Veterinary Assistant - Veterinary Clinic

We are growing! Join our compassionate and dedicated team as a Vet Assistant and embark on a rewarding journey of veterinary care within our two clinics in St. Paul and Golden Valley. Our clinics provide high quality care with affordable standard fees and additional discounts based on income. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to support both animals and the community that surrounds us. You’ll provide animals with essential support and treatment, and engage with our clients to ensure the best service. We are also passionate about developing our Vet Assistant's abilities by providing advanced skills training and career advancement for those interested! Intrigued? Continue reading below to learn more about this vital role.

Pay: $17/hour

Benefits:  

·         Health, dental, vision insurance and more! 

·         15+ days of paid time off for a full year 

·         4 floating holidays (# of days is per year based on start date) 

·         401K

Schedule: Full Time - 40 or 32 hours/week

• 40 hours/week: Schedule would be either Monday through Friday or Tuesday through Saturday. Five 8-hour shifts per week.
• 32 hours/week: Schedule is flexible between Monday - Saturdays with four 8-hour shifts per week. Example schedules could be Monday - Thursday or Wednesday - Saturday.
• Hours of operations are 7:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Saturday

Location: St. Paul and Golden Valley, MN (will have majority of shifts at one location with occasional at the other location)

Application Requirements: Please include current resume

Interview Process: Two 30-minute virtual interviews - one with a recruiter, one with the hiring managers

Job Summary 

The Veterinary Assistant is responsible for assisting with the care, examination, evaluation, and treatment of animals in accordance with established policies and under the direction of veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

Essential Functions

Veterinary Care:

• Obtain and record case history, weight, temperature and other details.
• Handle and restrain animals during examinations and medical procedures.
• Monitor changes in animals' conditions while at the facility. 
• Assist in collecting blood, urine, and fecal samples and perform and/or send out laboratory tests, such as urinalysis, ear cytology, fecal analysis, and blood analysis.
• Administer medications, vaccinations, fluids, and injections.
• Assist in preparing animals for surgeries and assist with surgical tasks such as monitoring the animal’s vitals, anesthesia, and recovery.
• Clean and sterilize equipment/instruments and treatment areas.
• Take x-rays and assist with ultrasounds, echo cardiograms, and other diagnostic procedures.
• Trim nails, place microchips, and perform other routine procedures.
• Fill prescriptions and ensure all controlled substances are recorded and used in accordance with DEA regulations.

Client Communications and Service:

• Greet clients as they arrive for scheduled appointments and obtain patient histories. 
• Check in clients for surgical procedures.
• Enter charges, create estimates, and maintain an accurate medical record.
• Discuss medical recommendations and estimates with clients.
• Provide clients with after care instructions and how to administer medications at home.
• Educate clients on different disease processes, medications, wellness recommendations, treatment plans, and other topics pertaining to their pets’ care so they can make informed decisions.
• Ensure appointments are completed in a timely manner and keep exam rooms clean, stocked, and presentable.
• Assist with client emails and phone calls regarding their pet’s care.

Communication and Culture:

• Communicate in a positive and professional manner with customers, other employees, and volunteers.
• Promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion to make AHS a more welcoming environment for employees, volunteers, customers, and the community.

Technology:

• Accurately maintain and update animal records in Evet.
• Utilize and maintain a variety of medical equipment.
• Manage and view work schedule in Makeshift.
• Clock in and out of shifts using ADP.
• Monitor AHS email and other messaging software.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Information Regarding Schedule and Attendance

• Required to be on time to scheduled shifts during operational hours which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Attend and participate in regular team meetings and one-on-one meetings with direct leader.
• May be required to work at a different site based on department needs.
• May be required to attend occasional off-site meetings and events.

Work Environment

• Environment can be dirty, wet, warm, and humid.
• Exposure to zoonotic diseases and pests such as fleas and ticks.
• Possibility of being bitten or scratched.
• Exposure to unpleasant odors, chemicals, and noises, including barking.
• May be exposed to extreme weather conditions including but not limited to cold, heat, rain, and snow when outside.

Requirements

Experience:

• Animal handling experience preferred.

Skills:

• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail, multi-tasking and time-management skills.
• Proficient with computers, specifically a working knowledge of Microsoft products.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. unassisted and 100+ lbs. assisted.
• Prolonged periods of standing and walking.

Emotional Demands:

• Must be comfortable with the emotional aspect of work in the veterinary field and be emotionally resilient.
• Must be comfortable handling a variety of animals with a wide range of behavioral and medical needs, including the use of humane euthanasia.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

About AHS 

Every year, Animal Humane Society provides direct care and services to help nearly 100,000 animals in need across Minnesota. 

As one of the nation's leading animal welfare organizations, AHS is transforming the way shelters care for animals and engage their communities. From innovative medical and behavior programs to investments in outreach and advocacy, we’re advancing animal welfare and creating a more humane world for animals everywhere. 

Why Work Here 

• Make a difference in the lives of animals and people 
• Join a team of coworkers who love animals as much as you do 
• Work-life balance 
• Unique animal adoption benefits and discounts on veterinary clinic services, pet supplies, and animal training classes  
• Health insurance coverage for full time staff includes the following: medical, dental, vision, health savings account, flexible spending account for health care expenses and dependent care, voluntary accident insurance, and employee ­paid supplemental life, accidental death & dismemberment and long term disability insurance. 
• Employer paid benefits for full time staff includes the following: basic life insurance, basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short-term disability 
• Mental Health and Counseling Support:  All employees have access to our Employee Assistance Program with 3 free counseling sessions per year 
• 401k for part time and full time staff 
• Nine paid holidays for full time staff 
• Paid floating holidays for part time and full time staff (up to 4 days per year based on start date) 
• Paid time off for part time and full time staff (amount is based on hours worked and full time/part time status) 
• Paid parent leave for full time staff