Overview
The Dumb Friends League is hiring Veterinary Assistants! If you care about pets and their people, and have some experience in veterinary or animal care, consider joining the League’s Shelter Veterinary Services team.
As a Veterinary Assistant, you’ll work with a team of technicians, veterinarians, and other assistants in the management of critical cases, patient diagnostics, vaccinations, surgery prep and recovery, foster appointments and more! Working in partnership with teams across the League, you will help prevent and alleviate animal suffering and homelessness. The League offers a competitive wage starting at $18/hour, a four 10s schedule, and great benefits. This position is located at the League’s Leslie A. Malone Center at 2080 S. Quebec Street in Denver, Colorado.
Purpose of Position: Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians in providing medical care and treatment for animals, and exceptional customer service to patrons. This position works directly with underserved community members and their pets to provide high quality, affordable veterinary care.
Responsibilities
Assist technicians and veterinarians in the performance of medical and surgical procedures.
Consistently provide exceptional customer service effectively communicating with patrons in high stress situations.
Ensure a smooth and timely flow of office visits from check-in to discharge.
Accurately obtain patient history from clients.
Accurately weigh patients and obtain temperature, pulse, and respiration.
Accurately review discharge patient instructions with clients and distribute educational materials as recommended by doctor.
Thoroughly document conversations with patrons including all recommendations, declined recommendations or treatments.
Perform accurate data entry into hospital software system to update patron and animal records.
Utilize low stress animal handling and restraint.
Assist in patient recovery.
Clean surgical instruments and wrap for sterilization. Use autoclave properly to sterilize wrapped packs and pouches.
Properly clean, disinfect, and maintain all surgical and medical areas, including the autoclave, distiller, ultrasonic cleaner and washer/dryer.
Stock all areas of hospital as needed.
Contribute to initiatives to improve processes and procedures.
Perform euthanasia related tasks including body care.
People Care
People are the key to fulfilling our mission. Making internal and external patrons and their needs a primary focus is expected in all situations. This position interacts with and collaborates with employees at all levels of the organization. Communication occurs through face to face, telephone, and electronic interactions and may also include contact with the general public and League business partners. Communication and contact must be clear, understandable, cooperative, professional, and respectful in all circumstances. Employees are expected to actively support a positive team environment, directly address conflict, and appropriately express concerns.
Position Competencies
Accountability
Flexibility
Teamwork
Attention to Detail
Initiative
Decision Making
Results Oriented
Time Management
Work Conditions and Physical Requirements
Handle and restrain animals of various sizes, weights, and temperaments. Subject to animal bites or scratches. Work performed in high noise level areas. Exposure to cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal dander, and feces. Exposure to radiation in association with performing radiology procedures. Physical efforts require constant bending, stooping, standing, climbing stairs, and walking. Repetitive motion associated with medical and surgical care. Frequent lifting of animals and objects up to 40 pounds with reasonable accommodation.
Full Time Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, League-paid Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off (PTO), Holiday Pay, 401(k) and more!
Compensation: Starting at $18.00/hour (starting pay commensurate with market, experience, and equity)
We have compassion and care about our employees, our volunteers, and the community. In a continued effort to ensure the safety of our employees, volunteers, and community members, all Dumb Friends League employees are required to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus or have an approved medical or religious exemption. New employees will be required to provide proof to their status upon hire or have an approved medical or religious exemption. For questions, reach out to a member of the Human Resources team.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Required Qualifications
Strong interpersonal communication skills
Demonstrated success in customer service
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
Ability to work in a team environment
High attention to detail
Experience: A minimum of six months of customer service experience
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Preferred
Veterinary assistant certification
Professional experience working with animals
Working knowledge of current veterinary practices
