Veterinary Assistant Full Time

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND
Canada West Veterinary Specialists is an exciting multi-disciplinary specialty referral practice with a dedicated 24-hour ERCC service. We hold a unique designation as one of the first verified Veterinary Trauma Centers in Western Canada, designated per the Veterinary Committee on Trauma (VetCOT). We have 7 specialty departments, including Oncology, Neurology, Diagnostic Imaging, Surgery, and Internal Medicine, with added services including Rehabilitation Therapy and an in-house lab.

With a team of over 180 staff members, we are a group of dedicated and diverse individuals passionate about working together to provide the best patient care and highest client satisfaction.

Website: https://canadawestvets.com/
Work Location/Business Address: 1988 Kootenay Street, Vancouver. V5M 4Y3.
Telephone: 604-473-4882 | Fax: 604-473-4898
Terms of Employment: Permanent Full-time
Language of Work: English

JOIN US? Although a busy hospital we take pride in our staff and focus on providing a safe and fun place to build a career.
BENEFITS:

• Subsidized extended health benefits
• Annual paid sick days
• Uniform allowance per year
• Wellness Spending account
• We provide employer paid Pet insurance for 2 pets
• Rewards and recognition program to recognize our staff’s hard work and contributions to our success
• We believe in your well-being and provide a company sponsored Employee Assistance Program (EAP) enabling access to caring professionals that can help access support related to fitness, physical health and mental well-being programs
• We have fun together with our hospital sponsored social events like; having Food Trucks visit us onsite, Halloween pumpkin carving contests, Annual Christmas Party, Pub Nights, etc.

Schedule A – Job Description

Position: Wards/ICU – Patient Care Assistant
Department: Wards/ICU
Reports to: Patient Care Assistant Supervisor

POSITION SUMMARY
Our hospital functions similar to a large full-service human hospital and our primary goal is to provide optimal medical, surgical, and rehabilitation support and care to our patients, fostering the bonds between owners and their pets and between ourselves and our referring clinicians.
Patient Care Assistants provide support to the Technicians and Veterinarians and basic care for patients.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES
• Responsible for basic animal husbandry for patients in Wards and ICU – water, food, walks, grooming, bathing etc.
• Ensures that all kennels are cleaned, disinfected and properly maintained with clean bedding for patients
• Assists in the restraint of patients so that veterinarians and technicians can perform procedures and treatments effectively and efficiently, including but not limited to blood collection, administration of medication, chemotherapy treatments and radiographic studies. May be asked to administer treatments under the supervision of the doctor or technician on duty
• Will learn, understand and apply protocols applicable to handling with potentially infectious and/or zoonotic diseases
• May be asked to assist in patient monitoring under the supervision of a veterinarian or technician.
• Facilitates admissions included data entry of client/patient information and receipt of deposits. Upon discharge of patients, may be required to take final payment. Answers phones in wards and ICU when needed
• Greet and offer assistance to clients
• Willing to go above and beyond to exceed clients’ expectations.
• Answer telephone inquiries and direct calls appropriately
• Facilitate communication between clients and hospital medical team
• Cash handling and receiving payments from clients
• Responsible for training new PCA’s as part of the onboarding process
• When needed, ensures that all supply orders are unpacked, inventory placed in designated storage areas and that all invoices are delivered appropriately
• Ensures that floors and surfaces in Wards/ICU and Isolation are properly cleaned and disinfected.
• Ensures that Wards/ICU/Isolation supplies are maintained throughout each shift
• Must be available to weekdays and weekends and day, evening and overnight shifts in rotation
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Veterinary Office Assistant Certification preferred, or equivalent experience
• Customer service experience an asset
• Excellent communication skills, computer and phone skills
• High level of professionalism
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds

WORKING HOURS
The typical 10-hour shifts are:
• Days: 7am-5:30pm
• Evenings: 3pm -1:30am
• Overnights: 10:30pm – 9am.
• We offer shift premiums for both Weekday and Weekend Evenings and Overnight shifts.

An ideal candidate would be available to work rotational shifts including weekends, nights, & overnights, have a can-do attitude and passion for animal care.