Position: Veterinary Assistant
Brooklyn, NY
4 days / week, 10-hour shifts
$17.00 -$21.00 an hour based on experience
Join a mission-driven veterinary team helping pets in need at our brand new spay neuter and wellness clinic in the heart of Brooklyn!
50% of pet-owning households can no longer afford a basic vet visit - you will help tackle this problem directly by providing affordable pet care to more families and rescuers.
Focus on people and their pets.
You chose this calling to help animals and the people who love them. We will offer affordable spay neuter and wellness/preventative services for both cats and dogs on a sliding scale.
Be part of a mission-driven team where you are supported.
Join a growing team of passionate professionals where your input matters. Our new clinic (opening summer 2023) is designed and built from scratch so that you can focus on delivering high quality services.
Make a real difference - and still enjoy work/life balance.
Yes, you can have both! Enjoy four-day Monday through Friday work weeks with plenty of time off to recharge.
Join our team as a veterinary assistant!
Job Summary
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, providing assistance to the veterinarian and veterinary technicians during examinations, surgeries, and other procedures including routine wellness exams, preparations of medications, and general care of all animals that visit the clinic (both cats and dogs).
What You’ll Be Working On
The Veterinary Assistant position will support several key components of the clinic such as:
Patient and Client Support:
Strong adherence to established anesthetic, surgical, and cleaning protocols created by the medical director and lead veterinary technician
Provide exceptional and compassionate care for all patients, and assist the licensed veterinary technicians in their duties. This will involve caring for up to 25-35 cats and dogs per day in spay/neuter surgery OR wellness services
Follow high-quality standards and meet the standards established by the ASV (Association of Shelter Veterinarians)
Monitor vitals for patients in any phase of anesthesia, including pre-operative, operative and postoperative phases
Safely provide animal restraint for exams, treatments, injections, venipuncture, and intubation while minimizing fear and stress for all patient types
Provide support for the veterinarian throughout the work day, including client communication/answering questions
Take direction in regard to medical protocols and animal care from the veterinary technician or veterinarian
Contribute as a team member to any changes to protocols, patient care, or treatment plans
Daily operation and maintenance of surgical and anesthetic equipment - report any equipment that is not operating properly to the lead technician or veterinarian
Contribute to clinic maintenance by completing daily cleaning charts, assist with restocking, and caring for equipment and materials
Organize and maintain pre-operative area, operating room, treatment area, and exam rooms as needed to support surgery team and wellness team
Clean, sonicate, pack and sterilize surgical instruments and anesthesia equipment according to protocols
Work with co-workers to ensure the hospital is clean and disinfected while wearing appropriate PPE
Create a warm and welcoming environment for all clients
Communicate with clients in a respectful, nonjudgmental manner
Support check in/check out process while providing a comfortable environment for clients, patients, and staff. Be able to flag medical issues during intake.
Make sure patient records are correct and properly filled out
Assist with patient exams, take medical history, perform diagnostic testing, and prepare medications to go home with the client or patient
Help educate clients in a clear and respectful manner, and be able to explain basic medical concepts to clients
Other duties as assigned
Requirements/Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent
2+ years experience as a veterinary assistant in a shelter environment or high-volume spay/neuter clinic preferred, but not required
Passion for the clinic’s mission and dedication to guiding principles, including increasing access to veterinary care, battling pet overpopulation, reducing veterinary burn out/loss of professionals from the field, and providing a safe and convenient space for all pets and clients.
Excellent handling skills and comfortability around both dogs and cats, including low stress handling and restraint techniques
Strong communication skills, as well as receptivity to feedback
Flexible and willing to learn as the clinic changes and grows throughout the first few months of opening
Organized and efficient with a strong work ethic and attention to detail
Proficient with computers, able to learn required software programs
Team player who is excited to work with a small group of passionate individuals
Strong commitment to ethics and integrity
Spanish fluency preferred
Physical Requirements
Must be able to work standing or sitting for 8 or more hours
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the day with help
Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly
Schedule
4 days a week, 10 hour shifts
Monday - Friday
Location
1460 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210
In addition to being on the forefront of an exciting and meaningful new initiative at a brand new veterinary clinic, we offer:
• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications - $17.00-$21.00 an hour
• Rewarding work/life balance
• Generous PTO + holidays
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401K
We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law