Veterinary Assistant (Full-Time)

Reports to Hospital Manager

The Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Richmond Virginia. As a leader in the field of animal welfare we are cultivating a community committed to saving protecting and enriching animal lives with a mission to provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community. Annually we rescue rehabilitate and find homes for about 4000 homeless animals while also providing our region with vital safety net programs designed to keep thousands of pets in loving homes and out of shelters. Our values of collaboration creativity honesty inclusion and respect guide not only what we do but how we do it.

The Richmond SPCAs Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital is a full-service low-cost hospital with a mission to provide quality accessible care to our community. On our hospital team veterinary assistants perform basic diagnostic and treatment tasks communicate with pet guardians during appointments keep workspaces clean assist with surgical prep and recovery of pet patients and provide support to our licensed Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and Licensed Veterinary Technicians.

Essential Functions

• Perform basic diagnostic and treatment tasks related to patient care after appropriate training period (ear cleaning administration of vaccines basic rapid testing etc.)
• Communicate effectively and compassionately with pet guardians during appointments include delivering education and counseling and relay appropriate information to licensed staff
• Handling (leash-walking lifting and carrying) and medical restraint of dog and cat patients; placing and securing dogs and cats in carriers/kennels
• Provide support to licensed Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and Licensed Veterinary Technicians
• Assist with high-volume surgery via surgical prep and recovery of dogs and cats
• Perform clerical work data entry into patient charts and invoicing promptly and accurately as needed
• Recognize abnormalities necessitating attention related to patient care (basic VITAL signs triage protocols etc.)
• Follow established operational protocols patient care standards safety guidelines equipment handling procedures and documentation requirements to ensure consistent efficient and compliant hospital operations
• Maintain client confidentiality
• Clean workspaces exam rooms kennels and surgical areas including sweeping dusting mopping emptying trash restocking supplies
• Participate in required trainings and meetings
• Other related duties as assigned

Qualifications Skills and Expectations

• Alignment with the Richmond SPCAs mission to achieve and sustain a no-kill community including promoting pet adoption and spaying/neutering
• Effective professional and empathetic customer service skills and communication (written and verbal) with the public volunteers and all Richmond SPCA employees
• Attitude that contributes to a welcoming accessible compassionate and respectful atmosphere
• Commitment to the wellbeing of pet patients and clients
• Basic medical knowledge or capacity to learn basic medical terminology and procedures
• Ability to multi-task follow directions (written and verbal) adapt and accommodate changing demands productively
• Ability to respond appropriately during an emergency and to take direction from licensed veterinary staff and/or management
• Ability to provide productive feedback to management
• Strong work ethic reliability punctuality
• Resourcefulness and ability to work independently in a mature professional and productive capacity
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to recognize a need for assistance and ask for help
• Strong time management and prioritization skills
• Computer skills and ability to learn new computer systems; knowledge of DaySmart Vet a plus
• Experience working in the veterinary field preferred but not required
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred but not required

• Comfort handling or learning to handle dogs and including fearful or fractious patients
• Weekday availability; early morning and evening availability required (no nights or holidays)
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have reliable transportation including during inclement weather

Physical Job Requirements

• Able to work with animals (including those who are sick or injured or who have behavior challenges) and around loud noises cat litter animal waste allergens (pet dander peanut butter) various chemicals and disinfectants
• Able to routinely lift 50 pounds
• Able to push/pull a large cart
• Able to bend kneel stoop use stairs and use your arms in a repetitive manner
• Able to physically restrain a dog weighing up to 50 pounds
• Able to be on your feet for a 10-hour shift
• Willing to work in all weather conditions
• Have physical strength to perform cleaning duties effectively and efficiently

Work Environment

• Supportive collaborative team environment that encourages and celebrates creativity and resourcefulness
• High-volume fast-paced environment
• Potential for animal bites and scratches and zoonotic disease (transmitted from animals to people)

Richmond SPCA employees are eligible to become clients of our low-cost full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital and have access to an Employee Assistance Program. Employees who average 15 hours per week are eligible for voluntary (employee-paid) benefits including accident insurance hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance. Employees who average 20 hours a week can participate in our 401(k) retirement plan and have access to paid wellness leave.

Full-time employees are eligible for insurance benefits including medical dental and vision life insurance short-term and long-term disability and paid personal leave.

The Richmond SPCA is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.