Clinic Veterinary Assistant at Animals Deserving of Proper Treatment – Naperville, Illinois

Job Title: Clinic Veterinary Assistant

Location: Naperville, Illinois

Department: Shelter

Reports To: Executive Director

FLSA Status: Full Time/Part-time, Non-exempt

Pay Range: $16.00-$19.00 per hour

About Us:

A.D.O.P.T. is a private, “no-kill,” non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has found homes for more than 30,000 pets. We provide a temporary, loving home for dogs and cats that no longer have a family of their own. The animals in our shelter have ended up here for a variety of reasons ranging from abandonment, to rescue from an abusive situation, to owner surrender because they no longer are able to take care of them. Our animals are loving, family pets who are desperately awaiting for their forever home.

A.D.O.P.T. was founded in 1989 by a group of dedicated volunteers determined to find homes for animals in need. Over the years, our objective has remained the same: to place animals into permanent, caring homes and advance the humane treatment of animals through education.

Job Purpose:

The Clinic Veterinary Assistant plays a critical role in the medical care of the animals at A.D.O.P.T. They work closely with the Shelter and/or Clinic Medicine Veterinarians to ensure that each animal receives the highest quality of care. Our Veterinary Technicians are given the opportunity for skill development and continuing education.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provides technical assistance to shelter veterinarians and communicates changes in patient condition, results of diagnostic tests and procedures, and treatment questions
• Provides quality care to pets of all life stages from neonates to seniors including emergency and intensive care as required
• Evaluates animals for disease, injuries, parasites and other possible health concerns and reports to Shelter Veterinarians
• Collects samples for and conducts laboratory tests; including fecal examinations and use of in house IDEXX blood machines, records test results as directed
• Assists Shelter Veterinarians in medical exams; involves but is not limited to restraint, microchipping, blood draws, and vaccinations
• Vaccinates and administers preventatives on intake and as needed
• Prepares medication and administers treatments as prescribed
• Places and maintains IV catheters
• Performs digital radiographs
• Maintains a disease-free or contained environment to ensure the health of the whole population
• Operates a computer, basic office equipment, medical equipment and instruments, laboratory equipment and diagnostic instruments, etc. and exercises care and safety in the use and maintenance of the equipment
• Helps to ensure that medical records are complete and accurate
• Acts as a mentor for externs and proactively utilizes volunteers
• Performs quality control of shelter technical services such as disinfection procedures, in-house diagnostic equipment
• Monitor and record vital signs of animals during procedures and treatments.
• Provide post-operative care and monitor recovery of animals.
• Educate pet owners on proper animal care, medication administration, and preventive health measures.
• Assist with the maintenance and cleanliness of the veterinary clinic and equipment.
• Collaborate with the veterinary team to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for animals and clients.
• Additional duties as assigned
• Duties and responsibilities may change, and new ones may be added, at any time with or without advanced notice.

Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certification or degree in Veterinary Technology preferred.
• Passion for animals and animal welfare
• Medical knowledge including nursing care, disease symptoms and transmission, animal restraint, blood draws, IV catheter placement, and treatment administration
• Knowledge of prescription medications, procedures, and processes
• Previous technician experience preferred
• Ability to be flexible, work independently, demonstrate sound judgment, and work in a fast paced, dynamic, collaborative team environment
• Basic computer skills

Working Conditions:

• The worker is subject to both environmental conditions: Activities occur inside and outside.
• The worker may have contact with domesticated animals.
• The worker may have contact with animal wastes, kennel cleaners and disinfectants, soiled kennels, animal bedding and dishes.
• The worker may be exposed to loud noises or exposed to zoonotic diseases.

Physical Requirements:

• Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full use of the lower extremities and back muscles
• Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Standing: Remaining upright on the feet, particularly for sustained periods of time
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another
• Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to-position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires the substantial use of the upper extremities and back muscles
• Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm as in handling.
• Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm
• Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; those activities where detailed or important spoken instructions must be conveyed to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly
• Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction, and having the ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and making fine discriminations in sound.
• Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

A.D.O.P.T. provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and strictly prohibits any type of harassment or discrimination in regards to race, religion, age, color, sex, disability status, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender expression, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and/or local laws.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of A.D.O.P.T. to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact [name and/or department, telephone, and e-mail address].

Your employment with A.D.O.P.T. is on an at-will basis, meaning either you or the Company can terminate the employment relationship, at any time, for any or no reason, and with or without cause or notice. As an at-will employee, your employment with A.D.O.P.T. is not guaranteed for any length of time.