Shelter Medicine Veterinary Assistant II

Description

Job Title: Shelter Medicine Veterinary Assistant II

Department: Shelter Medicine

Reports To: Chief of Shelter Medicine

Job Type: Full-time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary Range (C1): Salary Range: $20.50 - $28.18 per hour;
Hiring Range: $20.50 - $24.50 per hour DOE

The Sacramento SPCA is a vibrant, well-established and respected non‑profit animal welfare organization. Through our nationally‑ranked high‑volume spay and neuter clinic (we are ranked as one of the top 10 clinics in the country!), successful adoption program, behavior and training programs and commitment to excellent animal care, the Sacramento SPCA is giving more than shelter and saving animals one life at a time.

While the daily duties are similar to the Registered Veterinarian Technician (RVT) the duties remain limited to non‑RVT specific job tasks regulated by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Veterinary Medical Board. This position assists the Shelter Medicine veterinarian(s) and RVTs in the primary care and treatment of shelter animals, pre‑operative and post‑operative in‑house surgery animals and follows all procedures and practices with the Sacramento SPCA’s guidelines to meet the highest standards possible.

• Examines animals under the direct or indirect supervision of the shelter veterinarian(s).
• Inputs medical records and findings into the designated medical software program.
• Takes temperature, pulse and respiration. Collects and prepares blood, urine, and feces samples.
• Performs diagnostic tests, including x‑rays, blood work, urinalysis, swabs, etc.
• Perform venipuncture and place IV catheters.
• Creates medication charts and prepares medications for shelter animals.
• Performs or assists with the euthanasia and disposal of animals in accordance with established laws and Sacramento SPCA policy.
• Under direct supervision of the shelter veterinarian(s) or RVTs, administers pharmaceuticals such as medications and vaccines by intramuscular, intravenous and subcutaneous injection, topical or enteral administration.
• Schedules and assists shelter veterinarian(s) with procedures and surgeries and recheck visits.
• Responds to calls from shelter staff when the shelter medicine veterinarian(s) is/are unavailable including injured animals, owner surrenders with health issues, reclaimed animals that need spay neuter status verified, adopters that have questions about an animal’s health status, medical consultations, etc.
• Consults with veterinarians, supervisors and the Director of Animal Services on more serious cases that require more expensive or long‑term treatment and/or euthanasia.
• Consults on disease outbreaks with veterinarians, operations, managers and supervisors.
• Assists with writing protocols, training staff on diagnostics and minor procedures.
• Follow all state, local and federal laws regarding the documentation of medical records and tracking of controlled substances.
• Attends in‑house meetings with supervisors on protocols, animal health and the organization, etc. Assists in tours, lectures, public education programs, special events and fundraising activities as needed.
• Must be punctual and maintain regular, predictable attendance.
• Must be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and all of the employer’s safety policies and rules and must be willing to report safety violations and potential safety violations to appropriate supervisory or management personnel.
• Must be able to fulfill the necessary requirements to obtain a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substances Permit.
• Must be able to maintain a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit throughout employment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Schedule spay/neuter, dental and other surgical procedures and complete appropriate paperwork for medical and surgical related activities.
• Assists in tours, lectures, public education programs, special events, and fundraising activities as needed.
• Assists in training and guiding new staff and selected volunteers.
• Willingness and ability to be shadowed by co‑workers from other departments, students…