Veterinary Assistant - Focus on Animal Recovery & Welfare (Lake Carmel)

Summary : Scroll down for a complete overview of what this job will require Are you the right candidate for this opportunityAre you passionate about helping animals in need and eager to advance the field of animal welfare? Do you thrive in a dynamic, complex, highly collaborative environment? If so, the role of Veterinary Assistant at the ASPCAs new Recovery & Rehabilitation Center (R&R Center) in Pawling, NY might be right for you!The individual in this role is responsible for providing high quality veterinary care to canines recovering from the physical and behavioral impacts of animal cruelty at the R&R Center. The successful candidate for this role values teamwork, collaboration, and an integrated approach to recovery and rehabilitation that balances medical, behavioral, and environmental needs.Recovery & Rehabilitation Center Overview & Upcoming LaunchThe R&R Center in Pawling, NY, is a unique program dedicated to providing integrated sheltering, behavioral, and medical care for canine victims of cruelty. The R&R Center team works closely with ASPCA teams in New York City to help animals rescued in partnership with the NYPD.This is an in-person position located in Pawling, NY.Responsibilities : Responsibilities include but are not limited to : Functional Duties(85%)Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, and for our clients by using low-stress handling techniquesCollaborate with behavior and sheltering colleagues to ensure holistic, balanced care for animals and a cohesive team culture for staffCommunicate regularly with the behavior team using objective language and established communication systems to ensure information is shared in a timely fashion with relevant stakeholdersObserve individual animals and the overall population for signs of illness, injury, and / or poor welfare, communicating any issues quickly and effectivelyProvide continuous hands-on support during exams, surgery, specimen collection, and humane euthanasia proceduresAdminister oral and topic medical for preventive or therapeutic purposes under the direction of a veterinarian and in accordance with all state and federal lawsMonitor patients post-operatively to ensure safety and comfort and to identify possible post-operative or anesthesia-related complicationsMaintain active knowledge of all daily procedures and protocolsProvide administrative support to the Veterinary Services team, accurately documenting findings, results, and other data in a timely fashionFollow all protocols to ensure chain of custody is maintained and appropriately documented, and for the disposition of forensic evidenceClean and disinfect kennels, equipment, and facility as needed, while donning appropriate PPEAssist with daily animal care including feeding and medicating, as directedEnsure medical areas are kept clean, organized, and ready for useTrack inventory and ensure veterinary areas are well stocked at all timesIdentify and communicate inventory and ordering needsAdministrative, Financial, and Operational Duties(15%)Participate in daily rounds alongside behavioral and sheltering staff, collaborating openly to provide excellent and integrated careRegularly attend all Veterinary Services, appropriate cross-functional, and all-staff meetingsAccurately track and report time worked, time off, and work-related travel expensesResponsibly steward R&R Center assetsCore ValuesExemplifies the ASPCAs Core Values : Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animalsDemonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomesBelieves in Team that we are stronger togetherSeeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possibleFocuses on Impact, specifically making change for animalsEducation and Work ExperienceHigh School Diploma or GED required, B.S. or B.A. preferredA minimum of one year handling and restraining dogs in a veterinary or shelter setting; Veterinary Assistant experience preferredFear Free Veterinary certification (approximately 9 hours) required within 60 days or hireQualificationsValid drivers license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating safe drivingAbility and willingness to travel up to 5% of the timeAble to work a flexible schedule including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays; regular schedule will include at least one weekend dayFluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce a plusExcellent written and oral communication skillsAble to regularly witness animals suffering medically and / or behaviorallyComfortable with humane euthanasia in theory and in practiceDisplays concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals and others, especially under stressFosters collaboration by creating strong connections with colleagues at all levels and in all areasBuilds strong work relationships based on trust, respect, and listening to understandFreely and generously shares knowledge, skills, and expertise with othersDemonstrates genuine interest in the thoughts, ideas, and expertise of othersProactively problem-solves and takes appropriate initiative to implement solutionsFlexible; can easily adapt to changes and help others do the sameResilient; bounces back from difficult and disappointing situations quicklyModels transparency, integrity, honesty and strong ethical principlesUnafraid of hard conversation