Veterinary Assistant II, CVH

## Description

About Oregon Humane

Founded in 1868, Oregon Humane 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, Oregon Humane is an Oregon-based nonprofit that relies on donor support for its adoption, education, medical and humane law enforcement programs. Visit [<oregonhumane.org>](http://www.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 (VA) is a vital member of the Community Veterinary Hospital care team. Responsibilities include assisting with and performing patient exams, providing daily medical care to patients in the hospital facility, providing anesthesia, laboratory, pharmacy and radiology support, preparing patients for surgery and helping to maintain the hospital facility at the highest level of cleanliness and order. The VA also engages with the public to provide consultation and information. All Oregon Humane staff members contribute to the stewardship of the organization’s mission and are expected to stay current on and understand issues related to animal welfare and Oregon Humane programs.

Eligible Benefits

We are committed to creating a better future for pets, and we work hard to achieve our goals while offering a rewarding workplace including competitive benefit packages to our employees.

• Medical/Dental/Vision
• Paid Time Off + Sick Time + Holidays
• 401(k) with employer match
• Professional Development Opportunities
• One free Oregon Humane adoption/ year
• Perks & Discounts

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 Oregon Humane at all levels.
• Leverage our best practices externally and grow Oregon Humane's reputation as a leader in the animal welfare space.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work daily with animals of varying size and temperament. Handle 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.
• Perform the circulator role for surgical and dental procedures. Record and report physical signs of patients before, during, and after surgery. Enter medical notes and treatment notes into medical records in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ensure that animals with infectious diseases are handled safely 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 as needed.
• Administer medications, 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.
• Monitor and collect blood, urine, and fecal samples. Prepare and run laboratory tests and in-house blood work. Prepare and send lab and blood samples for external analysis.
• Perform radiological services.
• Prepare and transport patients for surgery, dentistry, radiology, and other prescribed procedures.
• Take incoming patients to appropriate areas. 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.
• Perform any other duty as requested by management
• Participate and assist with critical and emergency response situations.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

Supervises: **None**

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reports Directly To: **Nursing Manager**
Often Engages Directly With: **Medical Staff**
## Qualifications

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 Oregon Humane.

• High school graduate or GED equivalent.
• 2-5 years related 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.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to communicate with a diverse population in a consistently informative, respectful and professional manner.
• Able to maintain a professional, calm demeanor and exercise sound judgment during times of high workload, rapid pace, and emotionally charged situations with staff, volunteers, and/or the public.
• Knowledge and experience working with a wide variety of dog and cat breeds.
• Intermediate experience with computer hardware and software programs.
• Available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed..

Work Environment Conditions & Physical Requirements

This position interacts and collaborates will all levels of the organization, including Oregon Humane's 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.
• Occasional weekend and evening work may be required.