Critical Care Animal Caregiver

Position: Critical Care Animal Caregiver

Location: Wright-Way Rescue Admissions & Medical Services Campus, Murphysboro, IL.

Schedule: Shifts for this position are from 8am - 5pm, all 7 days of the week. Each team member will work approximately 3-5 days per week. Weekend availability is required. Team members will alternate weekend responsibility.

Occasionally, assistance may be needed with transport loading shifts (which occur on Tuesday mornings). This shift would begin at 4am and end at 12pm. This is not a frequent requirement for this position.

Position Summary:

Being a Critical Care Center Caregiver allows you to be an active part of the Wright-Way Rescue team that helps save the lives of ill and injured pets. This is also an incredible opportunity for those interested in gaining valuable technician experience. The Critical Care Center Caregivers will work closely with our veterinarians and Critical Care Center Supervisor to ensure the treatment plan for each animal as well as their daily care is followed closely. We structure treatment plans with each animal's well-being in mind and euthanasia decisions are based only on quality of life and ending untreatable suffering. Critical Care Center Caregivers must be able to provide medical care as directed and will be trained to understand procedures and perform general nursing/surgical skills without guidance.

Responsibilities:

• Relate professionally to Veterinary staff, Management and other departments regarding the health of Clinic patients.
• Maintain the ability to follow policies and procedures set by the Critical Care Center Supervisor.
• Be willing to learn general medical terminology, transcription and data entry.
• Maintain appropriate standards of care protocols: clean housing, fresh food, fresh water, clean litter box, new bedding.
• Perform proper medical restraint techniques for various species.
• Have basic mathematical knowledge in order to properly dose medications and or fluids.
• Report changes in a patient’s condition and pay close attention to detail.
• Assist in phlebotomy, and lab work.

Skills and Experience:

• Prior experience working in a Veterinary clinic or medical field preferred. Interest in medical required!
• Demonstrates personal accountability to ensure that all responsibilities are completed effectively and in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates approachability when dealing with the general public. Experience in interacting with the general public (customer service) preferred.
• Demonstrates ability to create and encourage a positive work environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, i.e., ability to develop positive relationships with others and demonstrate sensitivity to the thoughts, feelings and perspectives of others.
• Accurate, appropriate, clear and concise written and verbal communication skills. Strong listening skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel, google calendar, docs and email and Advantage Plus - or willing to learn.
• Willing to work on weekends/holidays/varying shift times.
• Must want to work to further your own learning by asking questions and doing personal research.
• Must have a valid driver's license and qualify for Wright-Way Rescue’s insurance.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and handle animals of varying sizes and species, bending, stooping, and walking on a daily basis.
• Must be able to perform strenuous manual labor. Ability to stand for long periods of time while performing work requiring concentration and manual dexterity.
• Must be able to work out of doors in all weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from below freezing to 100 degrees.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, hike, walk, kneel, and lift.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Schedule:

• Day shift

Application Question(s):

• Please discuss your availability within the shift schedule listed in the job description. If you expect your availability to change due to future circumstances (e.g. new school schedule), please explain how this will alter your availability. Please also discuss your preference and flexibility regarding total weekly hours.
• Please discuss your interest in Wright-Way Rescue, and why you would be a good fit for this position.
• Please discuss your prior experience and knowledge with dogs, cats, and elements related to animal care.
• Please discuss your degree of interest in shelter medicine, and any prior experience you may have.
• This position is active and can be physically strenuous. Do you feel this would be an issue for you?
• Health of the animals is of the utmost importance. Maintaining a clean environment in each kennel, as well as the facility as a whole, is crucial. Diligence with these matters is expected of all employees. Do you feel this element of the position is a good fit for you?
• Please discuss your approach to, and comfort level with, customer service.
• What do you value regarding workplace culture?
• What do you want us to know about you?

Work Location: In person