Veterinary Assistant

VETSS is a general practice and urgent care hospital located in Charlottesville, VA. We are seeking a veterinary assistant to join our team of highly skilled and compassionate individuals.

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package including:

• Health, dental, vision
• 401k
• PTO
• Generous pet discount program
• Uniform allowance
• Flexible schedule

Responsibilities include but aren't limited to:

Patient Care

• Handle and restrain patients appropriately to minimize stress while ensuring safety of the pet and team members; understand general animal behavior and recognize the signs of fear, aggression and stress
• Assist LVTs with nursing care to hospitalized patients; document treatments; make certain the pet is in a comfortable and clean housing area with access to fresh water (unless otherwise directed by veterinarian); patient is properly identified and labeled clearly as a CPR or DNR
• Able to use in-house lab equipment; collect and prepare samples for reference lab
• Assist with technician appointments; document medical services provided; record current weight and vitals
• Dispense medications per veterinarian’s instructions
• Demonstrate compassion and patience when handling pets
• Assist veterinarians in exam rooms

Client Services

• Provide client education materials and answer questions in a professional, compassionate and respectful manner
• Ensure client concerns or questions are addressed in a timely manner; fill prescription refills (approval must be obtained from LVT or veterinarian first)
• Go over estimates and treatment plans with owners professionally and using proper veterinary terminology; answer any questions or defer to a LVT or veterinarian
• Document all client communication with sufficient details; utilizing proper grammar, spelling and veterinary terminology
• Prepare paperwork for referral hospitals or consultations
• Obtain an accurate and relevant history from clients in a timely manner
• Discharge exam room patients; going over instructions with owners thoroughly and providing print materials when needed
• Demonstrating patience and compassion during client interactions
• Enter all charges and inform the front desk when client can be checked out; help process payments when needed

General

• Ensure hospital areas such as exam rooms and treatment room are clean, organized and free of safety hazards; clean up pet accidents or fluids immediately; bring any safety concerns to the practice manager’s attention immediately
• Complete tasks on the daily, weekly and monthly checklists; keep exam rooms and treatment areas stocked with necessary supplies
• Properly use and maintain medical equipment; troubleshoot when needed
• Adhere to core values, medical protocols, and operational policies

Continuing Education

• Complete training videos or in-person sessions, skills assessments, lunch and learns, and other modules to gain comprehensive knowledge of veterinary field, patient care, and client services as it pertains to current role
• Work with lead LVT and management to set individualized goals to expand skills and knowledge

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Able to remain calm in stressful situations
• Able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time (shifts range from 9-12 hours)
• Able to lift up to 40 pounds
• Basic veterinary knowledge and terminology