Doctor's Assistant

Description Full Time, Non Exempt About Us Here for animals since 1868, the San Francisco SPCA is a cherished San Francisco institution, known for compassion, excellence and innovation in the fields of animal welfare and veterinary medicine. We operate a public veterinary hospital, a high-quality, high-volume spay-neuter clinic, a community veterinary clinic, and provide low-cost community medicine programs. The SF SPCA saves the lives of homeless dogs and cats through our shelter medicine and adoption programs. Our innovative programs and services serve as models for humane organizations across the country and around the world. Iconic and innovative, the SF SPCA offers you the opportunity to join a team committed not only to veterinary excellence and animal welfare, but to a balanced and rewarding work environment. Role Description The San Francisco SPCA is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Doctor's Assistant in Veterinary Medicine to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have prior experience working in a veterinarian clinic and will possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. This individual will be adept at communicating with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders with diplomacy and professionalism. This position involves a blend of clinical and administrative responsibilities, including appointment preparation and note-taking, prescription management, client email management, blood draws, sedated procedure assistance, and other technical tasks essential for high-quality veterinary care. This position works a 4/10 schedule (four 10-hour days per week). Core Responsibilities Prepare and update patient records and discharge instructions for and during appointments, including medical and behavioral history. Assist veterinarians during consultations by efficiently recording detailed notes to ensure accurate patient records. Ensure receipt of updated patient medical records prior to initial consultations and recheck appointments. Communicate with clients professionally, providing clear explanations of medical procedures, treatment plans, follow-up care, and other patient concerns with clarity and empathy whether in person, by phone, or email. Handle prescription refills with accuracy and in accordance with veterinary guidelines and all laws pertaining to controlled substances, and communicate prescription instructions with pharmacy staff and clientele with utmost clarity. Be able to comfortably perform basic physical exams and recognize normal and abnormal parameters in a variety of canine and feline behavior patients, knowing when it is appropriate to ask for additional support, especially from the overseeing veterinarian. Perform venipuncture, and intramuscular and subcutaneous injections, commonly perform blood draws, collect laboratory samples, and prepare them for analysis, and administer medications, vaccines, and treatments at the direction of the overseeing veterinarian. Assist Behavior Technician in various diagnostic procedures, including intramuscular sedation, IV catheter placement, radiography, ultrasound, and laboratory tests as requested by the overseeing DVM. Apply low-stress animal handling and restraining techniques, balancing safe and humane treatment with the recognition that expedient care is often more realistic and less stressful for the patient than eliminating fear. Efficiently and comfortably use the service email system and hospital electronic medical record system, as well as remain flexible with changes in the way the service or hospital may utilize technology to improve efficiency and record-keeping. Requirements At least one year experience working in a veterinary clinic. Knowledge of commonly used veterinary surgical equipment and veterinary terminology and abbreviations is required. Knowledge of principles of sterility, and ability to maintain sterile fields. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to navigate client and stakeholder interactions with diplomacy and professionalism. Proficiency in taking detailed and accurate medical notes. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to multitask and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment. Excellent computer skills in a Windows environment preferred. Experience with shelter and veterinary software (EzyVet preferred). Demonstrated ability to perform blood draws and other technical veterinary procedures. Compassionate and empathetic approach to animal care and client interactions. Commitment to the mission and values of the San Francisco SPCA. Keep up to date in veterinary medicine with regular continuing education. Salary & Benefits The starting salary for this position depends on the depth and breadth of experience. The expected range is $27.00 - $30.00 per hour. Regular, full-time positions are eligible for a benefits package including: Paid Time Off and Holiday pay. Medical, Dental & Vision insurance. Life Insurance. Long-term Disability Insurance. 401k Retirement Plan and contribution matching. Student debt relief program. Pre-tax Commuter Benefits. Discounts on veterinary care at our SF SPCA Mission Campus Veterinary Hospital and Spay/Neuter Clinic. The San Francisco SPCA welcomes everyone! We welcome all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, political persuasions, languages, abilities/disabilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, socioeconomic statuses, and national origins. Diversity brings innovative ideas, perspectives, and opinions. We consider our differences to be valuable assets that will help us continually strive to be better at what we do and to advance our mission. The SF SPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job ad reflects the assignment of essential functions and does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The San Francisco SPCA is an at-will employer and may conduct pre-employment background checks and drug screening depending on the role.

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