Field Services Veterinarian

Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)

Job Description

Job Summary

Be part of changing the world by doing what you love! Come work for an organization located in vibrant Washington, D.C. that drives innovation and national collaboration in the realm of animal welfare. The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA), a celebrated leader in animal welfare, seeks a veterinarian to join our Field Services team.

The HRA Field Services Veterinarian provides access to in home veterinary care right in the communities that need it most. By providing accessible medical care, the Field Services Veterinarian plays a crucial role in keeping pets where they belong: safe at home with the family who loves them. The Field Services Veterinarian provides preventive and primary medical services to DC’s most underserved communities with little to no access to veterinary clinics or other essential pet resources. This program aids in building relationships deep within the communities we serve and help to divert intake of animals who can be treated in a home setting with the families who love and care for them.

HRA has a strong community outreach focus and provides a host of other medical care services to the community through low-cost vaccine clinics and grant-funded medical and surgical treatments as part of pet retention programs to preserve the human-animal bond.

Donor support allows HRA to invest in up-to-date medical equipment including digital radiographs; IDEXX equipment for in-house CBC and chemistry panels; microscopes including one dual-head microscope; digital dental radiographs; ultrasound; anesthesia monitoring equipment including capnograph, EKG, pulse oximeter, doppler; and three surgical suites all for use in providing the best treatment to shelter and community animals.

HRA offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Veterinarians receive a continuing education allowance of $1,500 and are eligible for a $5,000 annual student loan repayment stipend plus 160 hours of accrued PTO annually, medical and dental insurance, and matching 401k. HRA will pay for and help facilitate DC veterinary and controlled substance licenses, USDA accreditation, and AVMA PLIT. Working for a 501(c)3 organization may help you qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Duties & Responsibilities

Medical-

Provide compassionate high quality preventive and primary medical care to patients in underserved areas of DC
Oversee all aspects of in-field veterinary care including physical examination, diagnostics, treatment recommendations and delivery, prescriptions and discharge information
Diagnose and treat post-surgical medical complications of outpatient animals that are treated through the field services medical program
Mentor and work alongside shelter and surgical technicians to provide consistent and high quality medical and surgical care; direct technicians to follow established protocols.
May be asked to complete other general practice-type surgeries such as mass removals and dental procedures.
Refer and triage cases that do not fall within the in-home parameters of care as appropriate
Communicate with other departments and pet owners regarding treatment recommendations.
Operate HRA company vehicle and effectively navigate through the city to get to scheduled appointments

Customer Service-

Communicate respectfully with clients and be able to relay important medical information about patients. Discuss examination and medical test results with owners in order to allow owners to make informed choices for the medical care of their pets.
Counsel owners about end of life and other sensitive medical care decisions.
Provide discharge instructions for patients and oversee the dispensing of medications.

Administrative/Other-

Document all exam findings, test results and treatment recommendations on medical record
Communicate effectively cross-departmentally
Assist in writing, editing and updating protocols for the field medicine program
Follow written and verbally communicated HRA Standard Operating Procedures
Attend mandatory organization meetings as requested
Provide medical information and representation to other departments of HRA, to the public and to the media
Maintain an understanding of the programs of HRA and work collaboratively with all departments across the organization to ensure the highest level of service and care are provided to animals and people.
Provide vaccinations and basic wellness care on site and in the community at subsidized free or low-cost clinics.
Assist in the development, implementation, and revision of goals, policies, and procedures for HRA.
Coordinate and collaborate with local veterinarians and clinic / shelter professionals to promote positive and productive relationships; participate in arranging for care at private veterinary hospitals as needed.
Perform euthanasia according to established protocols including decision making requirements.
Maintain medical record and controlled substance logs to standards of veterinary and sheltering practices and organizational SOPs; ensure that records are in order and complete and maintained in organizational systems; provide information in a manner understandable by adopters.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of shelter animal health protocols, surgical procedures and companion animal health issues.
Build effective relationships through positive interaction and communication with the community, volunteers and staff.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

Knowledge of and ability to provide general veterinary medicine and care.
Knowledge of preventative medicine and population herd health.
Knowledge of behavior, shelter operations, and infectious disease control.
No sanctions with the Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
Passion for the HRA mission, and for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament or species.
Ability to work effectively, both independently and in a team environment, in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures.
Ability to be flexible, meticulous, and able to prioritize.
Possess a collaborative approach to work, with an ability to bring out the best in peers.
Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
Proficient at use of computer programs including Microsoft Office programs, email, Internet, and database management software to efficiently accomplish work.
HRA requires all staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless a medical or religious exemption applies. New employees must submit proof of full vaccination, or request for medical or religious exemption, before their first day of work in HRA’s workplace. Employees receiving a medical or religious exemption will be required to submit a weekly, time-stamped, negative COVID test to HR.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Ability to be comfortable working with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish and wildlife.
Work is performed in client’s homes, a shelter medical center setting and outdoors.
Due to nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.
Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted.
Ability to perform strenuous physical activity on a daily basis, including but not limited to: lifting and carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting and bending, walking and standing on feet.
Exposure to disinfectant and bleach solutions when cleaning.

Benefits & Offerings

Health, Dental + Vision Insurance
401K (plus company match)
4 weeks of paid time off
10 paid company holidays including 1 floating holiday per annum
Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for DC residents
Waiver of Animal Adoption Fee
25-50% discount on some dog behavior training classes
Online/store discount
Transportation Benefit for DC residents
Annual continuing education (CE) allowance of up to $1500
Annual Student Loan Repayment Stipend of up to $5000
Free bloodwork provided by IDEXX
Costs covered for DC veterinary license, controlled substance registration and liability insurance through AVMA PLIT.

As a 501 (c)3 organization, your dedication may qualify you for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Upward mobility and growth opportunities

Education & Experience

Current valid license to practice veterinary medicine in the District of Columbia (or willingness to pursue a D.C. license).
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience in shelter medicine, community medicine, and/or HQHVSN preferred but not required.
The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) offers a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, vision, dental and select offerings for pets. Additional information may be provided upon request.

Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing.

HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.

This is a full time job