Dartmouth Spca Veterinary Hospital

Location- 7 Scarfe Crt, Dartmouth- Number of Positions- 1- Job Start Date- asap- Job Competition Closes- When position is filled- Job Type- Full time- Salary- $15/hr to $18/hr according to experienceThe Nova Scotia SPCA is seeking an experienced and dedicated Veterinary Assistant to join our veterinary team working in a fast-paced, high volume hospital in Dartmouth. The SPCA Veterinary Hospital prides itself on providing quality medical and surgical services to animals and their owners. This role is a hands on assisting role primarily focused on reception duties as well as medical and illness appointments working directly with clients in gathering history, assisting the DVM during the appointment and assisting with diagnostics and filling prescriptions as well as all other tasks of ensuring efficient operation of a busy veterinary practice.

**Responsibilities**
- Knowledge and experience in proper and safe patient restraint
- Advanced level customer service as this is a client-facing role.
- Knowledge and in depth understanding of medical terminology in a Veterinary setting.
- Patient and empathetic in all client interactions.
- Willingness to learn and adapt to new and changing protocols of our newly established veterinary practice.

The following duties are part of the role
- Responsible for care of hospitalized patients including keeping all wards and kennels properly cleaned and disinfected, exercising, feeding, laundry, and keeping patients clean.
- Prepare and sanitize surgery suites. Clean and maintain holding areas.
- Assures all nutritional, housing, grooming and medical needs are met on a daily basis according to approved processes. Responsible for maintaining a safe and sanitary facility for animals and people. Provides humane handling and care for all shelter animals.
- Grooming, health checks, flea treatments and administering parasite control.
- General clinic cleaning duties
- Clean exams rooms after each visit and preparing for the next client and patient. Ensure supplies are always available and adequately stocked in exam rooms and treatment room.
- Performs continual maintenance duties that include repairs and upkeep. Cleans all equipment and work areas to maintain the highest standard of cleanliness and sanitation. Follows health and safety regulations and protocols.
- Maintain accurate records for animal inventory, health, medications, treatments, procedures and behavior history
- Fills prescriptions for clients

In addition to the duties listed above, the SPCA expects the following of each employee: adheres to policies and procedures; works in a safe manner; acts as a role model within and outside the shelter; performs duties as workload necessitates; maintains a positive and respectful attitude; demonstrates exceptional customer service; communicates regularly with supervisor about issues; demonstrates efficient time management and prioritizes workload; consistently reports to work on time prepared to perform duties of the position; participates in events and on committees as needed or required; and Completes other duties as assigned.

**Required Skills**:
In addition to having the ability to travel and a valid Drivers license, the following are some of the skills required of this role:

- Time Management: work with multiple staff, managers and volunteers across the province. Ability to work under tight deadlines and pressure situations is essential.
- Decision-Making Skills: Whether it is dealing with staff, management, government agents, veterinarians or suppliers, this person will have to make decisions that affect the Society. Having the ability to make hard decisions under pressure is crucial to success.
- Speaking and Writing: strong written and oral communication skills.

***Qualifications**

***Education; A Veterinary Assistant program with several years work experience, or equivalent work experience would be an asset
- Animal welfare knowledge, Dog handling experience, volunteer relations, and computer skills are an asset.
- Ability to identify signs of animal illnesses, diseases and injuries.
- Ability to identify different medications and methods of administration.
- Ability to perform sanitation procedures and general maintenance.
- Ability to perform the SPCA’s basic medical intake process and other duties as outlined in SPCA Manuals
- Employee must demonstrate ability to work effectively with others (including co-workers, customers, volunteers and others) by sharing ideas in a constructive and positive manner; listening to and objectively considering ideas and suggestions from others; keeping commitments; keeping others informed of work progress, timetables and issues; and addressing problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical business solutions.
- Employees must demonstrate regular and consistent attendance and punctuality
- The ability to follow protocols, and be comfortable working with pediatric patients.
- Reception experience is a