North Seattle Veterinary Clinic Seeks Experienced Veterinary Assistant - Full Time

Job Description

The North Seattle Veterinary team invites you to be our newest Veterinary Assistant!

We are an independent, women-owned small business serving our Seattle community for over 30 years in the Northgate area. Our goal is to practice high quality, collaborative medicine; making sure our clients feel at home and part of the decision making process in their pet's veterinary care. Our clinic and team has a wealth of experience and personality and we encourage personal growth, positivity and a healthy dose of humor. (We also supply snacks and caffeine for those tougher days!)

Our Assistants work very closely with our doctors, LVT's and clients to check in patient appointments, take patient histories and TPR's, transcribe doctor notes and observations during exam, go over estimates and medication instructions with clients, fill prescriptions, obtain lab samples, assist and restrain for procedures, run lab samples in-house and prepare samples for send-out, perform digital radiographs, clean and pack surgical instruments, assist Technicians with dental monitoring and other procedures, help maintain inventory, care for boarding pets and our beloved and goofy live-in clinic cats, perform general cleaning duties, and more!

Our office is busy and growing. Expect a fun, fast-paced challenge; to have your ideas and suggestions heard; to learn something new almost every day; to go home with the satisfaction of knowing that by nurturing the health of animals through quality medicine and open communication, we are working to support the emotional ties that bond people to their pets.

This position is full time 35 - 40 hrs/week and requires weekday shifts up to 10 hrs, rotating Saturdays, and occasional Sundays and holidays.

Qualifications

The veterinary assistant is the doctor and technician’s primary support. They assist in checking in appointments, transcribing doctor's notes during exam, client communications, restraining pets,obtaining lab samples, and test set up for the examination or diagnostic procedures. They aid the technicians in achieving greater efficiency and have a very significant role in freeing up the technicians to assist the veterinarian with medical procedures.

High school diploma or equivalent

Veterinary Assistant Certification or 1+ years experience in an Assistant position

Previous animal care background is required.

Minimum of 18 years old.

Genuinely enjoys working with animals and is able to deal with them even when they are stressed, ill or in pain.

Can stay calm and efficient during a medical crisis.

Is well-spoken and approaches his/her job duties in a mature nature and does not entertain gossip in the workplace.

Is experienced in the teamwork approach and works well with all levels of hospital team members.

Has excellent client communication and people skills.

Has excellent spelling, grammar and written communication skills; including knowledge and pronunciation of veterinary medical terminology and proficiency with typing and general computer related skills.

Can reliably fill the required schedule on time and consistently without recurring schedule conflicts.

Physical Effort:

Work requires lifting, carrying and restraining animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs). Walks or stands for extended periods or time; frequently works in a bent position.

Working conditions:

Will be exposed to stressful situations, unpleasant odors, noises, X-ray radiation and animal blood and excrement. May be exposed to bites, scratches and contagious diseases.

Can provide compassionate care to patients and clients at all times.

Can conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner with clients, staff and patients, even when stressed and/or focused on individual tasks

. Can legibly keep accurate medical records- both written and electronic- in accordance hospital policy

. Can accurately scribe information heard verbally into the patient record with accurate spelling and grammar and appropriate veterinary medical terminology.

. Can prepare, stock and maintain the exam rooms and treatment areas.

Can perform physical assessments; record observations legibly in files or computer.

Can effectively and compassionately restrain pets even when large or difficult. Knows or is willing to learn Fear-Free restraint techniques.

Can safely and effectively medicate pets under orders of Veterinarian or Technician.

Knows all common vaccines and vaccination protocols and can explain to clients.

Understands the importance of a clean and orderly facility, does not hesitate to clean or organize as part of a normal job duty. Can assist in daily kennel and cleaning maintenance (cleaning kennels and runs; laundry; sweeping, vacuuming and mopping; general hospital restocking; other cleaning)

Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees.

Can prepare estimates for procedures and discuss financial commitments with clients supporting hospital financial policies.

Can explain necessary followup and home care instructions to clients.

Can communicate with ease and professionalism with clients in person, via email and over the phone.

Can learn and use Practice management software with accuracy on a variety of technology platforms (desktop PC's tablets, etc.); to be able to acquire and submit patient and client data, maintain patient medical records, schedule appointments, update reminders, track inventory, perform basic accounting and reporting functions, and other required duties pertinent to the position.

Follows all safety rules and regulations and consistently use the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) per hospital policy.

Can properly care for all surgical materials and equipment; keep the surgery and treatment rooms properly stocked and prepared for procedures.

Can set up clinical laboratory procedures such as fecal flotation exams, heartworm tests, skin scrapings, urinalysis, ear cytology and fungal cultures, blood panels and slides; maintains accurate file of lab test results and ensures that test results are recorded in patient records.

Can effectively position for and perform radiographs per doctor's orders.

Can admit patients following hospital policy and doctors written orders.

Can discharge patients based on the veterinarian’s orders, ensuring that patients are well groomed and in a medically appropriate state for discharge.

Performs other duties as assigned by Technicians, Veterinarians or Management including assisting in other areas of the hospital.

Additional Information

Starting hourly wage is $16 - $18/hr DOE plus applicable benefits. A $500 retention bonus is available after a successful completion of 6 months work.

We offer competitive compensation along with a generous benefits package, including: medical/dental/vision and paid vacation, a company matched IRA retirement plan, personal pet care discounts and more.

Your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.