Overview
Are you passionate about delivering high-quality care to animals in need? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, team-based environment? Then the Adoptions Veterinary Assistant role at the ASPCA may be right for you.
The Adoptions Veterinary Assistant (AVA) is a key member of the medical team at our Adoption Center. The AVA provides compassionate care and assists our veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians. The AVA works closely with other medical team members to facilitate the delivery of veterinary care and to communicate information regarding animals’ health status to staff, volunteers, and members of the public.
The Adoption Center provides intake, holistic care, including medical and behavioral support and outcomes, for animals in New York City that need us most. The Adoption Center team utilizes and develops best practices for providing care and innovative placement strategies for these specialized populations. All medical care is provided within the parameters of the Adoption Center’s shelter medicine protocols.
To succeed in this role, the AVA will be a highly conscientious team player dedicated to delivering quality, compassionate care and assisting the medical team and the larger adoptions team in helping animals move successfully to new homes.
Temporary Role Details
- This is a temporary, contingent position and the person hired will be employed through a third-party staffing agency.
- The schedule for this role includes, but is not limited to Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 7:00am-5:00pm EST and may be modified in the future.
- The target hiring range for this temporary role is $23-$25 per hour and may be modified in the future.
Responsibilities
Nursing Care and Veterinary Support
- Closely observe animals for signs of illness, injury, and/or poor welfare
- Document and communicate this information on monitoring sheets, in patient medical records, and/or directly to licensed personnel. This includes and is not limited to DOH exit exams, post-op rechecks, stability checks, and other observations asked of you by your manager
- Ensure accurate and timely data entry to animals’ medical records, including transfer of information from other ASPCA departments’ software systems and diagnostic test results from outside laboratories
- Prepare samples for submission to outside laboratories and follow-up as needed
- Handle and restrain animals for medical procedures utilizing the least restraint and lowest-stress techniques possible
- Feed and medicate patients following veterinarian instructions and standard operating procedures
- Participate in daily huddle discussions regarding clinical pathways, including considerations of humane euthanasia
Housekeeping and Maintenance:
- Transport animals (using low-stress techniques) and their medical records within ASPCA departments for necessary care, including but not limited to transfers to the ASPCA Animal Hospital and/or Community Medicine
- Update animals’ statuses in Adoption Center electronic medical records when necessary, including but not limited to making animals available for placement per protocol or veterinary directives
- Ensure that animals are kept in comfortable and sanitary conditions
- Ensure that exam rooms and medical staff work areas are kept clean and orderly and are stocked and ready for use
- Follow all departmental PPE and cleaning protocols
- Work in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies and requirements
- Assist in keeping supplies stocked by noting when supplies are running low; taking inventory and stocking supplies as needed
Qualifications
- Knowledge of basic animal care, handling, and disease recognition; familiarity with veterinary hospital protocols and procedures
- Demonstrates willingness to learn and effectively communicate using veterinary medical terminology.
- Ability to provide appropriate care and handling for sick, injured, fearful, fractious, and/or aggressive cats and dogs
- Low-stress animal handling and restraint skills
- Strong organizational skills and a high level of attention to detail
- Communicate with team members successfully and courteously during in-person, phone, and email conversations
- Exhibit professionalism with stressful, time-sensitive and urgent situations
- Basic computer skills, including Excel, Microsoft Office, and email; familiarity with Pet Point or other shelter software systems is preferred
- Able to lift to 40 pounds, walk, bend, stand and reach constantly throughout at least a minimum 8-hour workday
Language
- English (required)
- Spanish (preferred)
Education and Work Experience
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Minimum of 1-2 years prior animal handling/veterinary experience
- Experience working in an animal shelter preferred
- Fear Free® certified or obtained within 60 days of work beginning