Veterinarian Technician

at  Houston Humane Society

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The purpose of the Clinic Veterinary Technician is to; help provide medical services to community animals; assist with examinations, vaccinations, testing and other preventive medical care to patients; to assist the veterinarian examine and provide treatment for animals that have been scheduled for health issues or injuries; assist the surgery technicians when needed; medicate and provide prescribed treatments for shelter animals that are in the clinic and the service center; assist clients; enter medical data into AviMark; work as a team to ensure the clinic and surgery services are performed efficiently and professionally. Always perform your duties in a professional and respectful manner to ensure that a positive image of the Houston Humane Society is maintained

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Set up the examination area and the examination rooms for the day.
• Set up the cart so that supplies are easily accessed when needed.
• Pull vaccinations e.g. Rabies, and fill enough syringes for the day.
• See patients in order of arrival and appointment.
• Document weight and temperature.
• Assist the veterinarian with the examination of the animal.
• Perform services requested by client.
• Perform any tests requested by the client.
• Ensure that all medical services, diagnosis, needed treatments are correctly entered into AviMark.
• Speak with the client about the services that were performed, any test results and instructions from the veterinarian.
• Answer any questions the client may have or refer questions to the veterinarian.
• Make sure the exam table is cleaned in between each animal. Sweep the floor and make sure the area or room is cleaned before the next animal is brought in.
• After the clinic is closed, make sure all animals needing medical care in the clinic and service area, are medicated.
• Record medication and date on the Medical Records.
• Check with the veterinarian if any animal is not responding to the medication or health is not improving.
• If the veterinarian is gone for the day, make sure the animal is examined the next day.
• If the animal is in critical condition and may not make it through the night, notify a manager to determine if the animal should be euthanized.
• At the end of the day, clean the examination area and rooms. Make sure the tables, counters, floor, equipment, supplies are cleaned.
• Ensure that all supplies and equipment are stored in the appropriate places.
• Ensure that all medications, vaccinations, tests, products, and drugs are secured.
• Assist in other areas of the shelter as needed (surgery, intake) to help streamline the process and improve animal welfare.
• Responsible for any additional duties which may arise throughout the day to ensure efficient operation of the clinic and that the needs of the animals and clients are met.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

• Must have a High School Education or GED with a Veterinary Assistant (or higher) Certification. A minimum of one year on the job training in a veterinary clinic environment and performing veterinary technician responsibilities can be considered.
• Fluently speak, read and write English with some basic computer entry skills required.
• Able to perform the necessary medical tasks required to work as a technician in the clinic. This includes, but not limited to; examine and assess an animal’s health; perform blood draws; read heartworm and other tests; administer vaccinations; prepare medications prescribed by the veterinarian; communicate with clients about their pet’s health and any instructions they need to be aware of.
• Able to assist other technicians and veterinarians when needed.
• Able to safely restrain animals during examinations and medical procedures. Ability to lift patients and carry equipment up to 30 lbs without assistance.
• Able to endure long hours of standing and walking on hard surfaces; extended periods of bending and lifting.
• Able to work and handle stress in noisy, fast paced conditions.
• Commitment to the values and goals of the Houston Humane Society.
• Proficient in managing multiple tasks, organizing data, and keeping detailed records, with strong time management capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for effective report preparation, correspondence, and engagement with both staff and the public.
• Acknowledgment and respect for organizational structures and reporting lines, including appropriate escalation of issues
• Maintains a constructive outlook, managing multiple responsibilities in a busy setting.
• Strict protection of organizational information, ensuring privacy in all internal communications.
• Demonstrated ability to swiftly address issues and proactively engage in projects and tasks.
• Ability to collaborate effectively, supporting co-workers and contributing to a team-oriented environment.
• Flexible and adaptable, ready to adjust to changes in priorities and job duties in a dynamic setting
• Professional representation of the Houston Humane Society in all dealings with the public, partners, and within the organization.
• Willing to handle sick, diseased, aggressive and fearful animals in a safe and humane manner.
• Support the mission and purpose of the Houston Humane Society Clinic which is to provide affordable medical services to the animals in our community and to maintain our image as a professional and caring organization.

• Set up the examination area and the examination rooms for the day.
• Set up the cart so that supplies are easily accessed when needed.
• Pull vaccinations e.g. Rabies, and fill enough syringes for the day.
• See patients in order of arrival and appointment.
• Document weight and temperature.
• Assist the veterinarian with the examination of the animal.
• Perform services requested by client.
• Perform any tests requested by the client.
• Ensure that all medical services, diagnosis, needed treatments are correctly entered into AviMark.
• Speak with the client about the services that were performed, any test results and instructions from the veterinarian.
• Answer any questions the client may have or refer questions to the veterinarian.
• Make sure the exam table is cleaned in between each animal. Sweep the floor and make sure the area or room is cleaned before the next animal is brought in.
• After the clinic is closed, make sure all animals needing medical care in the clinic and service area, are medicated.
• Record medication and date on the Medical Records.
• Check with the veterinarian if any animal is not responding to the medication or health is not improving.
• If the veterinarian is gone for the day, make sure the animal is examined the next day.
• If the animal is in critical condition and may not make it through the night, notify a manager to determine if the animal should be euthanized.
• At the end of the day, clean the examination area and rooms. Make sure the tables, counters, floor, equipment, supplies are cleaned.
• Ensure that all supplies and equipment are stored in the appropriate places.
• Ensure that all medications, vaccinations, tests, products, and drugs are secured.
• Assist in other areas of the shelter as needed (surgery, intake) to help streamline the process and improve animal welfare.
• Responsible for any additional duties which may arise throughout the day to ensure efficient operation of the clinic and that the needs of the animals and clients are met