Summary:
Overview
Join a team of experts as a Hospital Veterinary Assistant on our ASPCA Animal Hospital team to make a real impact on the vulnerable animals who need us most.
Who We Are
The ASPCA Animal Hospital (AAH) is designed to provide life-saving care and relieve suffering for animal victims of cruelty and neglect who come to us through our internal partners: ASPCA Adoption Center, Kitten Nursery, Community Medicine and Community Engagement (CE) teams; and our external partners: NYPD and other NYC organizations. Additionally, we provide subsidized care exclusively for animals whose owners are experiencing financial challenges and could not otherwise afford medical care for their pet.
What You'll Do
The Hospital Veterinary Assistant is responsible for the daily care of surgical patients and assisting the Licensed Veterinary Technicians and Veterinarians in a high-quality, high-volume emergency hospital.
Where and When You'll Work
This is a full-time, onsite position (40 hours/weekly ) at our 92nd Street location. This
position may require occasional flexibility and occasional overtime during off-hours, weekends, evening hours and possible holiday support.
What You'll Get
Compensation
The starting pay rate for this role is $24.00 hourly and falls under a collective bargaining agreement.
Benefits
Responsibilities:
Responsibility buckets are listed in general order of importance, and include but are not limited to:
Nursing Care and Client Services
Knowledge of basic veterinary medical concepts, including, but not limited to surgical procedures, surgical instruments, anesthesia, and animal handling.
Admit surgical patients as needed
Provide compassionate and quality patient care at all times.
Be proficient in animal handling and restraint for injections, venipuncture, intubation, etc.
Treat animals and clients with care and respect utilizing Fear Free guidelines.
Document and communicate and patient concerns or observed changes to LVT and/or Veterinarian
Feed and medicate patients following veterinarian and LVT instructions
Lift patients up to 40 pounds.
Housekeeping and Maintenance of surgical suites and instrumentation
Clean and disinfect surgery prep, operating rooms, and pack and prep while utilizing appropriate PPE when appropriate
Follow all departmental PPE and cleaning protocols
Follow all protocols put forth by Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Follow all written and verbally communicated departmental Standard Operating Procedures.
Take inventory and stock supplies as needed.
Assist in keeping supplies stocked by noting when supplies are running low in surgery and pack and prep areas
Make certain entire hospital including treatment, surgery, exam rooms and kennels are kept extremely clean through the day
Clean, wrap, and sterilize surgical packs by use of dishwasher and autoclave
Prep operating rooms for surgery, obtain instruments as needed for surgical procedures
Assist anesthetist with anesthesia - including induction, prepping for epidurals/local blocks, and shaving patients for surgery
Scrub patients for surgery utilizing strict aseptic technique
Run bloodwork for surgical patients as needed by LVT or veterinarian
Professionalism, Communication, and Performance
Represent ASPCA in professional and courteous manner at all times.
Provide management with regular feedback about training needs, new hires, coworkers, interns, hospital needs, etc.
Collaborate professionally with other ASPCA department managers and staff.
Support organization and departmental policies and protocols
Maintain open mind regarding changes and be willing to learn, implement, and teach new protocols.
Possess thorough knowledge of AAH daily procedures and protocols
Ensure and maintain high quality standard of care, work ethic, and performance
Work independently without supervision and as part of a team
Work efficiently and calmly under challenging conditions
Attend staff meetings and training sessions
Advise Supervisor of any conditions that are unsafe including unrecognized hazards or infractions of safety rules.
Attend surgery department meetings (which provide continuing education)
Qualifications
Able to lift up to 40 pounds
Able to work standing for 10 or more hours
Basic to advanced computer skills, including Excel, Microsoft Office and ImproMed
Knowledge of veterinary hospital protocols and procedures
Must have a high degree of integrity and accountability
Must possess strong animal handling and restraint skills
Must possess strong customer service skills, robust inter-personal communication and the ability to work in a team environment or independently
Possess a sense of humor that can balance flexibility and enthusiasm and thrives on detail
Proficiency in Impromed, preferred.
Education and Work Experience
High School Diploma (Required)
1+ years experience in the Animal Care Technician role or equivalent
1+ years veterinary hospital and/or shelter experience preferred
Experience in surgery preferred but not required
Fear Free Shelter or Fear Free Veterinary certification is required within 60 days of hire
Qualifications:
See above for qualifications details.
Language:
English (Required), SpanishEducation and Work Experience:
Bachelors, High School Diploma (Required)1 - 2 years’ experience in the Animal Care Technician role or equivalent, 1 - 3 years’ veterinary hospital and/or shelter experience preferred., Experience in surgery preferred but not required