Triage Technician

JOB SUMMARYThe Humane Rescue Alliance seeks a Triage Technician to join a dynamic team of medical professionals to provide consistent and efficient intake procedures to all animals in our care. This is an excellent opportunity to support animals in need, gain knowledge of shelter medicine, and develop the ability to independently manage daily workflow. This position will be one of the first people to interact with every animal that enters our system, ensuring each patient is treated humanely and compassionately. They will be expected to accurately determine severity of illness or injury upon an animal’s intake and follow protocols to ensure medical care is provided appropriately. Candidates should have a working knowledge of veterinary medicine, animal shelter procedures, infectious disease prevention, and animal care and behavior.Join an organization that promotes self-growth, provides opportunities for learning, and supports the community and animals of our nation’s capital. Must be committed to providing incremental levels of support to owned animals to support accessible and improved care in the home and maintain the human-animal bond.DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESPerform intake exams on all animals with a focus on disease recognition and outcome pathway planning, determining the urgency of their medical needs.Begin treatments upon intake following our protocols and standard operating procedures.Administer vaccinations, parasiticides, and routine screenings on a variety of species.Assist DVMs as they examine and treat urgent medical cases.Work with foster, behavior and adoptions staff to determine the correct pathway of incoming animals i.e.; Adoption, Transfer, Medical Treatment, Spay/Neuter etc.Perform shelter rounds and monitor population health.Update and maintain population management software, patient files, review care plans, and handle other administrative duties, as necessary.Perform diagnostics and collect and prepare laboratory samples for analysis.Calculate, administer, and record medications; complete controlled drug logs; fill prescriptions.Perform and assist with euthanasia of shelter animals.Maintain departmental procedures and protocols regarding humane care and treatment of animals, exam area cleanliness, and safety guidelines.Always represent HRA in a professional and courteous manner. Provide quality service to the public, volunteers, and employees recognizing their individual contributions to the success of the organization.Perform other duties as assigned.QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTSKnowledge and skill in restraint and handling techniques, general animal safety practices, and ability to recognize animal behavior patterns.Previous Fear Free Certification or successful completion of Fear Free Shelter certification within 6 months of hire.Knowledge of or ability to learn animal shelter procedures and protocols.Proficient technical skills, including but not limited to administering medications, phlebotomy, placing IV catheters, surgical support, analyzing blood, urine, fecal samples.Successful completion of HRA Euthanasia Certification program within 6 months of hire.Ability to routinely work evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.Work collaboratively and with confidence in a high-stress, fast-paced work environment.Ability to work effectively, both independently and in a team environment, in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures. Ability to be flexible, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize.Excellent interpersonal skills with a customer-service orientation. Ability to communicate in a friendly and professional manner with a variety of individuals representing the public, board members, volunteers, donors, and employees.Proficient use of programs including Microsoft Office programs, the internet, and database management software to efficiently accomplish work.Passion for the HRA mission, and for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament, or species, and supporting and educating members of the public, free of judgment or bias.Ability to manage the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment in a positive, professional manner.Must be comfortable and proficient (or willing to become proficient) in animal-handling situations and have a strong desire to help animals and people, and commitment to life-saving programs and services.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENTThe 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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted.Ability to be comfortable working with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish, and wildlife.Ability to perform strenuous physical activity daily, including but not limited to lifting and carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, and bending. Regularly moves about the facilities to coordinate work. Typically stands, bends, stoops, and crouches while working special events.Due to the nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; common allergens; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.EDUCATION & EXPERIENCEOne to two years of experience as a veterinary assistant, veterinary technician, or similar position involving medical intake procedure. Certified or licensed Veterinarian Technician preferred.One to two years of progressively responsible experience in an open admittance animal shelter preferred.Experience handling a variety of different species including but not limited to cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish, and wildlife highly preferred.The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) offers a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, vision, dental and select offerings for pets. Additional information may be provided upon request.Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing.HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodation will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.

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