The ASPCA strives to maintain a COVID-free workplace. To that end, being fully vaccinated is a condition of employment for all ASPCA employees, including new hires. The ASPCA makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs that prohibit a person from being vaccinated.
Who we are:
Have you ever wondered what happens to cats and dogs whose owners are unable to afford vet care? We did. The ASPCAs 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 youll do:
The Senior Veterinary Assistant (SVA) for the Stationary South Los Angeles Clinic is a member of the medical team who assists in providing spay/neuter surgery and preventative and basic medical care (Primary Pet Care-PPC) to pet dogs and cats living with their families in Los Angeles. Services are provided at the ASPCA Stationary South Los Angeles Clinic to pets living in undeserved areas and those referred by other ASPCA Departments and agencies. The Senior Veterinary Assistant (SVA) is responsible for the daily intake and care of surgery patients in collaboration with the Veterinarian and Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). This includes animal handling, patient preparation for spay/neuter surgery, monitoring of surgical patients, client education and cleaning/disinfecting and general maintenance of medical equipment. In Primary Pet Care, the SVA is responsible for assisting the veterinarian with patient exams, perform diagnostic testing, preparing medications to go home with the patient as prescribed by the veterinarian. The Senior Veterinary Assistant reports directly to the Assistant Manager- LA Stationary Clinic but takes direction and instruction from Veterinarian and RVT regarding medical protocols and patient care.
This position is based at the ASPCA Clinic in South Los Angeles, however, the person in this position may be required to report to other locations throughout the greater LA area. The person who holds this position may be asked to train as a driver for our mobile clinic programs and have the ability to cover mobile clinic shifts.
What youll get:
- Work/life balance:
- 40-hour work week no overnights or on-call, 5 days a week, Tuesday-Saturday with some flexibility on Saturdays
- paid vacation to relax
- paid sick time to heal
- ten paid holidays to observe
- Plus – paid personal time to celebrate what and when you like
- Competitive benefits: medical, dental, and vision insurance, pre-tax dependent care and health flexible spending accounts (FSAs), 401(k) with employer-funded contributions after one year of service, employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance, veterinary license fee reimbursement, continuing education allowance, and more
- Room to grow: the ASPCA has robust professional development programs to help you grow as a technician
- Support: we are one of the largest and most impactful animal welfare organizations in the world, so you will always have a strong team to lean on and cheer you on
Responsibilities:
Job Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Medical (60%)
- Provide excellent patient care in all peri-operative phases.
- Care for up to 50-60 cats, dogs, and rabbits per day at our stationary clinic.
- Care for up to 25-35 cats and dogs in our mobile clinics.
- Safely perform animal restraint for various procedures (examples: exams, treatments, injections, venipuncture, intubation).
- Monitor vital signs of sedated and anesthetized patients in pre-operative, operative, and post-operative phases.
- Follow all written and verbally communicated departmental Standard Operating Procedures. Take direction regarding medical protocols and animal care from clinic veterinarian.
- Organize and maintain pre-operative area and operating room for patient anesthesia, surgical preparation, and sterilization. This includes stocking these areas with necessary supplies.
- Ensure anesthetic machines, pulse oximeters, scales, and other equipment are functional. When equipment is not working properly, report to Assistant Manager/Medical Staff Manager and Field Lot Coordinator.
- Clean, sonicate, pack, and sterilize surgical instruments.
- Clean and disinfect endotracheal tubes.
- Clean and disinfect kennels, transport carriers, equipment, and facility while utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Spot clean operating room, kennels, counters, and floors throughout day.
- Communicate information and medical concepts to clients.
Customer Service (30%)
- Use a non-judgmental, client-centered approach so clients feel at ease about communicating their pet care needs.
- Greet clients at Stationary South LA Clinic and/or PPC and S/N clinics and assist with intake process, including assisting clients in filling out intake and service documents; flag relevant medical history to help facilitate continuity of care.
- Communicate in effective and professional manner with public, rescue clients, fosters, and all ASPCA staff members.
- Explain information provided by the Veterinarian about an animals condition to clients.
- Actively promote spay/neuter in the community.
- Represent ASPCA in professional and courteous manner at all times.
- Provide medical information and representation to other ASPCA departments.
Other (10%)
- Adhere to all protocols put forth by Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
- Attend all staff meetings and training sessions.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Drive and safely park Mobile Clinics to and from various locations in the greater Los Angeles area.
- Operate Mobile Clinic generators.
Exemplifies the ASPCAs Core Values:
- Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals
- Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes
- Believes in Team that we are stronger together
- Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible
- Focuses on Impact , specifically making change for animals
Additional Information:
This is a full-time position, 5 days a week, 40-hour work week, Tuesday-Saturday with some flexibility on Saturdays.
All duties and responsibilities are subject to change according to the needs of the ASPCA and the Community Medicine Department.
Qualifications:
Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office, checking online calendar and email., Knowledge of basic veterinary medical concepts, including but not limited to vaccine protocols and anesthetic risks, Must be able to lift and carry 40-plus pounds repeatedly throughout day with assistance., Must be able to work standing for 8 or more hours., Must be comfortable learning to drive our 37 Mobile Clinics (Training provided by ASPCA), Must be comfortable re-prioritizing tasks and responsibilities in fast-paced, challenging environment, while maintaining positive and professional demeanor, Must have strong interest in animal welfare., Must maintain open mind regarding changes and be willing to learn, implement, and teach new protocols, Must possess ability to work efficiently and calmly under challenging conditions., Must possess ability to work independently and as part of team., Must possess excellent animal handling skills., Must possess excellent customer service skills., Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, Must provide a valid drivers license upon hire and pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating a safe driving history. As part of the driving requirements of this role, must also pass a Department of Transportation Medical Exam, Must speak English. Bilingualism (fluent in English and Spanish) preferred.
Language:
English (Required)
Education and Work Experience:
High School Diploma (Required)
1-2 plus years of veterinary medical experience
Our EEO Policy:
The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCAs standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA. Please inform the ASPCAs People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.
Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.
ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).
Please dont forget to attach your resume and cover letter to complete your application.