Veterinary Technician Lead

Job Description

Centralia Animal Hospital of Chester, VA is looking for a Lead Technician to support our fantastic staff. You will thrive at our practice if you value healthy life/work balance, a family-like team culture, and dedication to providing top quality medical care. We require candidates be licensed in the state of Virginia and have a minimum of 2 years of LVT experience. The Lead Technician is responsible for seeing that the administrative policies and decisions are accomplished. They work closely with the Hospital Manager to develop policies and procedures to optimize hospital productivity. They will be expected to perform general technician duties along with the duties of lead technician. Please review both job descriptions provided for a full list of responsibilities and skills. Our ideal candidate would have experience with Avimark software, Idexx lab machines, and Fear Free restraint, but is not required. A team-based mentality, passion for our values, positive outlook, and good follow-through are necessary.

Our hospital offers competitive benefits including: health and dental benefits, PTO, paid continuing education, 401K with match, and discounted veterinary care.

Qualifications

• Recognize and assist in solving professional, administrative and supervisory problems in assigned area

• Knowledge of the instruments, materials, and standardized procedures used in the full variety of treatments to make preparations and provide "tableside" assistance

• Strong communication, leadership and motivation skills

• Has the ability to effectively solve problems dealing with staff conflict to personnel issues and performance

• This includes client needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of client satisfaction

• Must be able to stand, walk, use hands, talk and hear for more than 2/3 of the time

• Must be able to sit, crawl, stoop, kneel, crouch, taste and smell for 1/3-2/3 of the time

• The job requires the following lifting requirements and/or exerted force be performed on the job-up to 50 pounds for more than 2/3 of the time-50 pounds and above (with assistance) less than 1/3 of the time

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust to focus

• Strong communication and client service skills

• Considerable tact and diplomacy is required

• Ability to work with clients and patients in a professional, friendly, hospitable manner

• Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy

• Perform general physical activities that require bending, standing, stooping, moving from room to room, sit, talk, and listen; may be required to walk or stand for long periods of time; will use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; will reach with hands and arms

• Frequently lift, carry and handle dogs weighing 50 lbs

Responsibilities

• The Technician Team Leader trains, supervises and assists technicians and assistants to plan, coordinate and perform a variety of duties concerned with animal health and client education, and to promote Centralia Animal Hospital.

• The Technician Team Leader is under the direct guidance and supervision of the Hospital Manager and Managing Veterinarian

• Train, supervise, and assist the veterinary technicians and assistants in their performance of a variety of technical and client education duties that facilitate the work of the practitioners, and the veterinary practice manager who directly or indirectly provide patient care

• Ensure that the hospital and its employees are in compliance with federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA

• Inform the Hospital Manager and/or veterinarian in charge of any regulatory issues

• Exhibit a technical knowledge of products and medications sold, including dietary products

• Demonstrate the ability to explain and educate clients on products and answer their questions regarding product purchase/use

• Provide guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance

• Perform Technician responsibilities as outlined in the Veterinary Technician job description and below:

• Obtain and record patient histories

• Collect specimens and perform routine laboratory procedures and tests in hematology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, and serology to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems

• Dispense and administer medications, vaccines, serums and treatments as prescribed by veterinarians

• Administer fluids and blood products as prescribed by the veterinarian

• Administer and monitor anesthesia under the direction of a veterinarian

• Provide specialized nursing care for injured or ill animals

• Prepare patients, instruments and equipment for surgery

• Assure that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors, scopes and breathing apparatus are in good working condition

• Assist in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures using a range of high-tech diagnostic equipment including electrocardiographic, radiographic and ultrasound equipment

• Take radiographs

• Communicate with and educate owners

• Maintain knowledge of preventative healthcare recommendations in order to answer client questions, provide education on vaccines, flea and heartworm products, and assist in marketing veterinary services from which their pet would benefit, such as a dental cleaning, senior wellness, spay and neuter

• Educate clients on products and medications sold including dietary products and answer questions regarding product purchase/use

• Clean, maintain and sterilize instruments, equipment, and materials

• Work well with all employees and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy

• Perform other duties as assigned

CONTROLS OVER WORK

• The Veterinary Technician Team Leader works under the direct supervision of the Hospital Manager who will indicate general assignments, limitations and priorities

• The Technician Team Leader uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently without specific instruction, but refers deviations, problems, and unfamiliar situations not covered by instruction to the practitioner for decision or help

• Completed work is reviewed for technical accuracy and compliance with established procedures

• The practitioners assure that finished work and methods used are technically accurate and in compliance with instructions or established procedures

• Administrative supervision may be provided by the Hospital Manager

• Position exercises considerable judgment in applying professional knowledge in solving animal care problems within established policies and practices and is reviewed by the supervisor through conferences, reports and observation of results obtained

• Knowledge of the procedures used for receiving, treating, and scheduling patients, for ordering medical supplies, and requesting laboratory tests

• Knowledge of the use, care, and storage of veterinary instruments, materials, and equipment

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to hazards associated with aggressive patients; hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches and animal wastes; possible exposure to contagious diseases

• Conduct timely performance evaluations, mediate interpersonal problems and address concerns Make recommendations to the hospital manager concerning personnel matters and assist with follow through of disciplinary actions

• Receive, handle and treat patients with skill, compassion and care including: monitoring during anesthesia, administering fluids, assisting in diagnosing, surgery and general and specialized nursing care

• Accurately perform laboratory tests

• Input data into computer software system

Compensation is based on experience and has potential for increase within 90 days based on performance and skills.

Expected hours: 36 - 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)

• 401(k) matching

• Continuing education credits

• Dental insurance

• Employee assistance program

• Employee discount

• Flexible schedule

• Health insurance

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Professional development assistance

• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Veterinary experience: 2 years (Required)

National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them.

NVA, a community of approximately 1,400 premier locations consisting primarily of general practice veterinary hospitals in addition to equine hospitals and pet resorts, and Ethos Veterinary Health, which consists of 145 world-class specialty and emergency hospitals, are rooted in a culture of compassion and innovation.

NVA and Ethos Veterinary Health's innovative, collaborative approach underpins a shared commitment to delivering exceptional veterinary care. For more information, visit www.nva.com.

NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.