Adoption Veterinary Assistant

If you are passionate about delivering high-quality care to animals in need, and you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic and complex environment, the position of Adoptions Veterinary Assistant at the ASPCA may be for you. The Adoptions Veterinary Assistant (AVA) is a key member of the medical team at our Adoption Center which provides care for the approximately 3,000 dogs and cats annually. The AVA provides compassionate care and assists veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians with examinations, treatments, and monitoring of all cats and dogs utilizing low-stress handling guidelines and shelter medicine best practices, and following all ASPCA policies and protocols. The AVA ensures animals’ physical and behavioral needs are met, providing compassionate animal care that includes husbandry tasks, observation and reporting of signs of illness or injury, record-keeping and data entry, low-stress animal handling, and preparation and administration of a variety of medications. The AVA works closely with other medical team members to facilitate the delivery of veterinary care and to communicate information regarding animals’ health status to staff, volunteers, and members of the public. The Center currently provides shelter and adoption for five groups of animals:

• Animal victims of cruelty and neglect brought to us by the NYPD
• At-risk animals brought to us through our community engagement team
• At-risk underage kittens and other medically-compromised stray animals
• Animals surrendered by their owners and in need of adoption into new homes and
• Animals transferred in from shelter/rescue partners

All medical care is provided within the parameters of the Adoption Center’s shelter medicine protocols and aligned with ASPCA One Fund guidelines. To succeed in this role, the AVA will be a highly conscientious team player dedicated to delivering quality, compassionate care and assisting the medical team and the larger adoptions team in helping animals move successfully to new homes.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Nursing Care and Veterinary Support (60%)

• Utilize knowledge of veterinary medical concepts and terminology to provide compassionate and quality patient care at all times using low-stress handling techniques
• Closely observe animals for signs of illness, injury, and/or poor welfare. Document and communicate this information on monitoring sheets, in patient medical records, and/or directly to colleagues
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry to animals’ medical records, including transfer of information from other ASPCA departments’ software systems and diagnostic test results from outside laboratories
• Prepare samples for submission to outside laboratories and follow-up as needed
• Treat animals, colleagues and volunteers with care and respect
• Handle and restrain animals for medical procedures utilizing the least-restraint and lowest-stress techniques possible
• Maintain an efficient flow of animals through the shelter
• Feed and medicate patients following veterinarian instructions and standard operating procedures
• Assist with and/or perform humane euthanasia under the supervision of staff veterinarians
• Assist in the preparation of health certificates and copying of medical records
• Identify animals in need of grooming, including but not limited to those animals who are matted or whose coats are soiled; request or complete bathing and grooming procedures as needed
• Transport animals (using low-stress techniques) and their medical records within ASPCA departments for necessary care, including but not limited to transfers to the ASPCA Animal Hospital and/or Community Medicine
• Update animals statuses in Adoption Center electronic medical records when necessary, including but not limited to making animals available for placement per protocol or veterinary directives
• Competently and compassionately explain information veterinarians have documented about an animal’s condition to other Adoption Center staff members, volunteers, foster caregivers, and adopters with easily understood language; create Adoption and Foster Medical Discharges under the direction of veterinarians or licensed veterinary technicians
• Be an active member of the Medical Team on daily Medical-Behavior-Sheltering rounds (MBS) and in staff meetings and trainings
• Learn and follow Adoption Center philosophy, procedures and protocols

Housekeeping and Maintenance (40%)

• Ensure that animals are kept in comfortable and sanitary conditions
• Ensure that exam rooms and medical staff work areas are kept clean and orderly and are stocked and ready for use
• Make certain the entire Adoption Center is kept extremely clean through the day
• Clean and disinfect kennels, equipment, and facility while utilizing appropriate PPE
• Follow all departmental PPE and cleaning protocols
• Work in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies and requirements
• Assist in keeping supplies stocked by noting when supplies are running low; taking inventory and stocking supplies as needed
• Advise Supervisor of any conditions that are unsafe including unrecognized hazards or infractions of safety rules
• Other tasks as assigned by supervisor

Exemplifies the ASPCA’s Core Values:

• Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals o
• Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes o Believes in
• Team – that we are stronger together
• Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible
• Focuses on Impact , specifically making change for animals

Qualifications:

Able to lift up to 40 pounds, walk, bend, stand and reach constantly throughout at least a minimum 8 hour work day, Able to maintain open mind regarding changes and be willing to learn, implement, and teach new protocols, Able to provide appropriate care and handling for sick, injured, fearful, fractious, and/or aggressive cats and dogs, Able to understand and communicate using veterinary medical terminology, Basic computer skills, including Excel, Microsoft Office, and email; familiarity with PetPoint or other shelter software systems a plus., Communicate with team members successfully and courteously during in-person, phone, and email conversations, Ensure and maintain high quality standard of care, work ethic, and performance; work independently without supervision and as part of a team, Excellent low-stress animal handling and restraint skills, Exhibit professionalism with stressful, time-sensitive and urgent situations, Knowledge of basic animal care, handling, and disease recognition; familiarity with veterinary hospital protocols and procedures, Must have excellent customer service skills, Possess critical thinking and multi-tasking skills; able to quickly adjust focus and shift priorities based on patient and Adoption Center needs., Strong organizational skills and a high level of attention to detail, Work efficiently and calmly under challenging conditions; demonstrate flexibility with work assignments and unique tasks

Language:

English (Required), Spanish

Education and Work Experience:

High School Diploma (Required)

Animal Handling Experience, Experience working in an animal shelter preferred, Fear Free certified or obtained within 60 days of employment

Our EEO Policy:

The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA’s standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA. Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).

Please don’t forget to attach your resume and cover letter to complete your application.