Veterinary Assistant, Community Vet Hospital

Level: Experienced

Job Location: OHS Main Shelter - Portland, OR

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $17.71 - $18.09 Hourly

Veterinary Assistant, CVH

About the Oregon Humane Society

Founded in 1868, Oregon Humane Society is the Northwest's oldest and largest animal welfare organization with one of the highest adoption rates in the nation. We are working toward our vision of a world where all animals are treated with compassion, kindness and respect. With campuses in Portland and Salem, OHS is an Oregon-based nonprofit that relies on donor support for its adoption, education, medical and humane law enforcement programs. Visit oregonhumane.org to learn more about how we’re creating a More Humane Society.

The Team

Veterinary Assistants work collaboratively with the medical and operations leadership team to ensure the clinic’s overall performance in accordance with all the medical standards set forth by our executive leadership and in compliance with the OVMEB veterinary practice act.

The Position

The Veterinary Assistant is a vital member of the animal surgical and medical care team. Responsibilities include assisting with and performing patient exams, providing daily medical care to patients, providing anesthesia, laboratory, pharmacy and radiology support, preparing patients for surgery and helping to maintain the hospital at the highest level of cleanliness and order. The VA also engages with the public and OHS Shelter Staff to provide consultation and information. All OHS staff members contribute to the stewardship of the organization’s mission and expected to stay current on and understand issues related to animal welfare and OHS programs.

Essential Responsibilities

PERSONAL LEADERSHIP

• Consistently strives to exceed expectations; demonstrates flexibility, resilience, and the ability to maintain positive relationships and composure, even under difficult circumstances.
• Maintains high ethical standards, including exhibiting behaviors and actions that embrace and align to our organization and customer service values, while treating all people with respect and dignity.
• Demonstrates an awareness of your individual personal strengths and development needs, modeling non-defensive behavior and openness to feedback; builds a culture of feedback and learning.

LEARNING

• Contributes to regular dialogue and accountability with the leadership team and across the organization to review progress and course correct if necessary.
• Utilizes data and insights to identify, understand and articulate the key inputs and metrics that tell the story of the organization/team strategy and its progress.
• Builds appropriate feedback loops to measure if we are meeting key milestones and if the impact planned is being felt across the organization.

INFLUENCE & REPRESENTATION

• Communicate effectively to executive and other stakeholder groups to ensure they are informed and able to actively engage.
• Liaise with and maintain productive relationships with all stakeholders, including other departments, and donors; build mutually rewarding professional relationships inside OHS at all levels.
• Leverage our best practices externally and grow OHS’ reputation as a leader in the animal welfare space.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work daily with animals of varying size and temperament, handling individual animals in a caring and respectful manner. Provide compassionate care for patients.
• Prep and set up surgical suites, administer pre-anesthesia drugs, and ensure that all surgical and medical areas are clean and organized.
• Monitor multiple anesthetized pets for surgical and post-op. Record and report physical signs of patients before, during and after surgery.
• Enter medical notes and treatment notes in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ensure that animals with infectious diseases are handled safely and according to infectious medicine protocols.
• Clean and sanitize cages and hospital facilities, including exam rooms, treatment rooms and surgical suites.
• Monitor the Medical Consultation phone as assigned. Perform pre-adoption medical consultations and/or euthanasia consultation with the public as needed.
• Administer medications: intramuscularly, subcutaneously, topically, and orally.
• Readily adjust to change and contribute to the success of new programs, projects, and/or initiatives
• Fill prescriptions.
• Place IV catheters on a consistent basis.
• Collect blood, urine, and fecal samples. Prepare and perform in-house laboratory tests. Prepare and submit samples for external analysis.
• Perform radiological services.
• Prepare and transport patients for surgery, dentistry, radiology, and other prescribed procedures.
• Prepare patients for dismissal according to established discharge protocols.
• Receive and stock medical supply shipments. Maintain inventory and storage areas in a neat and orderly manner.
• Provide clean bedding, water and litter pans for patients. Feed and water hospitalized patients as needed.
• Assist with public education events such as presentations and in-shelter types of education.
• Participate and assist with critical and emergency response situations.
• Perform any other duty as requested by management

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

Supervises: None

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reports Directly To: Hospital Operations Supervisor

Often Engages Directly With: Animal Care, Admissions, Customer Care, Training and Behavior, Development, COPIS, People and Culture.

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

We are interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We welcome applicants who bring a diversity of identity, culture, experience, perspective and thought. We encourage you to apply, even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications described. You are also encouraged to address how your professional and lived experience, scholarship, mentorship and/or service will contribute to the Oregon Humane Society.

• Proven work experience providing direct care to animals in a veterinary medicine center or in an animal shelter environment.
• Hold or obtain Radiology Safety Certification within one year from the date of hire. Able to maintain certification throughout the course of employment.
• Available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
• Able to exercise sound judgment and maintain a professional demeanor during all interactions with the public, partner agencies, donors, staff and volunteers.
• Proficiency using the Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills - able to communicate with a diverse population in a consistently informative, respectful and professional manner.

Work Environment Conditions & Physical Requirements

This position interacts and collaborates will all levels of the organization, including OHS staff, executive team members, donors, general-public, external vendors, volunteers, and supporters. Contact and communication is carried out through face-to-face, telephone and digital interactions. Excellent customer service skills are essential to success. Communication must be clear, understandable, professional and respectful in all circumstances.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in an office and medical center/animal shelter environment.
• Travel between the two campuses may be required.
• Working at both campuses may be required.
• Animal contact and related injuries may occur.
• Noise exposure varies and sometimes includes uncontrolled barking and other animal vocalizations.
• Pace of work is active and demanding, requiring a high degree of multitasking and ability to adapt to changing priorities while managing concurrent projects/tasks to completion.
• Contact with angry or emotional people may occur.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Occasional lifting and moving of inanimate objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Occasional pushing and pulling of carted items weighing up to 100 lbs.
• Occasional moving items above shoulder level.
• Occasional use of hands and arms at or above shoulder level.
• Prolonged standing, sitting and/or stooping may occur.
• Occasional climbing and bending.
• Must be able to lift, move, restrain, guide, or manage an animal weighing up to 150 lbs. on a leash on an occasional basis.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods.
• Ability to respond and perform life saving techniques in an emergency.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and address and overcome complex challenges and barriers. We strive for a culture of integrity, respect and compassion where every member of our community contributes their perspectives and authentic selves and where everyone reaches their potential as individuals and teams. We recognize that striving for diversity, equity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Oregon Humane Society is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group.

At-Will Employment

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.

About the Oregon Humane Society

Founded in 1868, Oregon Humane Society is the Northwest's oldest and largest animal welfare organization with one of the highest adoption rates in the nation. We are working toward our vision of a world where all animals are treated with compassion, kindness and respect. With campuses in Portland and Salem, OHS is an Oregon-based nonprofit that relies on donor support for its adoption, education, medical and humane law enforcement programs. Visit oregonhumane.org to learn more about how we’re creating a More Humane Society.

The Team

Veterinary Assistants work collaboratively with the medical and operations leadership team to ensure the clinic’s overall performance in accordance with all the medical standards set forth by our executive leadership and in compliance with the OVMEB veterinary practice act.

The Position

The Veterinary Assistant is a vital member of the animal surgical and medical care team. Responsibilities include assisting with and performing patient exams, providing daily medical care to patients, providing anesthesia, laboratory, pharmacy and radiology support, preparing patients for surgery and helping to maintain the hospital at the highest level of cleanliness and order. The VA also engages with the public and OHS Shelter Staff to provide consultation and information. All OHS staff members contribute to the stewardship of the organization’s mission and expected to stay current on and understand issues related to animal welfare and OHS programs.

Essential Responsibilities

PERSONAL LEADERSHIP

• Consistently strives to exceed expectations; demonstrates flexibility, resilience, and the ability to maintain positive relationships and composure, even under difficult circumstances.
• Maintains high ethical standards, including exhibiting behaviors and actions that embrace and align to our organization and customer service values, while treating all people with respect and dignity.
• Demonstrates an awareness of your individual personal strengths and development needs, modeling non-defensive behavior and openness to feedback; builds a culture of feedback and learning.

LEARNING

• Contributes to regular dialogue and accountability with the leadership team and across the organization to review progress and course correct if necessary.
• Utilizes data and insights to identify, understand and articulate the key inputs and metrics that tell the story of the organization/team strategy and its progress.
• Builds appropriate feedback loops to measure if we are meeting key milestones and if the impact planned is being felt across the organization.

INFLUENCE & REPRESENTATION

• Communicate effectively to executive and other stakeholder groups to ensure they are informed and able to actively engage.
• Liaise with and maintain productive relationships with all stakeholders, including other departments, and donors; build mutually rewarding professional relationships inside OHS at all levels.
• Leverage our best practices externally and grow OHS’ reputation as a leader in the animal welfare space.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work daily with animals of varying size and temperament, handling individual animals in a caring and respectful manner. Provide compassionate care for patients.
• Prep and set up surgical suites, administer pre-anesthesia drugs, and ensure that all surgical and medical areas are clean and organized.
• Monitor multiple anesthetized pets for surgical and post-op. Record and report physical signs of patients before, during and after surgery.
• Enter medical notes and treatment notes in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ensure that animals with infectious diseases are handled safely and according to infectious medicine protocols.
• Clean and sanitize cages and hospital facilities, including exam rooms, treatment rooms and surgical suites.
• Monitor the Medical Consultation phone as assigned. Perform pre-adoption medical consultations and/or euthanasia consultation with the public as needed.
• Administer medications: intramuscularly, subcutaneously, topically, and orally.
• Readily adjust to change and contribute to the success of new programs, projects, and/or initiatives
• Fill prescriptions.
• Place IV catheters on a consistent basis.
• Collect blood, urine, and fecal samples. Prepare and perform in-house laboratory tests. Prepare and submit samples for external analysis.
• Perform radiological services.
• Prepare and transport patients for surgery, dentistry, radiology, and other prescribed procedures.
• Prepare patients for dismissal according to established discharge protocols.
• Receive and stock medical supply shipments. Maintain inventory and storage areas in a neat and orderly manner.
• Provide clean bedding, water and litter pans for patients. Feed and water hospitalized patients as needed.
• Assist with public education events such as presentations and in-shelter types of education.
• Participate and assist with critical and emergency response situations.
• Perform any other duty as requested by management

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

Supervises: None

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reports Directly To: Hospital Operations Supervisor

Often Engages Directly With: Animal Care, Admissions, Customer Care, Training and Behavior, Development, COPIS, People and Culture.

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

We are interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We welcome applicants who bring a diversity of identity, culture, experience, perspective and thought. We encourage you to apply, even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications described. You are also encouraged to address how your professional and lived experience, scholarship, mentorship and/or service will contribute to the Oregon Humane Society.

• Proven work experience providing direct care to animals in a veterinary medicine center or in an animal shelter environment.
• Hold or obtain Radiology Safety Certification within one year from the date of hire. Able to maintain certification throughout the course of employment.
• Available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
• Able to exercise sound judgment and maintain a professional demeanor during all interactions with the public, partner agencies, donors, staff and volunteers.
• Proficiency using the Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills - able to communicate with a diverse population in a consistently informative, respectful and professional manner.

Work Environment Conditions & Physical Requirements

This position interacts and collaborates will all levels of the organization, including OHS staff, executive team members, donors, general-public, external vendors, volunteers, and supporters. Contact and communication is carried out through face-to-face, telephone and digital interactions. Excellent customer service skills are essential to success. Communication must be clear, understandable, professional and respectful in all circumstances.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in an office and medical center/animal shelter environment.
• Travel between the two campuses may be required.
• Working at both campuses may be required.
• Animal contact and related injuries may occur.
• Noise exposure varies and sometimes includes uncontrolled barking and other animal vocalizations.
• Pace of work is active and demanding, requiring a high degree of multitasking and ability to adapt to changing priorities while managing concurrent projects/tasks to completion.
• Contact with angry or emotional people may occur.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Occasional lifting and moving of inanimate objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Occasional pushing and pulling of carted items weighing up to 100 lbs.
• Occasional moving items above shoulder level.
• Occasional use of hands and arms at or above shoulder level.
• Prolonged standing, sitting and/or stooping may occur.
• Occasional climbing and bending.
• Must be able to lift, move, restrain, guide, or manage an animal weighing up to 150 lbs. on a leash on an occasional basis.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods.
• Ability to respond and perform life saving techniques in an emergency.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and address and overcome complex challenges and barriers. We strive for a culture of integrity, respect and compassion where every member of our community contributes their perspectives and authentic selves and where everyone reaches their potential as individuals and teams. We recognize that striving for diversity, equity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Oregon Humane Society is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group.

At-Will Employment

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.