Description

Technician Assistant

Job Description Classification: Non-Exempt

Job Summary

Under policy direction from the Hospital Manager and Medical Director, the Technician Assistant is responsible for assisting the veterinarian, technicians, and other hospital staff. Job expectations include caring for and cleaning patients and facilities, assisting in various technical departments, and performing all other animal care functions. This may include other tasks involved in the operations of a veterinary hospital, including client communication, scheduling appointments, invoicing, and answering the telephone.

Technician Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

The following is a list of essential job requirements. This list may be revised at any time, and additional duties not listed here may be assigned as needed.

Client Relations

Nursing Care

Examinations & Assessments

Anesthesia & Surgical Procedures

Laboratory & Digital Images

Medical Records

Housekeeping

Training

Client Relations

Assist with client communication/education, explaining medications, administration, follow-up care, diet recommendations, and general animal care as directed by Technician/DVM.

Demonstrate excellent relations with clients/pets, working with the expectation that you will be trained and expected to do the following:

Assist Technicians and Receptionists with clients/patient's check-in and check-out.

Ensure that clients and pets feel welcome and comfortable. Serve as "Ambassadors"- creating and maintaining goodwill for the hospital.

Build rapport with clients and pets. Exceed the client's expectations of service. Immediately greet clients and pets by name (and correct gender).

Quickly understand and initiate the process of meeting client needs.

Support reception staff by ensuring client requests are handled promptly.

Ability to effectively communicate and educate clients on general animal husbandry and answer non-medical questions.

Present and explain client education materials, discharge instructions, medication administration, and answer general questions about treatments, bandages, laboratory tests, and medications as directed by a veterinarian.

Nursing Care

Perform animal restraint efficiently on all sizes of patients, immediately alerting the technician and/or doctor if you are uncomfortable restraining or need additional assistance.

Ensure patient and client comfort, for example, by providing a blanket in the exam room.

Measure vital signs and report as needed and as authorized as a veterinarian.

Ability to recognize fleas, ticks, and other external parasites.

Gather and stock supplies in various hospital departments.

Make certain all patients are kept clean and as comfortable as possible.

Ensure all patients are clearly identified, including entry on the hospital forms and ID collar.

The capacity to recognize potential health care issues and alert a technician. For example, signs and behavior patterns that suggest an animal may be in pain or require immediate assessment by a veterinarian.

Adhere strictly to Technician Assistant roles and responsibilities, as defined in the training outline, refusing to diagnose over the phone with clients.

Demonstrate Technician Assistant-level skills (as defined in the training outline).

Work with the management team to move through levels.

Housekeeping

Complete hospital housekeeping and stocking checklists daily.

Follow surface disinfection and isolation/cleaning protocols for patients who may be infectious.

Advise the Hospital Manager of any unsafe conditions, including unrecognized hazards or violations of safety rules.

Records

Keep records accurate and up to date. This includes client records, medical history, treatment sheets, medications administered, and related documentation.

Follow all policies and procedures for controlled drugs (including recordkeeping). Ensure the client has signed all authorization forms for treatments, laboratory, euthanasia, etc.

Laboratory

Draw blood samples as authorized by the veterinarian.

Prepare lab request forms.

Prepare laboratory tests, e.g., stool exams, urinalysis, skin scrapings, slides, etc.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Previous experience or training/education working in a veterinary facility.

Must be friendly, outgoing, "people-oriented".

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

Telephone and computer skills, including Microsoft and Practice Management software.

Must be able to prioritize multiple tasks at once and deal with high levels of stress in an environment of changing priorities. v Intermediate math skills.

Must be able to interact with all levels of staffing in a professional manner.

Education and Experience

High School Diploma or GED

Veterinary hospital experience of at least 1 year.

Client relations experience.

Physical Requirements

Dependable attendance is required.

Any allergies to animals must be controlled through medication

Must be able to lift 40 lbs.

Must be willing to work long or irregular hours under pressure conditions.

This position requires the ability to sit, walk, squat, bend, stand, reach, lift, and type continuously for at least 8 hours a day.

Visual acuity sufficient to maintain accurate records, recognize people, and understand written directions.

Ability to speak and hear sufficiently to understand, give information in person, and over the telephone.

Fine motor skills are adequate for using hospital equipment, such as a computer.

Adhere to appropriate dress code to include proper scrubs and nametag.

Hospital Environment

Animal areas may be humid, noisy, and odorous.

Exposure to pests such as fleas and ticks, and other zoonotic diseases.

While handling animals, there is a possibility of being bitten or scratched.

Dust and pet dander are common within the practice.