Community Medicine Veterinarian

Overview of the Job:

The Louisiana SPCA Community Clinic provides access to high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter services as well as preventative and essential veterinary care to the public in addition to managing the shelter population for both Orleans and Plaquemines Parishes. The position plays a crucial role in keeping pets and owners united throughout the course of medical treatment, with the primary focus being the care of the animal and the client, to help enhance the lives of both the pet and the person. The focus in the shelter clinic to the management of the 300 animal population. The Community Clinic veterinarian will provide services including examinations, diagnostics, treatments, minor surgery, and basic dentistry, concentrating on conditions which can be addressed with reasonable resources, and that have a high likelihood of a positive outcome.

Success Criteria & Essential Skills:

• Compassionate, with excellent problem solving and diagnostic skills, the veterinarian will provide ‘best in class’ preventive and essential medical care, as well as oversee all aspects of veterinary care at a high-volume outpatient clinic. This will include physical examinations, diagnostics, treatment recommendations and provision, providing prescriptions and discharge information;
• Working collaboratively with the shelter medical team, this position will assist when required in the physical examinations, diagnostics, treatments and recommendations for care for shelter animals;
• A critical thinker, with the agility to manage multiple demands and tasks, as this position will perform and oversee all aspects of surgical procedures amenable to being performed on an outpatient basis and refer triage cases that do not fall within the Community Clinic’s parameters of care;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, this role will converse professionally and respectfully with clients, employees, and volunteers and be able to relay important medical information in non-technical terms. This includes communicating effectively during examinations and providing medical test results in order to allow owners to make informed choices regarding the medical care of their pets; Provide discharge instructions for patients and oversee the dispensing of medications;

Success Criteria & Essential Skills (continued):

• Document all exam findings, test results and treatment recommendations in patients’ medical records, as well as follow written and verbally communicated Louisiana SPCA Standard Operating Procedures. Will also assist in writing, editing and updating medical protocols for the Community Clinic;
• Provide medical information and representation to other departments of the Louisiana SPCA, the public and various media outlets as appropriate;
• Analytical and inquisitive, the veterinarian will maintain a current professional license to practice veterinary medicine and a current DEA license. They will keep up with the latest developments in animal medicine; Attends relevant meetings, and any other requested staff or industry related meetings/ conferences;
• Maintain records for DEA regulated substances and oversee the handling of controlled substances by trained veterinary technicians;
• Participates and facilitates training sessions for employees, veterinary and technical students through demonstration, discussion and coaching methodology;
• Treats all animals humanely, properly, and with compassionately at all times, regardless of the situation or circumstance;
• Report to work in extreme weather conditions and emergencies;
• Maintain confidentiality regarding all cases and organizational information.
• Counsel owners about end of life and other sensitive medical care decisions.
• Perform humane euthanasia.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience:

• Must have Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited university and possess a current Louisiana Veterinary License.
• Must have current DEA, and Board of Pharmacy licenses.
• 2 years of experience in general small animal practice or shelter medicine preferred.
• Trained in or experienced with high volume spay/neuter surgery preferred.
• Trained and experienced in performing all aspects of dentistry procedures preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications - Skills and Knowledge:

• Team attitude and ability to maintain great working relationships with clients and staff,
• Intermediate computer and keyboard skills, including Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Interest in animal welfare and population control and serving underserved populations.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as part of team.
• Demonstrated ability to work in high-volume, fast-paced clinic environment with a diverse group of people.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screen.
• This position is considered “Essential” in emergencies and/or weather events – must have flexibility to work outside of normal operating hours.

Physical Requirements:

• Should not be allergic to animals or have nut allergies; must be able to work with all animals.
• Must be able to work with industrial strength cleaners and disinfectants.
• Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds; push and pull heavy objects; bend, twist, reach; perform strenuous physical activities including frequent walking and running, standing, bending and stooping.

Working Conditions:

• Potentially subject to animal bites and scratches
• Works in an area with high noise levels
• Working a minimum of 40 hours a week over a 7-day period including week-ends

Compensation:

• Based on experience

Benefits include but not limited to:
Health Insurance, Life Insurance, 401K match
Qualification and assistance for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
168 hours PTO and 9 paid holidays, with two additional floating holidays
Mentorship and supportive team environment