Animal Health Technician/Cat Foster Coordinator

JOB TITLE:                        Animal Health Technician/Cat Foster Coordinator

DEPARTMENT:              Animal Health

ACCOUNTABILITY:       Animal Health Manager/Director of Veterinary Services

COMPENSATION:                $17.00 - $19.00/hour

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-time, Non-Exempt

SCHEDULE: 5 days per week with varying shifts. Some evenings required.

Objective

Under direct supervision of the Animal Health Manager, the Animal Health Technician’s primary responsibility is assessing and providing for the medical needs of the animals in the care of the RHSPCA. This position plays a critical role in optimizing the flow of animals and ensuring their medical wellbeing while they are in our care.  This position is also directly responsible for coordinating placement of cats into foster care.  

Duties and Responsibilities

Animal Care

• Ensures treatments, vaccines and tests are scheduled appropriately, dispensed and administered on time.

• Performs intake exams, vaccinations, and treatments for animals coming into the shelter.
  
  
• Performs medical exams, microchipping, blood draws, blood testing (Idexx SNAP Tests), and other basic tasks safely and humanely in accordance with RHSPCA protocols.
  
  
• Performs daily tasks as assigned in shelter management software. [These include exams, vaccinations, treatments, diagnostic tests and miscellaneous to-dos.]
  
  
• Identifies illness and dispenses medications in accordance with medical protocols established by the Director of Veterinary Services.
  
  
• Performs baths, nail trims and ear cleanings as needed.
  
  
• Assists with movement of animals to and from clinic areas and sick animal housing areas.
• • Ability to identify illness and determine severity according to medical protocols established by the Director of Veterinary Services. 
  • Responsible for daily medical monitoring and observation.

• Immediately brings to the attention of Animal Health Manager medical concerns needing prompt attention.

• Responsible for daily cleaning and sanitation of clinic areas including dog and cat intake rooms. 

• Responsible for  maintaining a sanitary workspace.

• Assist Animal Care Team with kennel cleaning as needed.

Recordkeeping

• Responsible for accurate record keeping, maintaining data integrity of animal records and statistical reporting for all program(s) related activities.

• Maintain proper paperwork and accurate control of medical supplies.

• Assists with veterinary exams as needed and enters veterinarian notes in shelter management software.

Transportation

• Schedules off site veterinary appointments and transports animals for appointments as assigned by Animal Health Manager.

Communication

• Work closely with Animal Health Manager and shelter veterinarians to ensure the health of animals in our care and optimize flow of animals through the shelter.
  
  
• Communicate with and work closely with RHSPCA shelter staff regarding people service (including customers, volunteers, fosters, veterinarians) and animal care.
  
  
• Communicate well in person, via email and telephone with individuals within the organization and outside to ensure success of the programs.

Cat Foster Send-Outs

• Assist in coordinating the medical needs of animals in foster care, including communication with foster caregivers and foster team members. 

• Plan cat foster send-outs weekly/daily to include:  identifying candidates for foster, advertising foster candidates through our social media pages, and preparing needed supplies/medications for fostering.

• Execute evening clinics by meeting with foster caregivers and matching them with a candidate to take home.  

• Keep Animal Health Team Manager and the Director of Veterinary Services aware of any foster medical issues that may need to be immediately addressed.

Other Responsibilities

• Utilizes volunteers effectively and as needed.

• Assists Animal Health Manager with scheduling appointments with veterinarians in house and off site as directed.
  
  
• Responsible for daily ‘status’ reviews and updates of animal records.
  
  
• Makes recommendations to the Animal Health Manager for animals in need of foster or rescue placement.
  
  
• Responsible for restocking medical and cleaning supplies, assisting with inventory counts, and bringing to the attention of the Animal Health Manager supplies that need to be ordered.

• Serves as primary contact for shelter operations staff regarding medical concerns and observations in the absence of Animal Health Manager.

• Assist with restraint for euthanasia when necessary. Position is not required to perform euthanasia.

General Responsibilities

• Performs duties in a manner which promotes a positive culture and encourages attainment of RHSPCA goals.
• Ensures quality care and humane treatment for the animals in the care of the RHSPCA.
• Performs all duties in a manner that  ensures humane treatment, staff safety and minimal stress on the animals during medical handling.
• Works courteously and cooperatively with the staff, volunteers, fosters, adopters, partners, and donors to ensure that all RHSPCA policies and procedures are followed, and new ones implemented successfully.
• Multitasks, takes and follows directions, adapts, and accommodates changing demands and makes appropriate prioritization decisions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Flexibility in scheduling is a must. Job responsibilities and opportunities may change as organizational needs change and grow.

Qualifications

RHSPCA is seeking a progressive, quick thinking, dynamic individual who brings animal handling and people skills along with passion, commitment and enthusiasm for our mission and accountability for their work. We are seeking someone who can work well with a team. Independent thinking and resourcefulness to overcome roadblocks are a must.

The ideal candidate will have 2 years of animal care and/or veterinary setting experience, excellent time management, and oral and written communication skills.

The Animal Health Technician needs to be able to perform the essential duties satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required:

• Two years experience working in a veterinary clinic.
  
  
• Familiarity with google workspace. (Gmail, Sheets and Docs)
  
  
• Ability to work independently without close supervision.
  
  
• Ability to work collaboratively with a positive and upbeat attitude.
  
  
• Knowledge of dog and cat behavior and safe handling practices is required.
  
  
• Must be available to work weekends. Available to work some holidays to administer medical treatments. Flexibility in scheduling is a must.
  
  
• Ability to use sound judgment in all decision making while working independently in a fast-paced environment.
  
  
• Hold a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift up to 35 pounds, move throughout the shelter, and work around animals. The shelter environment may include loud noises, animal odors, cleaning products, and other chemicals.

Why Join the RHSPCA?

We're a forward-thinking, optimistic team that values attention to detail, collaboration, and initiative. If you enjoy working with talented people, thrive under deadlines, and want your work to make a tangible difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.

Full-Time Perks

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• PTO with increases every other year as well as time off for bereavement and your birthday
• Employer sponsored life insurance
• Supplemental insurance offerings (Short-Term Disability, Critical Care, Accident, Cancer, and Hospital Indemnity)
• All employees with the RHSPCA can take advantage of the Hill’s Pro Staff Feeding program, which offers significant discounts on their products.
• Discount offerings to multiple businesses throughout the valley
• Staff and volunteer appreciation events
• $0 adoption fee on your first pet adopted through the RHSPCA

Compensation

This is an hourly position offering a starting rate of $17.00-$19.00/hour, commensurate with experience. After a period of employment, the Animal Health Technician is eligible for medical insurance and paid time off.

Nature of Employment

The Animal Health Technician/Cat Foster Coordinator is a non-exempt, full-time position eligible for overtime pay. The position is expected to work a minimum of 40 hours per week and may include travel, weekend, evening, and holiday work

There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an offer of employment.  It is the policy of the RHSPCA that employment for this position is at will, which means that employment for no specified term and the employee or agency may terminate that employment at any time without cause.  This job description serves as a guide.