Director of Shelter Medicine

This is full-time, Tuesday - Friday, 7:00am -5:30pm. 

The Director of Shelter Medicine is responsible for veterinary services provided to shelter animals as well as to community animals. The Director of Shelter Medicine educates clients, students, staff and volunteers on proper animal care and disease control. 

Accountabilities:

• Provides medical services to all animals at the Potter League for Animals, including but not limited to, physical examinations, diagnostics and treatment of shelter animals.
• Performs sterilization surgeries, other surgical procedures, and dental procedures for shelter animals.
• Participates in daily medical/pathway planning rounds for all shelter animals.
• Develops, documents, and maintains Shelter Medicine Program Protocols.
• Assists with the evaluation of medical and disease control protocols for the shelter.
• Assists staff in situations requiring immediate problem solving on medical issues.
• Performs euthanasia within the animal shelter and at owners’ requests.
• Provides emergency care to injured or sick animals residing at the Potter League’s Animal Care Center and coordinates/provides guidance for after-hours emergencies.
• Helps to define and deliver outreach services to the community with regards to veterinary care, including community vaccine clinics.
• Assists with day-to-day oversight of veterinary support staff (including animal care staff & volunteers) to ensure compliance with League safety and personnel practices and procedures.  Informs Supervisor of personnel issues.
• Adheres to DEA requirements for controlled drugs.  Responsible stewardship of drug and supply inventory.
• Maintains appropriate licensing and completes required continuing education courses.  Adheres to state regulations and organizational protocol regarding animal care, treatment, advocacy and the mission of the League.
• Properly utilizes and maintains all hospital equipment.
• Adheres to the annual budget and promotes cost savings within the department.
• Works collaboratively to orient, train, support and guide animal care staff/volunteers.
• Participates in League staff and volunteer training; develop and implement training on disease control and animal care.
• Participates in the performance appraisal process feedback when assigned.
• Actively integrates volunteers, ensures safety compliance and promotes their involvement within the League.
• Represents the Potter League in a professional, respectful and courteous manner.
• Attends special events and speaking engagements to promote the Potter League’s work.
• Provides quality service to customers, volunteers and staff recognizing their individual contribution to the success of the organization.
• Promotes and follows all safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment.
• Takes immediate action to address any safety concerns or noncompliance of safety rules that could put an employee, volunteer, client, animal or the organization at risk.
• Brings ethical issues forward for discussion.
• Adheres to all Code of Conduct standards.
• Other duties as requested.

Qualifications:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine licensed to practice within the State of Rhode Island.
• The ability to complete spay and neuter surgery, other surgeries such as enucleations and mass removals, and dental procedures.
• Shelter Medicine experience is preferred.

Success Factors:

The individual who will thrive in this position:  

• Will work well independently and with an attention to detail, engage & influence others, and is motivated to achieve goals. 
• Values meaningful work and their positive impact on themselves, their colleagues, and the people and pets the Potter League serves. 
• Embraces their own uniqueness and individuality and that of others. 
• Will communicate kindly, clearly and articulately both verbally and in writing, and ideally in multiple languages. 
• Is a problem solver who can overcome obstacles with patience and grace. 
• Genuinely enjoys people and can relate to the challenges under resourced pet guardians face.
• Is proficient in Microsoft Suite products, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook, and able to successfully utilize the ShelterLuv animal management database.