Job Post

Clinical Instructor Veterinarian

Company Name: Dumb Friends League
Company Website: http://ddfl.org
Location:
Job Type: Full Time
Job Category: Operations

Position Summary

To lead and participate in the day-to-day work of the Shelter Veterinary Services or Community Veterinary Solutions doctor team in partnership with and at the direction of the Chief Veterinarian.  Clinical Instructor Veterinarians provide veterinary care in a fast-paced, passionate shelter or community hospital environment, are available to provide support, consultation and guidance for staff veterinarians regarding case management, diagnostics and decision-making, and support and cultivate learning opportunities for all team members, especially League interns and externs.

There are currently two Clinical Instructor Veterinarian positions at the Dumb Friends League.  One is based within Community Veterinary Solutions and manages the externship program (4th year veterinary students from Colorado State University) and one based within Shelter Veterinary Services, managing the internship program (currently up to four interns per year).  These positions will work collaboratively to ensure great learning opportunities for externs and interns across League departments, while also being contributing members of the CVS or SVS doctor teams.

The Dumb Friends League’s Veterinary Hospital at CSU Spur (operational in January 2022) provides an “on-view” experience for visitors to the CSU Spur campus.  Staff joining the Community Veterinary Solutions team should expect that they will occasionally or regularly, depending on their work assignment, be working in an exam room, surgical suite or dentistry suite that is on-view through windows to a public audience.

Responsibilities

Providing Veterinary Services

  • Provide veterinary care, as needed, including public appointments, physical exams, diagnostics, owner requested euthanasia, and necropsies.
  • Develop diagnostic and/or treatment plan options for patients using an incremental care approach, guided by the shelter or hospital scope of care.
  • Perform surgical procedures on a regular basis including HQ/HV spay/neuter, dentistry, and various soft tissue and orthopedic procedures.
  • Effectively and compassionately communicate with owners of pets and the community.
  • Work within and across other departments to effectively and efficiently coordinate animal care and execute quarantine of infectious disease animals.
  • Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of medical programs that improve the standard of animal and veterinary care.
  • Work with the League’s investigations team regarding the evaluation, documentation, and testimony about the condition of animals involved in cruelty and neglect cases.
  • Monitor and evaluate departmental/area processes and procedures alongside Chief Veterinarians and the Directors of Veterinary Services to maximize efficient uses of resources.
  • Collaborate with leadership teams across departments to ensure the League’s veterinary care is provided using appropriate and up-to-date medical practices.
  • Assist in developing and implementing League specific training programs regarding veterinary care as requested.
  • Maintain a culture of collaboration and teamwork within Veterinary Services and the League broadly.
  • As our shelters operate 24/7, assume occasional overnight on call responsibilities. These responsibilities are remote telemedicine consults with overnight shelter staff or foster parents, not in-person.

Coaching & Mentorship within Veterinary Services

  • Actively cultivate a culture of learning for all staff within Veterinary Services.
  • Directly supervise, coach and mentor veterinary interns and externs on a day-to-day basis, specifically in their provision of veterinary medicine.
  • Directly coach and mentor Staff Veterinarians on a day-to-day basis, specifically in their provision of veterinary medicine.
  • Provide performance feedback, directly and/or via the respective program manager, to veterinary interns and externs, specifically in their provision of veterinary medicine.
  • Collaborate with the Extern Program Manager for effective implementation of extern experiences across the League.
  • Collaborate with the Internship Program Manager for effective implementation of intern experiences across the League.
  • Serve as a veterinary ambassador with community partners, promoting the League’s mission, goals and strategic initiatives including Socially Conscious Sheltering and Communities to veterinarians, vendors, the public, and other animal welfare related organizations.

Team or Program Specific Responsibilities

Clinical Instructor Veterinarian, Shelter Veterinary Services & Intern Program Manager

  • Provide outstanding diagnostic, clinical and surgical care for shelter animals, adopted pets and their owners, and pet owners seeking services within the scope of care for League shelters.
  • Provide active instruction to veterinary interns.
  • Complete evaluations of veterinary interns.
  • In partnership with all Clinical Instructors, coordinate, update and oversee all aspects of the veterinary match program.
  • Coordinate between League facilities to ensure a quality and consistent intern experience.
  • Regarding the internship program, serve as a liaison and point of contact between potential interns, veterinary schools, and the League.
  • Maintain responsibility for execution, continuous improvement and review of the League’s internship programs.
  • Work in partnership with the Development team as requested to provide information regarding the internship program with potential donors or in the development of reports describing work that has been funded.
  • Lead advocate and voice for interns within Veterinary Services.

People Care

People are the key to fulfilling our mission. Making internal and external patrons and their needs a primary focus is expected in all situations. This position interacts with and collaborates with employees at all levels of the organization. Communication occurs through face to face, telephone, and electronic interactions and may also include contact with the general public and League business partners. Communication and contact must be clear, understandable, cooperative, professional and respectful in all circumstances. Employees are expected to actively support a positive team environment, directly address conflict, and appropriately express concerns.

Competencies

Competencies are work behaviors and expectations necessary for successful job performance. They encompass knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and actions.

Organizational competencies apply to all jobs at the League; leadership and position competencies are specific to this position.

Organizational Key Competencies

  • Integrity and Ethics
  • Adapting to Change and Ambiguity
  • Customer and Community Focus
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Excellence

Leadership Key Competencies

  • Project and Process Management
  • Delivering Results
  • Developing Direct Reports
  • Building and Leading Effective Teams

Position Competencies

  • Analytical Thinking
  • Community Partnerships
  • Conflict Management
  • Strong Leadership
  • Fiscal Responsibility
  • Innovation
  • Team Building
  • People Development
  • Project Management
  • Strong teaching and mentorship skills
  • Strategic Thinking

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

  • Skilled and proficient diagnostician
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills
  • High emotional intelligence
  • Ability to effectively communicate in writing
  • Effective time management skills with the ability to triage cases and workload
  • Ability to work well within a fast-paced environment
  • High attention to detail
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs

Work Conditions and Physical Requirements

Handle and restrain animals of various sizes, weights, and temperaments. Subject to animal bites or scratches. Work performed in high noise level areas. Exposure to cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal dander, and feces. Exposure to radiation in association with performing radiology procedures. Physical efforts require constant bending, stooping, standing, climbing stairs, and walking. Repetitive motion associated with medical and surgical care. Frequent lifting of animals and objects with reasonable accommodation.

Benefits – Please visit our website for a comprehensive list of all offered benefits.

Full Time

  • Benefits (medical, dental, and vision)
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • League-paid Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Holiday Pay
  • 401(k)
  • Veterinarians are eligible for student loan reimbursement

Compensation: $110,000 – $125,000 annually (starting pay commensurate with market, experience, and equity)

Qualifications Required

Licensure / Certification: Eligible to obtain a Colorado Veterinary License. If driving a League vehicle, valid driver’s license and insurable driving record are required.

Experience: Five years or more of experience practicing veterinary medicine and providing leadership for or managing a team

Education: Doctoral degree in veterinary medicine

Preferred

Leadership or management experience

Experience as a teacher or mentor of veterinary students or interns

Experience performing orthopedic surgeries and/or dentistry

Experience working in animal sheltering and welfare

Current or ability to obtain DEA license