Veterinary Assistant

Department: Veterinary Assistants

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Lenoir City, Tennessee

Compensation: $15.00 - $17.00 / hour

Description

We are seeking a full-time Veterinary Assistant who is cross-trained and able to assist with reception duties as needed at Lenoir City Animal Clinic. This unique, dynamic position offers you the opportunity to gain hands-on clinical experience while also contributing to the administrative and client-facing side of our practice. If you're passionate about animals, enjoy a varied role, and are ready to take on a position with both technical and administrative responsibilities, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

As a Veterinary Assistant, you will be primarily responsible for providing direct clinical care to our patients while also being cross-trained to provide support at the front desk as necessary. This full-time role will involve working closely with veterinarians, technicians, and clients to ensure the highest quality care for our patients. Your duties will include assisting with medical procedures, patient care, client communication, and administrative tasks like scheduling and check-in/check-out. Flexibility and the ability to shift between clinical and reception duties will be key in this position.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Veterinary Assistant Responsibilities:
  
  
  • Patient Care & Assistance:
    • Assist veterinarians and technicians with physical exams, diagnostic procedures, and medical treatments.
    • Administer medications as prescribed (oral, subcutaneous, injectable, and topical) and provide nursing care to hospitalized patients.
    • Monitor vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, and respiration, during procedures, surgeries, and recoveries.
    • Prepare patients for surgery and assist with anesthesia, surgical preparation, and post-operative recovery.
    • Perform diagnostic tests such as blood draws, fecal exams, urinalysis, and radiographic imaging.
    • Provide general patient care, including grooming, nail trims, ear cleanings, and wound care.
    • Maintain and sterilize equipment and instruments according to clinic protocols.
    • Ensure all patient records are updated and maintained accurately.
• Receptionist Responsibilities:
  
  
  • Client Relations & Communication:
    
    
    • Greet clients in a friendly, professional manner, providing excellent customer service and addressing their questions or concerns.
    • Schedule appointments, manage cancellations, and assist clients with any questions about services or pricing.
    • Provide clients with accurate estimates for services and products, and process payments and transactions.
    • Answer incoming phone calls, respond to emails, and manage appointment reminders.
    • Assist clients with checking in and checking out their pets, ensuring smooth patient flow.
    • Maintain a clean and organized reception area, ensuring that all forms and documents are properly stocked and easily accessible.
  • Administrative & Record Keeping:
    
    
    • Update and manage patient records and files, ensuring that all necessary documentation is accurate and up to date.
    • Handle the completion of client paperwork and ensure proper follow-up for ongoing treatments.
    • Assist in processing insurance claims and provide clients with the necessary documentation for claims.
• Cross-Training & Flexibility:
  
  
  • Shift Coverage & Support:
    • Provide reception support during scheduled breaks, lunches, or any staffing shortages. This may involve taking on full reception duties during specific shifts as needed.
    • Ensure seamless transitions between clinical and reception tasks, adapting quickly to changes in workload.
    • Maintain flexibility and professionalism when switching between patient care and administrative tasks, supporting the clinic’s needs.

Qualifications

• Experience: At least 1-2 years of experience in a veterinary assistant or animal care role, with hands-on experience in medical procedures, patient care, and diagnostics.
• Reception Experience: Previous experience in customer service or as a receptionist in a veterinary setting (or similar environment) is required, as the role involves cross-training and coverage fo