VETERINARY ASSISTANT
Reports To:
Director of Clinic Operations
Hours:
Monday - Thursday, 7 AM - 5 PM
Salary:
Starting at $17.50 per hour
Benefits:
Medical, Dental, and Vision plans; Paid time off; Holidays off; Retirement plan; HSA; Employee discount plan; Three-day weekends; Eligibility for public service loan forgiveness; Paid training
Who We Are
Pet Community Center is a nonprofit on a mission to strengthen the human-animal bond through accessible veterinary care and support services. We operate a high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter and vaccine clinic serving the Metro Nashville area. We also operate a Community Cat Program and a Pets for Life outreach program. Since 2011, Pet Community Center has served more than 100,000 animals.
Who Thrives on Our Team
Pet Community Center believes that people love their pets and want the best for them. We serve and share information with pet owners in a non-judgmental, respectful way. We are looking for compassionate individuals who share that belief and who are motivated by serving underserved people and their pets.
We are searching for team members who are comfortable with being responsible for the daily care of surgical or vaccine clinic patients, general cleaning, and training of others. Team members also cross-train with other positions such as Client Services Associate, and they have the opportunity to build strong skills in animal welfare services.
Is It You?
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You love animals and want to make a difference for people and their pets.
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You enjoy perfecting your skills and learning new things. You don't mind repetition and enjoy the challenge of making each day better than the last.
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Working on a team is your strength, and you enjoy working with other hardworking people.
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You enjoy a fast-paced environment that requires a high level of attention to detail and high energy.
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You tend to be curious about everything. You ask a lot of questions. You're also a problem-solver. If you see something that isn't working quite right, you find a way to fix it.
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You are an early bird and are ready to smile and help pets and people first thing in the morning.
Essential Job Functions
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Handle and track controlled substances for large volumes of surgical patients
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Efficiently premedicate, induce, and intubate surgical patients
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Monitor anesthesia with a working knowledge of abnormal parameters
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Communicate in an effective and professional manner with the public, trainees, and all staff members
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Follow written and verbally communicated departmental standard operating procedures
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Intake and release patients, including delivering instructions
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Train new staff members to utilize our patient care protocols
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Respond appropriately during an emergency situation
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Glove in sterilely and assist doctor with surgery when appropriate
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Assist doctors with exams, administer vaccinations, and draw blood for tests
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Assist pet owners in making informed decisions with knowledge of preventive products
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All other duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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Professional and Interpersonal
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Solution-focused approach to problem-solving
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Adaptability to change in a fast-moving environment
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Personal resilience in the face of adversity or difficulty
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Participate in personal and organizational learning to achieve excellence
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Embrace failure as a learning opportunity, rather than placing blame
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Medical Communication
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Learn medical concepts including vaccine protocols and anesthetic risks
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Take medical histories
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Deliver exceptional customer service using Customer Service for Social Change Protocols
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Animal Handling
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Handle 30 to 40 dogs and cats per day. This could increase as the clinic expands.
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Learn characteristics of animal behavior (i.e. identify fearful behavior)
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Use appropriate restraint techniques and safety equipment for fractious or feral animals (with training)
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Possess excellent reflexes
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Identify own limitations and be willing to ask for help
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Physical Requirements
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Can work standing or sitting for 10 or more hours
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Can lift and carry up to 50 lbs repeatedly throughout the day with help
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Can bend and kneel repeatedly
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Can work and reach on hands and knees
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Has good hearing including the ability to distinguish changes in pitch
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Has an acceptable sense of touch and smell
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Has a good range of motion in joints and back
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Can use a ladder and step stool
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Has an acceptable degree of dexterity in hands and fingers
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Has good vision including peripheral vision, fine detail, distance, and ability to focus.
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Emotional/Mental Requirements
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Respond quickly to a variety of medical situations (with training)
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Cope with loss due to either due surgical complications or euthanasia
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Ability to delegate tasks
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Potential and Prolonged Exposures
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Prolonged exposure to various aqueous solutions ie. chlorhexidine, spectra soap
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Prolonged exposure to isopropanol, hydrogen peroxide, quaternary ammonium
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cleaners and bleach
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Potential exposure to formalin solution, isoflurane gas. pressurized steam
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Potential exposure to sharps including needles and surgical blades
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Technological Requirements
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Use PC operating system, Google Drive, and Google Voice systems
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Ability to learn software systems such as time clock system, inventory system, and
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other database systems as needed
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Preferred
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One or more years experience in a veterinary clinic, hospital, or animals shelter
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Registered veterinary technician with a license to practice in Tennessee
Requirements
The schedule may require overtime or evening hours and can change on short notice.
How to Apply
Please send your resume to Kelly.S@petcommunitycenter.org. No phone calls, please.