Veterinary Transport and Assistant at LYNCHBURG HUMANE SOCIETY – Evington, Virginia

Transport:

• Ensures complete and accurate records exist for all patients, including rabies certificates/tags and go-home paperwork/meds
• Drives transport runs, ensuring arrival and departure times are on schedule
• Supervises and helps with the loading and unloading of patients from transport vehicles
• Able to recognize non-surgical candidates, reschedule based on illness and behavior, and adhere to the disease control protocols established by the Veterinarian/Vet in Charge
• Ensures patients are safely secured in transport vehicles
• Ensures proper paperwork is transported on both intake and return runs
• Able to handle sensitive financial information and/or transport cash when necessary
• Able to relay basic medical information to transport partners and owners upon intake or release of patients
• Responsible for cleaning and maintenance of transport vehicles on a regular schedule

Kennel Assistant:

• Cleaning of kennel areas and garage of clinic
• Laundry

Veterinary Technician Assistant:

• Responsible for preparing patients for surgery, observing all clinic procedures, and enforcing sterility and safety of patients
• General duties in the operating room during surgery, assisting with the movement of patients, recovery of patients, and general flow
• Able to monitor anesthesia, with a clear idea of abnormal conditions
• Able to respond appropriately during an emergency, able to take directions from a veterinarian and/or licensed veterinary technician, and maintain competency in CPR procedures

Client Interaction:

• Maintains the good reputation of Lynchburg Humane and South Central Spay Neuter Clinic in the community by communicating and acting in a reliable, friendly, and professional manner.
• Knowledge and ability to intake and release patients, including delivering post-operative instructions in a competent and friendly manner
• Know basic veterinary medical concepts

Compliance:

• Follow all written and verbally communicated departmental standard operating procedures
• Ensure prompt and accurate paperwork procedures are followed each day

Other:

• Train veterinary assistants, new staff members, and trainees as assigned to utilize our patient care protocols
• Able to work full days as a pack/prep/mat assistant as assigned
• Cleaning and general maintenance of the facility as needed
• All other duties as assigned

Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities:

Must have and maintain a valid VA Driver’s License and a clean driving record.

Client Education

• Must be able to learn basic veterinary medical concepts, including but not limited to vaccine protocols and anesthetic risks
• Must also be able to communicate basic veterinary concepts to owners and be able to repeat information relayed by a veterinarian
• Will be asked to communicate with the public on a daily basis in a professional manner

Animal Handling

• Must be able to learn characteristics of animal behavior (for example: be able to identify aggressive or fearful behavior)
• Must be able to use appropriate safety equipment for fractious or feral animals
• Must possess excellent reflexes
• Able to identify own limitations and be willing to ask for help
• Must become proficient at animal restraint for various procedures
• Become “Fear Free Certified"

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work standing or sitting for 8 or more hours
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the day with help
• Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly
• Must be able to see fine detail in a variety of situations
• Must have a good range of motion in your back; for instance, twisting
• Must be able to work in potentially extreme environmental temperatures
• Must have an acceptable sense of balance
• Must be able to work and reach on hands and knees
• Must be able to use a ladder and or step stool
• Must possess excellent hand-eye coordination

Emotional/Mental Requirements:

• Must be able to work under stressful conditions and work efficiently and effectively under those conditions
• Must be able to respond quickly to a variety of medical situations (with training)
• Must be able to cope with death either due to surgical complication or euthanasia
• Ability to rapidly and accurately process information
• Ability to delegate tasks
• Ability to recognize a need for assistance and ask for help
• Ability to control instinct (for example: while restraining it is most often required to tighten grip and NOT release the animal when they begin to struggle)
• Ability to make decisions
• Ability to cope with frustrating situations and remain calm

Potential and Prolonged Exposures:

• Prolonged exposure to various aqueous and chemical solutions
• Prolonged exposure to isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide
• Potential exposure to formalin solution
• Potential/Prolonged exposure to isoflurane gas
• Prolonged exposure to quaternary ammonium cleaners and bleach
• Prolonged exposure to pressurized steam
• Potential exposure to sharps including needles and surgical blades