Senior Veterinary Technician - Inpatient Medicine Supervisor - Tufts University

The Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals provides 24-hour care for pets 365 days of the year. Since 1979, we have offered high quality medical care, consultation, referral and emergency veterinary services for the care of dogs, cats and exotic pets. The hospital also serves as the primary clinical training environment for the veterinary students, interns and residents.

The Veterinary Technician Supervisor, Wards oversees an integrated clinical care team to provide high-quality nursing care to day and inpatients.  The Veterinary Technician Supervisor utilizes exceptional verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to provide coaching and mentorship to all team members.  The Veterinary Technician Supervisor engenders a spirit of collegiality, collaboration, and teamwork both within the section and throughout the hospital.  In addition, the Veterinary Technician Supervisor oversees the educational experience of veterinary students on each rotation.

Essential functions as a Veterinary Technician Supervisor for Inpatient Medicine will be:

Patient Care

• Provide high quality patient care including the following:
• With the assistance of shift leaders and Animal Care Supervisor, oversee the clinical care provided by veterinary technicians and Animal Care Attendants throughout the section.  Monitor, manage and implement treatment plans as ordered by clinicians to insure prompt delivery of high quality patient care.
• Assist clinicians, students and veterinary technicians with procedures and treatments. 
• Collaborate with administrative and clinical care team members throughout the hospital to coordinate and prioritize patient care.
• Ensure the completion of diagnostic testing as ordered by clinicians including bench-top lab tests.
• Provide technical assistance for clinical, academic and research. 
• Ensure effective communication with Clients to provide education, explain treatment plans and review discharge instructions including medication administration.
• Instruct veterinary students and student technicians in all technical aspects of patient care.  
• Assist in training, orienting and mentoring new Veterinary Technicians in all aspects of the department. 

Leadership and Management

• Leadership responsibilities will be administered primarily on the clinic floor but will also include administrative time off the floor.  The specific allocation of time will depend in the needs of the Service and the Hospital.  Responsibilities include:
  • Collaborate with team members, Veterinary Technician Supervisors, Section Heads and Hospital Administration to ensure the successful operation of both the assigned section and the Small Animal Hospital at large. 
  • Oversee the allocation of veterinary technician resources for designated section including scheduling.
  • Foster an environment of open communication, trust and respect.  Conduct and attend team, section and supervisor meetings and meetings with individual team members to enhance communication.
  • Oversee the recruiting and interview process for new veterinary technicians.
  • Oversee the training and on-boarding of new staff.  Ensure that new team members understand the processes and protocols of the clinical operations.
  • Provide feedback and coaching to individual veterinary technicians to enhance professional growth and improve performance.  
  • Offer feedback to the entire team to help develop healthy interpersonal dynamics within the group.  Organize continuing education events for team members.
  • Address questions and troubleshoot issues raised by the veterinary technician team.  Elevate issues to administration as appropriate.
  • Lead the annual performance planning and evaluation process for the veterinary technician team.  Recommend merit increases and promotions for veterinary technicians.
  • Oversee section finances including overtime budget, supply purchasing and reconcile p-card purchases.  Review and submit weekly payroll.
  • Oversee management of the controlled substance inventory.

Miscellaneous

• • Other duties and projects as assigned by the supervisor or Medical Director.

The anticipated schedule for this position is 3 day schedule, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday  10 AM - 10 PM. Time is split between clinical and administrative duties with dedicated office time.

Basic Requirements:

• High School diploma or equivalent plus 5 years of related work experience
• Certified Veterinary Technician in good standing or CVT eligible.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and resourcefulness.  Ability to effectively manage personal responsibilities as well as the resources of the service.
• Demonstrated ability to provide exceptional service to both internal and external customers.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively as a member of a diverse team of clinical and administrative professionals.
• Fundamental understanding of Human Resource principles, practices, and regulations. 
• Comprehensive understanding of medical terminology and veterinary pharmacology.
• Monitor and troubleshoot physiological patient parameters.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Hospital-based programs (StringSoft, Harvest, FIRST, HAS) or familiarity with another electronic medical record.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree from an accredited institution in Veterinary Technology or other animal biology-related field plus three years of related work experience or 
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Veterinary Technology or other animal biology-related field plus two years of related work experience.
• Required technical skills include: 
  
  • IV catheterization
  • Phlebotomy
  • Dosage calculations
  • Fluid therapy
  • Intubation
  • Advanced education and experience with Veterinary Technician Specialist certification (in good standing).  
  • Exotic animal handling skills.  Exotic animals include birds, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, rodents, special small mammals (such as chinchillas or hedgehogs), reptiles, and amphibians.