At Southern Kern, our experienced DVMs and support staff enable us to practice quality medicine. We devote the time needed to make informed decisions and treatment plans. We continuously strive to elevate our level of care to stay competitive and be the hospital that our community can rely on us for their pet's health. ?Our hospital is equipped with the tools to allow us to practice the level of medicine of which we can be proud. Our hardworking support staff infuse our practice with a sense of purpose. Caring for our patients is not just our profession, it is our calling in life. Our team is focused on constantly learning, training, and growing. That is why we offer a unique breadth of services including cutting edge diagnostics. We believe all pets should be able to receive the highest level of care they deserve. We are so proud of the legacy and reputation we have built in our community!  

Position Overview

The purpose of this position is to ensure quality care for pets and promote greater efficiency by relieving technicians and veterinarians of technical and administrative work. The Assistant performs a variety of patient- and client-care duties and conducts patient assessments, oversees animals recovering from anesthesia, and performs procedures and treatments.

The Assistant uses sound judgment when making decisions about patient care, responds quickly and calmly to emergencies, and maintains high standards of patient care. This person communicates clearly with the veterinarians, other practice personnel, and clients to ensure that patients receive the care they need. Assistants are friendly and flexible in the face of varying expectations from clients and coworkers. They multi-task, prioritize tasks well, and think creatively. Veterinary Assistants strongly believe in the quality of care provided and communicate this sense of assurance to clients. The Assistant provides patient and client comfort by keeping the hospital clean and presentable and may provide training to other members of the healthcare team. 

Position reports to Practice Manager and receives direction from veterinarians. Works alongside the Technicians, who determine the scope and type of support services to be furnished and the procedures used to accomplish them. 

Primary Responsibilities

Patient Care

• Provides compassionate patient care, keeping patients clean, dry, and comfortable.
• Alerts the veterinarian(s) to changes in patients’ condition.
• Recognizes patients with contagious disease and follows relevant procedures.
• Provides safe and effective patient restraint.
• Medicates patients.
• Uses proper safety techniques and positioning for radiological procedures.
• Recovers patients from anesthesia. 
• Assists veterinarians and technicians in surgery and dentistry.
• Performs basic emergency care, CPR, and intensive care as needed.
• Helps with and documents patient treatments.
• Walks, cleans, and feeds patients.
• Sets up and assists with procedures, such as IV catheterization and other common treatments.
• Bathes patients as needed.
• Assists with patient admits and releases as needed.
• Ensures patients leave in better condition than when they arrived (e.g., clean and with IV catheter removed).
• Maintains knowledge of drugs and their uses. 
• Calculates drug dosages and fills prescriptions accurately; asks for guidance if necessary.
• Assists with lab tests as needed.
• Completes medical records accurately and efficiently.
• Performs procedures such as pedicures and fluid administration.

Equipment and Facility Maintenance

• Cleans, cares for, and packs surgical equipment properly.
• Keeps hospital clean and stocked.
• Removes trash from hospital and sweeps and mops floors daily.
• Launderers soiled blankets, towels, and other linens.
• Utilizes in-house inventory control procedures to ensure items are stocked appropriately.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Hourly compensation offered will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
• 401k with 100% employer matching of 1st 3%
• Eligibility to participate in Employee Stock Option Program when launched
• Annual Continuing Education allowance for industry specific certifications
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (available after 30 days). Paid 100% for full-time employees - Buy-up medical plan available. Additional family member coverage available at the employee’s expense
• Healthcare Reimbursement Account benefits
• PTO: 2 weeks PTO year one, 4 weeks year two+6 flex/bereavement/sick days + 6 paid holidays (available after 90 days)
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Life Insurance and AD&D – Employer paid for the employee
• Additional voluntary benefits for Critical Illness, Additional Life and AD&D available
• EAP Wellness and access to Betterhelp.com
• Pet care discounts
• Scrub allowance

OUR COMMUNITY:  Also known as the “Gem of the Antelope Valley”, discover the alluring charm of Rosamond, California – a tranquil oasis offering a perfect blend of nature, culture, and community spirit. Rosamond, located in Kern County, has a mix of suburban and rural town feel while being just 1.5 hours from beaches and the beautiful city of Los Angeles! Rosamond is a haven for nature lovers. The city boasts the breathtaking Willow Springs State Preserve, where residents can bask in the beauty of nature while hiking, picnicking, or birdwatching.  Enjoy the wide-open spaces that offer a peaceful small-town atmosphere and at the same time be a short car ride away from surrounding bigger cities. You will find plenty of parks and outdoor activities for you and your family to enjoy in the comfortable and warm weather year-round, without the Los Angeles prices. It is a great place to live, work and play. 

• Education equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade.
• At least one year of recent experience in veterinary practice or medical environment, with increasing responsibilities. 
• Demonstrated ability to accurately manage and record detailed information in medical records and other data-management systems.
• Ability to properly restrain patients.
• Knowledge of spelling and meaning of commonly used veterinary medical terminology and procedures. 
• Ability to complete assigned tasks in the time allotted without direct supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to show empathy toward clients and treat animals with respect and compassion.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• A commitment to outstanding client service.
• Ability to lift objects weighing 40 pounds without assistance and objects weighing more than 40 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to stay on task and work energetically for entire shift, sometimes exceeding 10 hours per day.