$46,000 – $50,000SeniorFull Time
Summary:
The Senior Veterinary Assistant (SVA) is a vital member of our veterinary medical team. The SVA supports two program functions - spay/neuter surgery and primary pet care - for pet cats and dogs living with their families in ASPCA service areas and animals in the care of the rescue community.
Who We Are
Have you ever wondered what happens to cats and dogs whose owners are unable to afford veterinary care? We did. The ASPCA’s Community Medicine (CM) team provides expert veterinary care to support the welfare of animals and their people through our stationary and mobile veterinary clinics, serving the most underserved communities in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. We help pet owners overcome barriers to care, bringing quality services directly to the communities that need us most and partially or fully subsidizing the cost of basic and preventive care. CM treats people and pets with dignity and respect, assisting pet owners in making informed decisions about their pets’ health and wellbeing regardless of their financial circumstances. When you come to work at the ASPCA, you join a team of over 1,000 dedicated colleagues with deep knowledge, skills, and passion for the animals we serve.
What You’ll Do
The SVA reports directly to the Medical Staff and Floor Manager and has no direct reports. Throughout the day, SVAs are responsible for client communication, assisting the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician, animal handling, preparing animals for surgery, entering medical records, and monitoring patients while they are under anesthesia. The SVA reports directly to the Medical Staff and Floor Manager and has no direct reports.
Where and When You’ll Work
This position is an on-site role and reports to the ASPCA Community Veterinary Clinic.
This is typically a Monday – Friday, 8-hour schedule with flexibility to work occasionally beyond the scheduled workday.
What You’ll Get
Compensation
Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future.
The target hiring range for this role is $23.85 - $25.29 per hour.
Benefits
At the ASPCA, you don’t have to choose between your passion and making a living. Our comprehensive benefits package helps ensure you can live a rewarding life at work and at home. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental, and optional vision coverage, as well as employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance.
Flexible time off that includes vacation time, sick and bereavement time, paid parental leave, company paid holidays, and 1 week of paid personal time that allows you even more flexibility to observe the days that mean the most to you
Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings, including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions — we match dollar for dollar up to 4% and provide an additional 4% contribution toward your future each year.
Robust professional development opportunities, including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship with industry-leading peers, internal mobility, opportunities to support in the field and so much more.
For more information on our benefits offerings, visit our website.
Responsibilities:
Responsibility buckets are listed in general order of importance. They include, but are not limited to:
Medical
Care for cats and dogs each day presenting for spay/neuter surgery up to calculated clinic capacity
Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, and for our clients by using low-stress handling techniques during various procedures (examples: exams, treatments, injections, venipuncture, intubation)
Monitor vital signs of sedated and anesthetized patients in pre-operative, operative, and post-operative phases
Assist with patient exams, take medical history, perform diagnostic testing, and prepare medications to go home with the client/patient
Take direction regarding medical protocols and animal care from the clinic veterinarian or veterinary technician
Organize and maintain pre-operative area and operating room for patient anesthesia, surgical preparation and sterilization
Ensure anesthesia machines, pulse oximeters, scales, and other equipment are functional and report equipment that is not working properly
Clean, sonicate, pack, and sterilize surgical instruments and endotracheal tubes
Work with coworkers to clean and disinfect animal areas and facility while utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment
Customer Service
Communicate with all clients in a non-judgmental, effective and professional manner
Greet clients and assist with the intake process, including assisting clients in filling out intake and service documents, flag relevant medical history
Communicate basic veterinary medical concepts to clients, including, but not limited to vaccine protocols and anesthetic risks
Explain information provided by the veterinarian about an animal’s condition to clients
Other
Enter medical information into digital databases
Represent ASPCA in a professional and courteous manner
Provide medical information and representation to other ASPCA departments
Adhere to all protocols put forth by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Follow all written and verbally communicated CM Standard Operating Procedures
Collaborate and foster good communication with ASPCA colleagues
Participate in veterinary/medical training of CM staff, ASPCA staff and veterinary and technical students by coaching, discussion, and demonstration
Attend staff meetings and training sessions
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Ability to lift and carry 40-plus pounds repeatedly throughout day with assistance
Ability to work standing for 8 or more hours
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to work efficiently and calmly under challenging conditions
Must maintain open mind regarding changes and be willing to learn, implement, and teach new protocols
Excellent animal handling skills (cats, dogs)
Strong interest in animal welfare and serving underserved communities
Ability to exemplify ASPCA’s core values and behavioral competencies
Experience using a computer and navigating software applications
Fear Free® Shelter certification is required within 60 days of hire
Education and Work Experience
High school diploma, GED or equivalent experience required
Minimum 1 year animal handling in a professional setting required
Veterinary medical experience preferred
Language
English required
Spanish highly preferred
Language:
English (Required), SpanishEducation and Work Experience:
High School Diploma, GED, or Equivalent Experience (Required)
