Shelter Medical Director/Veterinarian

Website Humane Society of Delaware County

Job Type Full-Time, At-Will Employee                   Salary $150,000 – $175,000 annually + benefits based on experience; salaried position

Position Summary

The Shelter Medical Director/Veterinarian will lead the organization’s efforts to provide high-quality veterinary care to all animals served by the organization. This position will ensure that animals in HSDC’s care receive preventative medical care, prompt diagnosis and treatment of illness, and relief from suffering. The shelter veterinarian will be responsible for overseeing the care of individual animals while maintaining the overall health of all shelter animals. This position will also provide spay neuter surgery, other soft tissue surgeries, and preventative care for all shelter animals as well as animals from the general public through HSDC’s low-cost public services.

This position supervises and provides the highest quality medical care possible to pets served through HSDC in a humane and professional manner and in accordance with established policies and procedures. Provide oversight and mentorship of all veterinary staff including independent contract and staff veterinarians, registered veterinarian technicians and clinic assistants. Provide expertise and advice to the Executive Director regarding veterinary medical policies, procedures, and issues as they relate to achievement of organizational goals.

Operations

  • Provide quality medical care and services to pets and people in accordance with HSDC mission, goals, and management philosophies.
  • Establish medical protocols and guidelines for the care, nutrition, and welfare of animals, with a focus on minimizing animal stress and decreasing length of stay.
  • Individual animal care, including physical exams, vaccinations, prescribing and administering medications; ordering and performing appropriate diagnostics; competently performing medical and surgical procedures in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Herd health: Assess population health through data analysis, routine rounds, and address population-level issues through changes to protocols, policies, and/or procedures.
  • Recommend and perform euthanasia as necessary according to established Train staff in appropriate euthanasia techniques and procedures.
  • Partner with shelter staff to maintain a system of animal flow which helps to reduce average animal length of stay.
  • Performing spay/neuter and soft tissue surgeries including but not limited to mass removal, exploratory cystotomy, cherry eye removal and or repair, amputations, and enucleations.
  • Perform dental exams, cleanings, extractions.
  • Coordinates with local veterinarians and clinic/shelter professionals to promote positive and productive relationships; arranges for full-service care at a veterinary hospital for severely injured, sick or diseased dogs or cats; provides full orders for care.
  • Provide input on maintenance of proper supply inventory, storage, handling and documentation of all substances, supplies, and proper functioning of all medically related equipment within the clinic.
  • Provide input on the ordering of veterinary supplies and equipment from specific vendors who provide HSDC with good service, products and maintenance at the lowest possible costs.
  • Assure complete surgical, complication, mortality, and controlled drug logs and individual patient medical records are complete, accurate, and stored for safe keeping.
  • Prepare necessary documentation on humane cases and testify in court proceedings.
  • Provides the HSDC with the use of the veterinarian’s DEA license for medications and drugs as necessary for animals under the care of the HSDC.

Human Resources

  • Supervises and manages clinic staff and contract veterinarians. Advertise and accept applications for vacant positions. Conduct interviews and makes recommendations to the Director for new clinic staff hires; establishes annual performance goals and objectives for direct-reporting staff. Prepares and completes an annual performance evaluation of each clinic staff position.
  • Provides routine oversight of direct reports to ensure priorities, fiscal constraints, and work flow. Adjusts work assignments according to fluctuating needs. Approves leave requests and overtime pay. Evaluates direct-report staff performance and recommends disciplinary Reviews and approves the work product of direct report staff.
  • Enforces work rules, shelter policies and procedures.

Professional Standing & Credentials

  • Maintain and provide proof of a current license to practice veterinary medicine in Ohio.
  • Maintain controlled drug licenses and facility licenses as Cost of DEA License to be paid by HSDC.
  • The HSDC will provide and maintain professional liability insurance at levels sufficient to meet minimum requirements recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
  • Participate in and provide proof of continuing education.
  • Adhere to applicable state and federal laws governing the practice of veterinary medicine.
  • Adhere to OSHA compliance policies & procedures.
  • Participate in special events, off-site clinics and perform other duties as requested.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality on client, patient and donor relationships.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD) from an accredited veterinary school of medicine.
  • Currently licensed in the state of Ohio to practice veterinary medicine or ability to obtain license upon hire.
  • Qualified and eligible to obtain DEA license.
  • Adequate clinic veterinary experience with small animal medicine including high volume surgical sterilization procedures and other minor surgeries.
  • Specialized experience/training in shelter medicine, herd health, and epidemiology focusing on management of infectious disease outbreaks and preventative veterinary medicine.
  • An understanding and appreciation for the purpose of shelter medicine.
  • Valid Driver’s license in good standing.

Physical demands and working environment

  • The ability to exert moderate but not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, and lifting, carrying objects and animals of moderate weight.
  • The ability to stand to perform surgery for prolonged periods of time.
  • The ability to withstand being regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, live animals, strong odors, cleaning chemicals and a noisy environment.
  • Knowledge of standards of care in animal shelters, or the willingness to obtain skills.
  • Knowledge and skill in high volume and pediatric spaying/neutering procedures, or the willingness to obtain that knowledge/skills.
  • On-call and available 24 hours a day in case of emergency, including nights, weekends and holidays. May be required to work long or unusual hours during peak operational needs.
  • Knowledge of county, state, city and federal animal health laws.
  • Electronic deposit (ACH) of paycheck

Submit resume to jana.cassidy@hsdcohio.org