ECC Veterinary Assistant

Job DetailsJob Location: Walpole, MA 02081Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $19.00 - $25.00 HourlyJob Shift: AnyTufts V.E.T.S. is a multispecialty emergency and critical care VECCS level 1 certified facility in New England. We are an affiliate of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, at Tufts University, providing a unique environment that integrates learning into a busy private practice setting.  We are committed to providing the highest standard of patient care from a wide range of specialty services including emergency and critical care, anesthesia, surgery, internal medicine, oncology, radiology and diagnostic imaging, ophthalmology, dermatology, cardiology, and urgent care.  We are continually seeking to unite highly skilled professionals in veterinary medicine to provide a collaborative environment that strives to promote and strengthen the human-animal bond.       Tufts V.E.T.S. strives to be a community where diversity and inclusion are a priority.    REPORTS TO:  ECC Technician Supervisor   POSITION OVERVIEW Veterinary Assistants play an essential role in supporting the ECC team by providing compassionate patient care, assisting with medical procedures, and maintaining a clean and organized hospital environment. In this role, Veterinary Assistants work closely with technicians and doctors to support treatments, procedures, and client communication while also handling daily responsibilities such as patient husbandry, feeding, cleaning, and stocking. Each Veterinary Assistant level has defined skills that may be performed once successfully signed off, ensuring a structured path for professional development and advancement through Levels 1–3. This position requires flexibility, teamwork, and strong communication skills, as responsibilities range from patient handling and basic laboratory work to assisting with surgical preparation and client interactions. Veterinary Assistants are expected to remain proactive, organized, and professional in a fast-paced environment while prioritizing tasks effectively. Opportunities for growth are built into the role, with ongoing training and skills sign-offs that expand the scope of responsibilities as each level is achieved. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBLITIES Professional Development Veterinary Assistants are expected to actively progress through the Tufts VETS Veterinary Assistant Career Ladder by successfully completing Level 1 and Level 2 competency sign-offs within established timeframes. Opportunities to pursue Level 3 competencies are available based on departmental needs, demonstrated competency, and individual performance. Each level includes additional responsibilities and technical skills that may only be performed after competency has been demonstrated and documented. Refer to the Veterinary Assistant Skills Checklist for complete competency requirements.   Patient Care & Nursing Support Provide compassionate, high-quality care to emergency, critical care, and hospitalized patients. Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians with patient examinations, treatments, procedures, diagnostics, and emergency triage. Obtain and accurately document patient history, temperature, pulse, respiration, weight, and pain assessment (where applicable) in the electronic medical record (EMR). Safely and compassionately restrain patients using low-stress handling techniques appropriate for the patient's medical condition and temperament. Perform routine husbandry and nursing support, including patient hygiene, feeding, bedding changes, walking patients, litter box maintenance, and monitoring patient comfort. Feed patients according to veterinarian instructions and accurately record appetite and food intake. Bathe and groom patients as needed for patient comfort or medical care. Collect non-sterile urine and fecal samples for laboratory testing. Recognize changes in patient condition or behavior and promptly communicate concerns to the veterinary technician or veterinarian. Assist with medication administration under the direction and supervision of a veterinarian or veterinary technician, consistent with hospital policy and competency level. Technical & Clinical Support Prepare patients, equipment, and treatment areas for emergency and specialty procedures. Assist with common Emergency & Critical Care procedures, including laceration repairs, urinary obstruction procedures, tracheal washes, and other treatments as directed. Prepare patients for procedures using appropriate aseptic techniques. Demonstrate proficiency in sterile gloving techniques when required. Set up, operate, clean, and maintain IV pumps, patient monitoring equipment, fluid warmers, and other clinical equipment. Position patients and assist with diagnostic radiography using approved radiation safety practices and non-manual restraint whenever appropriate. Clean, wrap, sterilize, and maintain surgical instruments according to hospital standard operating procedures. Operate and maintain sterilization equipment, including autoclaves and ultrasonic cleaners. Assist with processing patient remains compassionately and professionally in accordance with hospital protocols. Laboratory & Diagnostic Support Collect, prepare, label, and submit diagnostic samples to in-house and reference laboratories. Perform approved in-house laboratory testing, including PCV/TS, CBC, chemistry, EPOC, coagulation testing, SNAP testing, and other diagnostics appropriate to competency level. Accurately document laboratory results within the electronic medical record. Client Communication & Administrative Support Communicate professionally and compassionately with clients in person and by telephone. Collect and accurately document patient history and client communications within the electronic medical record. Demonstrate proficiency using the electronic medical record, including patient registration, patient lookup, treatment documentation, appointment review, invoice review, and other essential workflows. Demonstrate sound judgment when communicating with clients by recognizing urgent concerns and notifying the veterinary team appropriately. Process client requests related to patient aftercare and end-of-life services according to hospital procedures. Third Shift Client Service Support Register patients and complete the check-in and discharge process. Process payments and other financial transactions. Complete aftercare documentation according to hospital procedures. Participate in shift change rounds to ensure continuity of patient care. Team Collaboration & Hospital Operations Collaborate with all members of the hospital and other services to provide exceptional patient care. Support Tufts VETS' teaching mission by assisting in the orientation and training of new team members and contributing to a collaborative learning environment for students and trainees. Support emergency admissions, patient transfers, and stabilization efforts by preparing equipment, assisting the clinical team, and anticipating patient care needs. Assist in maintaining a clean, organized, safe, and well-stocked Emergency & Critical Care service, ensuring equipment and supplies are readily available. Perform routine cleaning, stocking, instrument processing, laundry, inventory support, and equipment maintenance in accordance with hospital policies and standard operating procedures. Report equipment concerns, supply shortages, and safety hazards promptly to the appropriate supervisor. Contribute to efficient workflow by anticipating team needs, assisting coworkers, and supporting other hospital services as patient care demands. General Expectations Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability, and compassion in every interaction with clients, patients, students, colleagues, and hospital partners. Collaborate effectively with all members of the healthcare team to provide exceptional patient care. Maintain a positive, respectful, and inclusive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect. Exercise sound judgment, remain composed under pressure, and effectively prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced emergency and specialty hospital. Communicate clearly, professionally, and proactively with team members, supervisors, and clinicians, utilizing the appropriate leadership structure to address questions, concerns, and opportunities for improvement. Demonstrate initiative by anticipating patient and service needs and contributing to efficient hospital operations. Participate in departmental meetings, hospital training, continuing education, and quality improvement initiatives to develop clinical knowledge and professional skills. Meet regularly with the ECC Technician Supervisor to review performance, discuss professional development, and address questions or concerns. Maintain strict confidentiality of patient, client, employee, and hospital information in accordance with hospital policies. Adhere to all hospital policies, standard operating procedures, safety protocols, attendance expectations, scheduling requirements, and the Employee Code of Conduct. Report to work on time, prepared to provide excellent patient care and contribute positively to the team throughout each shift. Represent Tufts VETS with professionalism, empathy, courtesy, and exceptional client service while serving as an ambassador for the hospital's mission and values. Perform other duties as assigned to support patient care and hospital operations.     Personal conduct and interpersonal skills are very important.  Interaction with hospital team members and clients is a top priority and is continually evaluated.  **Position responsibilities may change on a temporary or regular basis according to the needs of the service or business without it being specifically included in the job description.   SCHEDULE  Shifts TBD. Weekend and holiday coverage as required by the service. Schedule subject to change at managements discretion to meet the needs of the service. This position is considered essential and is therefore required to work as scheduled during inclement weather (i.e., during snowstorms).  Compensation: Is based on education, experience, credentials, and skill level. Benefits: Full-time benefits include health, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, 401K, flexible spending accounts, PFML, Employee Assistance Program, paid maternity leave, paid vacation/sick/personal time, employee pet discount, apparel reimbursement, CE opportunities and allowance, and paid holidays. QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS High school diploma or equivalent  Degree in Veterinary Technology and/or Animal Science preferred  Certified Veterinary Assistant preferred    EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Minimum of 1 year working in the veterinary field as a Veterinary Assistant or Technician Assistant Prior experience working in diagnostic imaging, emergency and critical care, or specialty medicine preferred     PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS Minimum of 18 years old Genuinely enjoys working with animals and can treat them compassionately even when they are stressed, ill or in pain Must support and foster an environment of diversity, inclusion, collaboration, and empathy Must have excellent interpersonal relationship and communication skills Can multi-task in a fast-paced working environment Can stay calm and efficient under pressure Is detail oriented and reliable Has a high commitment to providing exceptional patient/client care Has excellent communication skills Must be professional, approachable, and maintain an optimistic outlook Proficient at working with digital records, Microsoft Word/Excel, and Google Docs  Physical Effort: Work requires lifting and carrying animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs.).  Walks or stands for extended periods or time; frequently works in a bent position Working conditions:  May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noise, and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches, and contagious diseases. Will be exposed (with proper PPE and protocols in place) to chemotherapeutic agents   CONTINUING EDUCATION Advanced training and credentialing are strongly encouraged  Required to attend in-hospital training and CE as assigned  Required to attend and submit 10 CE courses every 2 years for VECCS