DVM Assistant - Internal Medicine

DVM Assistant - Internal Medicine

Horizon Veterinary Specialists, founded in August 2018 by five board-certified veterinarians, aims to drive positive influence in the veterinary community. With a state-of-the-art facility, a culture centered on inclusion and education, and a passion for excellent medicine, Horizon is committed to serving patients and clients, while supporting the dedicated professionals in veterinary medicine.

Our 24/7 emergency and critical care team serves small animal patients across Ventura and surrounding counties, accepting walk-ins and referrals. We have a large, fully equipped, multi-unit ICU that includes an isolation ward and quiet rooms. Our emergency department team is fortunate to have access to our Internal Medicine department six days a week, for consultation and supportive services.

We are a growing practice who is currently looking for a skilled, caring and compassionate doctor's assistant (DA) to join our Internal Medicine (IM) team! Our team at Horizon Veterinary Specialists works in a collaborative, yet driven environment which provides abundant opportunities for growth, development, and patient/client service. We understand and embrace the importance of every pet as a family member and treat each one with the utmost care.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Review daily IM schedule to help acquire referring veterinarian records, and pre-open/prepare doctor's patient records for the day's appointments.
• Inpatients and transferred cases: appropriately and timely update of records throughout the day, facilitate client communication, be capable of generating and providing estimates, handling send-out and add-on lab requests, and reviewing PVL charges. Monitor inpatient financials and be able to generate new continued care estimate/s, alert the DVM to patients approaching their estimates and presenting daily financial updates to clients. Handle client financial transactions as needed.
• Outpatients: be comfortable reviewing patient records for accuracy; with doctor guidance be able to create and deliver estimates, assist with procedure scheduling, and handle client financial transactions as needed.
• Client Communication: Updating clients on patient status with DVM guidance. Setting up discharge times and facilitating communication between clients and doctors and handling client questions to the best of their ability when the doctor is unavailable.
• Assist assigned doctors with daily communications, including triaging messages for urgency, pharmacy refill requests, and client communication that the DA can follow up on for the doctor. Direct report doctors have priority however, when a single DA is on duty the DA is responsible for checking COMM boxes and triaging messages for off-duty doctors as well, time permitting.
• Create, communicate, and manage the doctor's daily task list to ensure all items are followed up on by the end of the day.
• Coordinate with IM Supervisor and technical staff on daily IM workflow and client communication needs.
• Assist with review of stored ultrasound images inputting measurements into the ultrasound report based on that IM doctor's preferences.
• Assist with uploading radiographs for radiology review and attaching finalized radiology reports to the patient chart if not yet handled by the CSR team.
• Facilitate record completion by inputting prior histories, previous appointment information, and referring veterinarian documents and records.
• Start discharge instructions for inpatients going home, referencing the Whiteboard Treatment Orders for timing of medications and if needed, assist with filling/gathering medications and supplies to be sent home with patients, double-checking final Discharge Instructions and medications for accuracy and completion prior to patient discharge.
• Must be able to assist in other areas of the hospital according to hospital need.
• Must be able to withstand unpleasant odors and noises. May be exposed to bites, scratches, animal waste and potentially contagious diseases.

Whether you're looking to just be a master of your role or trying to grow into that next career move, you'll have opportunities through a variety of virtual and hands on, interactive training and continuing development!

We're Looking For:

• At least 1 year of experience in an emergency / specialty veterinary hospital setting preferred.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in using a Windows-based computer system, including email, internal communication platforms (Teams, M365, etc.), word processing, and spreadsheets. Familiarity with Practice Management Software (EzyVet and Smart Flow) and basic office equipment (copy/fax/scanner machine, credit card/debit machine). Accurate typing and spelling skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and push or pull up to 100 lbs.
• Frequent sitting, standing, bending, squatting, crouching, reaching, and walking.
• Ability to hold a phone handset and type on a computer for extended periods.
• Strong reading comprehension and math skills at a high school graduate level or above.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills with keen attention to detail.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities (with guidance).
• Professional communication skills, both with peers and clients.
• Accountable, responsible, motivated, proactive, trustworthy, dependable, and punctual.
• Ability to handle high-stress situations with poise.
• Experience managing a caseload for 2 doctors simultaneously.
• Adaptability in various situations, including interacting with clients in emotional states and supporting multiple doctors and staff for optimal patient and client flow.
• Comfortable supporting the charge nurse in facilitating communication and patient management.

Pay Range: $24 - $28/hr. depending on level of experience.

We offer our staff:

• Comprehensive Benefits (health, dental, vision, liability, 401k & 401K matching program, life & supplemental insurance, HSA, & FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time for ALL Employees
• Paid Bereavement Program
• Paid Parental Leave Program
• Competitive Compensation
• Continuing Education Allowance (applies to licensed/registered/certified roles)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program Available to any AVMA Accredited Veterinary Technology Program
• Career Development Opportunities
• Referral Bonus Program for most positions!
• Additional Benefits May Also Be Available (i.e. Personal Pet Discounts, Holiday Pay, Uniform Allowance, Bonuses etc.)

Hiring eligibility may be contingent to a candidate authorizing and completing a satisfactory background check.

*Note some benefits may only be available to or vary slightly for full time employment status vs part time status.