Field Veterinary Technician

JOB SUMMARY

The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA), the first unified organization in a major urban area to provide animal welfare programs and services to the community, seeks a Field Veterinary Technician to assist the Field Veterinarians in providing medical care to sick and injured, owned pets within the DC community. HRA’s Field Veterinary Program (FVP) provides free veterinary services to members of the public via appointment or referral from Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) and/or DC Animal Control Services. This position offers a unique opportunity to work for an innovative, mission-oriented organization committed to changing the landscape of animal welfare.

The Field Services Veterinary Technician assists the Field Services Veterinarian with providing preventive and primary medical services to DC’s most underserved communities with little to no access to veterinary clinics or other essential pet resources. This new program will aid in building relationships deep within the communities we serve and help to divert the intake of animals who can be treated in a home setting with the families who love and care for them.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Appointments and Medical Care

• Assist the Field Services Veterinarian with in-home patient appointments for basic wellness procedures, including administering vaccinations, parasite treatments, and routine screenings
• Assist the Field Services Veterinarian with patient exams, including obtaining patient history, addressing client concerns, and perform indicated diagnostic testing. Prepare medications for the client/patient as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Properly restrain animals during medical exams using Fear Free methods (towel wraps, muzzles, and non-restraint using treats.)
• Inform and educate clients on animal health status, health inquiries, diseases, and proper care.
• Calculate, administer and record medications, complete controlled drug logs.
• Assist and perform at home euthanasia for patients.
• Capture diagnostic radiographs.
• Respond to emergency situations and begin first aid or CPR as needed.
• Perform nursing care such as wound care, administering medications (oral, topical, injectable), advising clients on feeding special diets, checking vital signs, and administering and monitoring IV fluid therapy.
• Fill prescriptions.
• Provide vaccinations and basic wellness care on site and in the community at subsidized free or low-cost clinics.
• Operate HRA company vehicle and effectively navigate through the city to get to scheduled appointments

Customer Service

• Communicate respectfully with clients and be able to relay important medical information about patients. Discuss examination and medical test results with pet owner to allow them to make informed choices for the medical care of their pets.
• Counsel owners about end of life and other sensitive medical care decisions.
• Provide discharge instructions for patients and oversee the dispensing of medications.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of veterinary technician and animal shelter procedures and protocols including pharmacology, restraint and handling techniques, phlebotomy, laboratory skills, triage of emergencies, general nursing care, and infectious diseases
• Ability to uphold excellent standards of care
• Ability to lead effectively and remain professional in an in-home atmosphere that can result in high stress situations and emotional decisions for clients
• Ability to be flexible, detail oriented and able to prioritize
• Ability to train, mentor and guide other staff members to their fullest potential
• Demonstrated interest in furthering knowledge level and skills of oneself and the team
• Ability to give constructive feedback
• Ability to exhibit sound judgment and handle confidential matters.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to speak, read, and write in English
• Excellent interpersonal skills with customer service orientation. Ability to communicate effectively, courteously, and professionally with a variety of individuals representing the public, board members, volunteers, donors, and employees.
• Computer literacy with proficient use of programs including Microsoft Office programs, Outlook email, internet and database management software to efficiently accomplish work
• Passion for HRA mission, for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament or species.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays as needed.
• Ability to work weekend vaccine, feline clinics, as needed.
• Possess and maintain certification for Euthanasia by injection (EBI) or obtain certification within 6 months of hire
• Possess and maintain valid driver’s license with a clean driving record

Administrative and General Requirements

• Update and maintain patient files, review care plans, and handle other administrative duties, as necessary.
• Assist with equipment maintenance and inventory management as assigned.
• Attend continuing education training as required or assigned.
• Maintain departmental procedures and protocols regarding humane care and treatment of animals.
• Maintain vehicle cleanliness and stock of medical supplies
• Follow safety guidelines, maintain a healthy and safe environment for animals and people.
• Take immediate action to address any safety concerns or noncompliance of safety rules that could put an employee, client, animal, volunteer, or organization at risk.
• Always represent HRA in a professional and courteous manner. Provide quality service to the public and employees, recognizing their individual contributions to the success of the organization.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by Field Veterinary Technician Manager or Field Veterinary Program Director.

Additional Requirements

• Proficient technical skills, including but not limited to administering medications, phlebotomy, placing IV catheters, analyzing blood and urine samples, obtain vital signs, monitor anesthesia, capture radiographs.
• Knowledge of Field Services procedures and protocols or the willingness to learn such procedures and protocols.
• Knowledge and skill in restraint and handling techniques, general animal safety practices, including recognizing animal behavior patterns.
• Ability to work effectively, both independently and in a team environment, in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures.
• Ability to be flexible, detail oriented and able to prioritize.
• Excellent interpersonal skills w/ customer service orientation. Ability to communicate effectively, courteously, professionally.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted.
• Ability to be comfortable working w/ cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish, wildlife.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activity on daily basis, including lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, standing, squatting, and bending.
• Due to nature of shelter and field work, applicant may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile, irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, sights; extreme temperatures.
• Minimum two years of experience in veterinary or animal shelter welfare

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience. Certified Veterinarian Technician preferred
• Minimum of two years working as a progressively responsible veterinary technician.
• Animal shelter experience preferred.

The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) offers a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, vision, dental and select offerings for pets. Additional information may be provided upon request.

Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing.

HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.