Location: Mission Hills, CA

Are you ready to fill your days with the most rewarding experiences? If you are ready to jump in to help the animals most in need, then we want to talk to you! Are you often complimented on your excellent written and verbal communication skills? Do you pride yourself in being extremely organized? Then look no further your dream job awaits!

The Coordinator, Veterinary Programs will work alongside other passionate, dedicated individuals to provide and coordinate exceptional medical care to all the animals in our programs while they are waiting for their forever homes! If you are a self-starter that also thrives in a team setting, then we want to meet you.

If you are ready to take your career to the next level and make a difference in the lives of dogs and cats apply today!

Position Summary: Veterinary Coordinators are responsible for the daily functions, and growth of veterinary programs. They support high quality medical care for animals and are responsible for daily activities in the veterinary department. Veterinary Coordinators act with urgency to accomplish important tasks and play a direct role in achieving Best Friends Animal Society's no-kill mission and organizational success. Coordinators may receive intensive assignments in a particular program, based on organizational needs. Senior coordinators have an increased level of responsibility or skills, and the ability to make on-the-spot decisions to accomplish tasks.

Culture Statement and Responsibility: We value attitude over aptitude, and we treat Kindness as a discipline because it is paramount in our culture along with our other Guiding Principles. Culture is how we talk to and treat ourselves and one another, it's how we generate and respond to change, it's how we plan and make decisions, it's how we do what we do.

Key Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate kindness and the Golden Rule in our everyday actions by practicing inclusion and respect for every person for the value they bring to the table. Be a role model for the spirit of authenticity, kindness and positive influence with each other, our visitors, and volunteers as well as to the animals every day. This includes listening, being present, being supportive of others and demonstrating compassion and curiosity in conflict.
• Coordinate and conduct day-to-day veterinary program activities including medical appointments, transport logistics, partner communication, maintenance of animal records, and other activities as assigned; contribute to strategies for operational efficiency, and superior customer service.
• Perform basic medical care including but not limited to medicating, vaccinating, subcutaneous fluids, and microchipping under the direction of a veterinarian; have knowledge of sterile techniques, basic knowledge of surgical instruments, and knowledge of animal physiology.
• Lead and empower volunteers and volunteer teams in support of lifesaving care and outcome programs with the goal of utilizing volunteers to the greatest extent possible to expand Best Friends lifesaving capacity; deliver and lead superior customer service.
• Maintain a clean and disinfected working environment, maintain controlled substances logs, accurately enter and maintain patient and client medical data.
• Support, empower and enable volunteers and foster parents with the goal of utilizing volunteers to expand Best Friends lifesaving capacity; assist with client communications including aftercare and emergency support.
• Provide basic care such as feeding, cleaning, walking, and socialization for animals temporarily housed or transported within Lifesaving Center vehicles, buildings, or facilities.
• Deliver superior customer service; communicate (or develop communications) about and maintain knowledge of Best Friends and community partner programs. 
• Work collaboratively with Best Friends' team members in all areas of operations to achieve lifesaving goals; follow Best Friends policies, procedures, and task lists for daily lifesaving outcome assignments, including accurate and timely communications, work completion, data entry, and recordkeeping.

Required Skills and Experience:

• A minimum of one year working experience working with animals providing basic veterinary care preferred but not required.
• Ability to work with, leash, kennel, walk, and handle all cats and dogs, including those with health and/or behavior conditions/concerns; basic ability to identify and speak to medical and behavioral characteristics of dogs and cats.
• Bilingual or multi-lingual skills preferred but not required.
• Resourceful, get-it-done attitude; initiative to assist in any area or process; problem solving, seeking answers independently and enthusiastically; flexibility to persist until lifesaving outcome goals are achieved.
• Strong interpersonal skills, a team player, personable, professional, and able to get along with people from different backgrounds, as well as the ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with well-developed organization skills to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products; familiarity with shelter software/animal management software, or desire to learn.

Physical & Other Requirements:

• Must be able to:
  • Routinely lift 40 - 100 pounds and perform daily strenuous activity including, but not limited to lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, cleaning, and bending.
  • Work at a computer or driving a car for extended periods of time with repetitive typing, sitting, arm, and hand motion. 
  • Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.
  • Exposure to dogs, cats and other animals of all sizes, temperaments, and medical status. 
  • Ability to travel, including overnight stays, when needed. 
  • Daily hours and days of the week may vary according to the needs of the department schedule; position includes weekends, nights and holiday work.