Description:

Job Summary: In collaboration with the Director of Veterinary and Foster Care and the Manager of Veterinary and Foster Care, the Specialist will assist with monitoring the health of all the animals in the care of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) and will be expected to assist with animal intake exams, collect blood/urine/fecal samples, administer medication and treatments, become certified to perform euthanasia, and will be jointly responsible for the administering of medications and treatments prescribed by the Shelter Veterinarian.

The Specialist will work closely with partner Foster Coordinator so that there is coverage for the Foster Department every day of the week, ensuring that animals (including neonates, injured/sick animals and animals with behavior issues) who need more care than can be provided within the shelter are placed in appropriate foster homes in a timely manner.

Additionally, when foster duties allow, the Specialist will assist the Shelter Veterinarian and Surgical Veterinary Technician with pre and post surgical duties, and may occasionally assist with surgical monitoring tasks.

WORK SCHEDULE: 10 hours per day, Wednesday thru Saturday

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

This position is supervised by: Veterinary and Foster Care Manager

The following position identified report to this position: Foster volunteers

Requirements:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB INCLUDE:

Veterinary Care:

Perform a walk-through each day to check on all animals in the shelter and with direction from the Director of Veterinary and Foster Care, follow up on any medical concerns identified during walk through and/or by staff/volunteers;
Working with the Veterinary and Foster Care Manager and Coordinator, ensure animals are medicated as prescribed by the shelter veterinarian and start medications when appropriate using in-shelter drug protocol;
Support the veterinary staff with animal restraint, blood draws, sample preparation and submission, administering medications, assisting with pharmacy tasks.
Work with Director of Veterinary and Foster Care and Shelter Veterinarian to become certified to perform euthanasia;
Ensure all animals (as appropriate) are vaccinated against rabies;
Work with the Director of Veterinary and Foster Care and the Veterinary and Foster Care Manager to improve animal care protocols as it relates to veterinary care;
Fill medications prescribed by the veterinarian
Performing intake examinations on all animals and under guidance of the Director of Veterinary and Foster Care, and the Veterinary and Foster Manager ensuring records are up to date and entered into database
Follow through on standard shelter protocols (for instance entering dewormers in Chameleon, making labels, and filling these medications)
Communication of medical plans to fosters and appropriate scheduling for recheck appointments
Documentation of communications in Chameleon (from fosters when animals are brought in with health concerns; from veterinarian when instructions are received by phone, email, or text)
Complete an initial assessment of a patient if a concern is brought to the medical team’s attention by a foster (and sometimes other shelter staff), and then communicate the problem and assessment to the Director of Veterinary and Foster Care, and the Veterinary and Foster Manager.
Communication of medical concerns to the Director of Veterinary and Foster Care, and the Veterinary and Foster Manager.
Some cleaning duties – In order to limit the spread of infectious disease, it is important that every effort is made to clean surfaces and equipment between exams. All members of the team are expected to contribute to this effort.
Other tasks as assigned

Foster Care

Volunteer Recruitment, Orientation, Training and Support -

Help maintain shelter’s established foster database by ensuring that the following are performed:

Return calls and respond to inquiries, messages and emails from existing and prospective foster volunteers in a timely manner, in addition to inquiries and messages regarding the foster program
Serve as a point of contact for foster volunteers, foster mentors, and foster program supporters.
Contact potential foster caregivers in a timely manner and coordinate pickup of animals from the AWLA;
Assist with administering vaccines, dispensing medication and providing other medical care to foster and shelter animals;
Responsible for scheduling and managing revisits, medical and booster appointments, pick-ups and drop-offs;
Document and handle any issues with fosters immediately and sensitively. Communicate with the Veterinary Care and Foster Manager if a foster should receive special appreciation/recognition and before a foster may need to be removed from the program;
Work with Foster Coordinator to grow the number of foster volunteers

Administrative Duties:

Maintain consistent and timely communication with the Director of Veterinary and Foster Care, and the Veterinary and Foster Manager.
Regularly attend department and staff meetings as requested;
Strong data entry skills and the ability to maintain accurate records in shelter database (Chameleon)
Attend and initiate training, and maintain certifications
Other tasks as assigned by both the Director of Veterinary and Foster Care, and the Veterinary and Foster Manager.

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS:

Required Skills:

High school degree
At least five years of professional experience working with animals
Extensive knowledge of veterinary and/or shelter medicine
To be able to communicate with fluency the medical terminology used to describe illness,symptoms, disease, the treatments, and the drugs used
Experience communicating with veterinarians about difficult medical issues
Experience giving vaccines, drawing blood, giving medications, and handling fractious / difficult to handle animals
Strong customer service skills and the ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times
A friendly, welcoming and engaging personality
Proven ability to interact effectively with a wide range of individuals
Ability to prepare detailed, accurate, effective written work
Strong attention to detail with the ability to do basic mathematical calculations, and verify accuracy
Proven ability to multitask, develop, and adhere to critical paths
Independent judgment and discretion
Proficient in Windows applications, specifically Word and Excel
Must have compassion and concern for both animals and people and be able to be approachable to staff members

Desired:

Experience working in animal sheltering
Experience as a foster or volunteer
Experience caring for neonates
Bachelor’s degree
Spanish fluency

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Indoors in air-conditioned/heated office, outdoors at shelter or on-location for various activities and foster home site visits
Equipment Use: Includes use of PC, laser printer, copy machine, fax machine, telephone
Work Days: Sunday thru Wednesday
10 hours per day – 4 days a week
Regular exposure to animals.

MENTAL, PHYSICAL AND COMMUNICATION DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to:

Work alone or with minimal supervision. Must be self-motivated
Work around pet dander, dust and other allergens without issue
Accurately enter information into a computer database
Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; 100 pounds with assistance
Handle strong and powerful dogs and other animals
Have patience and tact when working with difficult, emotional or angry people
Speak and write effectively and clearly in a professional manner: in person, to a group, over the telephone and intercom systems to internal or external individuals
Treat people with a pleasant, courteous and professional manner
Work in a team environment and to provide team leadership

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job related duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.

Compensation: The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria offers an excellent benefits package and competitive compensation. The AWLA provides health care, dental, and vision coverage, a retirement plan, and additional employee benefits. Pay will be commensurate with experience.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, service in the military, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.

Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation and training.

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

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Veterinary and Foster Care Specialist