• Ability to anticipate the needs of Veterinarians and RVTs
• Knowledge of animal breed, behavior, and handling
• Knowledge of animal health, and able to identify illness helpful
• Familiarity with veterinary medical terminology helpful
• Willing to improve upon skills routinely
• Detail oriented and able to prioritize and perform duties efficiently and effectively with an adequate amount of independence
• Committed to maintaining the Cleveland Animal Protective League’s high standard of animal care and mission to foster, compassion, and end animal suffering
• Fear Free Certified or must become certified within six months of hire

EEOC:
The Cleveland APL is an equal opportunity employer and is looking for diversity in qualified candidates for employment.