Veterinary Assistant

Position:             CAC Full Service Clinic Vet Assistant

Department:         Full Service Clinic

Reports To:           Veterinary Assistant Supervisor

Location:               3180 Presidential Dr, Atlanta, GA 30340

Summary:

LifeLine Animal Project is committed to the care and welfare of pets and the people who love them.  The values we exhibit as an organization show the strength of our staff, our leadership and our community.  We expect all employees to exhibit LifeLine’s core values as we complete daily tasks, provide services to clients and care for our animals.

This position is responsible for performing a variety of duties concerned with animal health and client education.

Essential Job Functions:

This represents a list of essential job duties.  Other duties or special projects may be assigned as needed.

Uphold the standards and values of LifeLine Animal Project:

Save Lives -- Build Community -- Be Exceptional Stewards --  Be Courageous -- 

Be Compassionate -- Take Responsibility -- Respect, Embrace and Celebrate Diversity

Customer Service and Administrative Responsibilities:

• Completes all assigned tasks in a timely manner prioritizing such tasks in order of importance.   
• Provide excellent customer service to all clients and visitors while respecting, embracing, and celebrating the diversity of all individuals.
• Has sufficient knowledge of the clinics practice management software and is able to easily address any errors found with the clinic schedule to help maintain an even and consistent flow.  
• Provides fair and impartial treatment to each team mate. 
• Takes responsibility to ensure that they work in an efficient and well-organized manner.
• Alerts management of any interpersonal problems with the desk staff. 
• Organizes the work area and exercises time-management skills to maximize personal efficiency. 
• Serves as a representative of the clinic, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration, compassion, and a positive attitude in all interactions with clients, patients, and other staff members. 

Clinical Responsibilities:

• Recognizes non-routine or unusual situations and communicates them to the Clinic Supervisor, Clinic Manager, Clinic Director and/or Medical Director. 
• Exhibits exceptional stewardship by adhering to all hospital policies, standards, and procedures, including but not limited to uniforms, grooming, smoking, and personal calls, as stated in the hospital procedures manual.  
• Courageously demonstrates initiative in everyday duties by seeking other work during down times, assisting other employees, and filling in for other employees as needed.  
• Support LifeLine’s mission to save lives by preparing animals for surgery, including but not limited to giving pre surgical medications, shaving the incision site, presurgical bloodwork if deemed necessary by the doctor.
• Depending on the day's assignment, prepare all presurgical medications, assist in preparing the animal for surgery, and monitor the animal post surgery.

General Responsibilities:

• Help strengthen and build a community of animal welfare advocates by supporting and engaging the volunteers who aid the clinic teams.
• Continue education by participating in LifeLine’s 40-hour annual training requirement.
• Willingness to participate in cross training with other departments.
• Other tasks as assigned.   

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Compassion for animals and the people who love and care for them.
• Strong work ethic with the ability to work independently.
• Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity.
• Knowledge of customer service as well as general animal care principles and practices.
• Ability to stand for extended periods (8 hours a day) and to bend and reach to perform assigned work activities.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. without assistance.
• Knowledge of common cat and dog illnesses.
• Must be able to withstand unpleasant odors and noises. May be exposed to bites, scratches, animal waste, and contagious diseases. 
• Ability to perform venipuncture and IV catheter placement.
• Knowledgeable of different types of prevention (heartworm, flea, tick) and is able to assist the client in choosing the appropriate prevention for their pets.
• Ability to learn animal management software systems and accurately enter information into the software system.  
• Ability to accurately manage and record detailed information in medical records and other data-management systems. 
• Knowledge of spelling and meaning of commonly used veterinary terminology and procedures.  
• Ability to complete assigned tasks in the time allotted without direct supervision. 
• Ability to show empathy toward clients and treat animals with respect and compassion.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and a commitment to outstanding client service.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and handle challenging situations with calmness and professionalism.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple departments to ensure efficient shelter operations.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and remain composed under pressure.
• Ability to interact with impounded dogs, cats and other animals including vicious, stray, sick or injured animals.
• Ability to handle seeing and dealing with animals that have been abused, neglected or treated cruelly.  
• Ability to cope with the emotional impact of possible euthanasia cases. 
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and varying shifts based on shelter needs.
• Must have a means of travel that ensures prompt arrival for work shifts. 
• Must be able to pass a background check.

Education and/or Experience:

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent. 

One or more years’ experience in veterinary assistant/technician role preferred. 

Certification in euthanasia may be required. Valid, Georgia Drivers license may be required. Registered Veterinary Technician a plus. 

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to unpleasant kennel smells.  May have to handle dogs and cats that are stray, injured, diseased or vicious.