Lead Medicine Veterinary Assistant

Description Why consider joining Kitsap Humane Society?

Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? Are you looking for more than just a job and a chance to make a difference? As the Lead Medicine Veterinary Assistant (VA) with Kitsap Humane Society (KHS) you will work in collaboration with our veterinarians, LVTs, other veterinary assistants, staff and volunteers to provide high-quality shelter and community low-cost medicine, surgery, treatment and care for animals in need. We practice mindfulness at all staff meetings and work life balance is very important to us. If you are trying to remember why you got into veterinary medicine, come and work alongside staff who are still very passionate about veterinary medicine.

Who are we?

KHS is one of the leading animal welfare shelters in our Pacific Northwest region. Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome homeless animals. We are committed to upholding an open admissions policy for stray pets, while maintaining an extensive adoption program, a low euthanasia rate, and excellence in our services. With the opening of a brand new, full service veterinary clinic we provide access to care for our community neighbors who cannot afford regularly priced veterinary care. POSITION SUMMARY: We are seeking a devoted and compassionate individual to work as the KHS Lead Medicine Veterinary Assistant. The Lead Medicine VA will work in collaboration with the Shelter Medicine Veterinarian, Veterinary Operations Manager (VOM), Executive Director of Programs and Services (EDPS), additional veterinarians on staff, other KHS staff, and KHS volunteers to provide high-quality medicine, surgery, treatment, and care for public companion animals and KHS shelter animals. This position provides oversight, leadership, and day-to-day training for the shelter medicine veterinary assistant team and serves as the first point of contact and escalation for that team. This role requires a mix of administrative skills and a passion for animal husbandry and patient care. This individual will help ensure high-quality care for any animal in need. Daily tasks will include managing daily shelter operations, greeting staff and volunteers, performing diagnostics, patient care, foster/client education, inventory, and responding to internal emails. Our Lead Medicine VA must be efficient at time management and able to thrive in a high volume, fast-paced environment with multiple priorities. This position reports directly to the Veterinary Operations Manager (VOM).

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• At least 3 years' experience in animal welfare or veterinary practice is required, with 1 year of lead, senior or trainer experience preferred
• An interest in and willingness to support the mission, vision, and philosophy of KHS.
• Knowledge of animal care and handling.
• Must present in good appearance and have the ability to deal cheerfully and tactfully with the public, staff, and volunteers with a consistent positive mental attitude.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact positively with foster parents and their foster animals.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team while also being self-motivated.
• Capacity to prioritize tasks and remain organized in a fast-paced environment.
• Being able to juggle multiple tasks effectively throughout the day.
• Confidence in taking thorough history and patient vitals.
• Attention to detail and proficiency in record keeping and reporting.
• Proficiency in venipuncture, specimen collection, and in-house laboratory procedures.
• Must be skilled and able to handle conflict resolution.
• Ability to work well under pressure, efficient at multitasking, able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
• Willingness to become certified in assisting with and performing humane euthanasia.
• Ability to safely work with animals of various temperaments in a high-volume environment.
• Willingness to educate foster parents, assist with exams with fosters present in the veterinary clinic.
• Lift 50 lbs. or more.

Requirements

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (but not limited to):

• Manage the daily flow of the shelter medicine program to ensure established priorities are being met.
• Coordinate daily assignments, workflow, and break coverage as needed for the shelter medicine team in partnership with the VOM and AVOM.
• Responsible for purchase orders, inventory, and ordering of department supplies to ensure adequate stock.
• Maintain record of shelter purchases and ensure receipt of items.
• Perform routine price matching on inventoried items and adjust cost in medical systems database.
• Ensure the clinic and all equipment is well maintained and functional.
• Capable of performing upon time of hire or ability to learn skills of all Veterinary Services staff roles, to include customer service representative roles.
• Work with DSM, VOM, and Shelter Medicine Veterinarian to create protocols for increased efficiency, continuity of care, and overall workflow improvements.
• Work directly with VOM and DSM to implement and maintain staff training and onboarding for shelter medicine.
• Involvement in staff education, development of SOPs, euthanasia certification, and partnerships with other departments.
• Take lead in training new staff members/volunteers and providing support in VA duties.
• Provide support for team members and volunteers in all aspects of veterinary care.
• Take vital signs, acquire blood samples and perform diagnostics requested by medicine veterinarian.
• Direct interaction with foster parents including educating them on medical conditions and instructions for medication and follow up care.
• Perform direct care and cleaning of animals under shelter medicine care and their kennels.
• Assist clinic team with all daily duties, as time allows.

HOURS, WAGES, BENEFITS:

• Full Time with the option of 4 x 10 hours or 5 x 8 hours.
• Some weekends and holidays will be required.
• Competitive starting wage at $20.28 per hour.
• Medical/Dental/Life/Vision Insurance Coverage available the 1st of the month after 60th day of hire
• $10,000 Group Life Insurance Plan, Employee Assistance Program 100% paid by employer
• Vacation Leave Bereavement paid for family and pets
• 40 hours of vacation and sick leave your first year and
• 11 paid holidays
• Grow your family with one free pet adoption per year!