Description

Job Summary:

The PAWS Chicago Medical Center provides medical care for internal homeless pet patients on their journey from intake to adoption. The Medical Center works closely with other animal welfare organizations such as Chicago Animal Care & Control and with out-of-state shelters by providing assistance for disaster relief rescue. The Veterinary Technician plays a critical role in the medical care of the animals at PAWS Chicago. They work closely with the Shelter Medicine Veterinarian(s) to ensure that each animal receives the highest quality of care, maintain efficient patient flow, and the well-being of the shelter's population. Our Veterinary Technicians are given the opportunity for skill development and continuing education.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides technical assistance to shelter veterinarians and communicates changes in patient condition, results of diagnostic tests and patient well-being.

• Provides quality care to pets of all life stages from neonates to seniors including emergency and intensive care as required.

• Evaluates animals for disease, injuries, parasites and other possible health concerns and reports to Shelter Medicine Veterinarians.

• Collects samples for and conducts laboratory tests; including fecal examinations, in-house blood work, platelet counts, cytology, urinalysis, etc.

• Assists Shelter Medicine Veterinarians in medical exams; involves but is not limited to restraint, microchipping, blood draws, etc.

• Vaccinates and administers preventatives as needed.

• Prepares medication and administers treatments as prescribed.

• Places and maintains IV catheters.

• Performs digital radiographs.

• Maintains a disease-free or contained environment to ensure the health of the whole population.

• Operates medical equipment and instruments, laboratory equipment and diagnostic instruments, etc. and exercises care and safety in the use and maintenance of the equipment.

• Helps to ensure that medical records are complete and accurate.

• Acts as a mentor for externs and proactively utilizes volunteers.

• Performs quality control of shelter technical services such as disinfection procedures, in-house diagnostic equipment.

• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Certified Veterinary Technician (preferred)

• Has a minimum of 2 years’ experience as a veterinary technician

• Passion for animals and animal welfare

• Medical knowledge including nursing care, disease symptoms and transmission, neonatal care, animal restraint, blood draws, IV catheter placement, and treatment administration

• Knowledge of prescription medicines, procedures and processes

• Ability to be flexible, work independently, demonstrate sound judgment, and work in a fast paced, dynamic, collaborative team environment

• Basic computer skills

Physical Requirements:

• Climbing stairs, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, lifting and grasping

• Walking and moving about to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another

• Able to lift 40 lbs occasionally, 10 lbs frequently and a negligible amount constantly

PAWS Chicago Values-in-Action

• Respect: for each and every life.

• Community: of people and organizations committed to helping homeless pets.

• Innovation: to constantly improve best practices and seek out new ideas and strategies to save more lives. To be a Learning Center that evolves and grows.

• Pro-activity: to solve difficult problems and to be prepared to offer emergency and crisis support.

• Transparency: that informs the public about the fate of homeless animals.

• Education: that raises awareness about the realities that homeless animals face in the community and across the nation, providing a forum for people to get involved in effecting change. Promotes and supports reasonable pet ownership.

• Sustainability: through financial management practices that maximize the impact and reach of our resources and endure that PAWS Chicago will always be a resource for homeless animals.

• Compassion: towards all people and animals.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, including ancillary options and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Blue Cross Blue Shield

• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick days, and holidays