Director of Veterinary Services

JOB TITLE: Director of Veterinary Services - Veterinarian

DEPARTMENT: Clinic

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

SUPERVISES: Veterinary Programs Manager, Veterinary Wellness Center Manager, VWC Veterinarian, Relief Veterinarians

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt, Full-Time, Salary

EFFECTIVE DATE: 3/3/2023

SUMMARY: A member of Tree House’s executive team, the Director of Veterinary Services supervises and provides the highest quality medical care possible to animals served through Tree House in a humane and professional manner, and in accordance with the most progressive and evidence-based policies and procedures with a focus on: cross-departmental integration and effectiveness, maximizing live release outcomes and improving access to care.

The Director of Veterinary Services provides guidance and compassionate leadership to department staff and veterinarians; and provides expertise and advice to the Tree House Board of Directors and executive team regarding veterinary medical policies, procedures, and issues as they relate to the achievement of organizational goals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operations and Oversight

• Provide a premiere level of care and services to animals and people in accordance with the Tree House mission, values, goals, and management philosophies. Special emphasis on working with the Director of Operations toward cross-departmental collaboration and integration to achieve shared goals.
• Propose medical protocols and guidelines for care/feeding/welfare of animals, with special attention being paid to minimizing animal stress and decreasing length of stay.
• Lead, guide, and consult shelter veterinarians on medical treatment plans for animals in our care.
• Individual animal care, including physical exams, vaccinations, prescribing and administering medications; ordering and performing appropriate diagnostics; competently performing medical and surgical procedures in a safe and efficient manner.
• Assess population health through data analysis, rounds with leadership team, and address population-level issues through changes to protocols, policies, and/or procedures.
• Conducts and/or directs humane euthanasia procedures when required.
• Ensures that all state and federal laws, state regulations, and accepted standards regarding veterinary operations, drug control, and best practices of veterinary medicine are adhered to.
• Ensures relief coverage is in place for vet vacations/out of office, etc.

Budget & Planning

• Develops and manages veterinary services budget and annual objectives.
• Actively participates as a member of the executive team; attends applicable meetings and participates in strategic and annual planning for the organization.
• Participate in inter-departmental meetings and discussions to support and develop Tree House initiatives.

Staff Leadership

• Hires, supervises, evaluates, directs and guides the performance of the staff in the department. Conduct necessary disciplinary, terminations, and other personnel actions in accordance with personnel policies.
• Provides training and mentorship for veterinary staff and maintains an atmosphere of conducive continuous learning.
• Creates, communicates, and oversees the execution of a vision for veterinary services in collaboration with the executive team and in accordance with our organizational goals.

Other

• Actively participate in required staff meetings and workshops.
• Update knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, maintaining networks, and participating in professional organizations.
• Protect the organization by keeping information confidential.
• Represent Tree House externally, including but not limited to media opportunities.
• Liaise with partners and veterinary networks to raise Tree House’s visibility and thought leadership.
• Other duties as requested

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Currently, this position directly supervises three employees within the department. Throughout the year, this position may supervise part-time/relief veterinarians and/or externs and interns.

COMPETENCIES:

• Communication - Expresses self--orally and in writing--in manner that is clear, well organized and appropriate to the situation. Uses appropriate grammar, punctuation/spelling, and tone. Listens carefully and sincerely, considers others' ideas. Maintains confidentiality and expresses good judgment about what to say and when to say it. Keeps others informed.
• Customer Service - Treats customers (internal and external) with respect and courtesy. Shows interest in, anticipates, and responds timely to customer needs and concerns. Goes beyond basic service expectations to help customers. Responds appropriately to and resolves difficult and emotional situations. Seeks ways to improve service delivery.
• Diversity - Enthusiastically works with all employees, regardless of race, gender, culture, and age. Values contributions of people from diverse backgrounds. Demonstrates respect for opinions and ideas of others. Shows awareness of and sensitivity to cultural and individual values.
• Judgment - Gathers data and others' input as appropriate when making decisions and handling diverse situations. Considers cost, organizational resources, and efficiency, as well as both long- and short-term outcomes. Can explain rationale for a decision. Observes safety and security procedures; uses equipment and materials properly. Recognizes when to consult higher level management.
• Managing People - Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating, and process improvement. Aligns the right work with the right people. Ensures staff have skills and resources to fulfill their job duties. Informs staff of what is expected of them and holds them accountable. Gives staff ongoing, constructive feedback on their performance and progress in light of expectations and goals. Rewards and recognizes hard work and results. Addresses performance issues promptly and corrects poor performance. Works to create a strong team.
• Problem Solving - Identifies problems in a timely manner. Gathers and analyzes factors or causes. Generates and evaluates alternative solutions. Implements a plan to solve the problem. Assesses effectiveness of intervention.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree from an AVMA accredited institution
• Current IL licenses – Licensed Veterinarian and Controlled Substance
• Current DEA license
• Passion for cats and animal welfare. Feline veterinary skills.
• Familiarity with shelter medicine, particularly sterilization, disease control, and the manifestations of stress.
• Two years of veterinary experience; experience in high-volume spay/neuter a plus.
• Computer skills required: Microsoft Office. PetPoint is a plus.
• Other skills required: Results-orientation and being able to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks at one time.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequently required to stand, walk, bend over and stoop.
• Occasionally exposure to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather).
• Must occasionally lift and /or move up to 40 pounds.
• May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises, and animal bodily fluids or feces.
• May be exposed to aggressive, ill and/or injured animals, as well as bites, scratches, and infectious (zoonotic) animal diseases.
• Uses the following specialized equipment and machines: IDEXX Laboratory Equipment, digital radiography, dental equipment and surgical equipment.
• Work is completed in an animal shelter with shared office space.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• Choose your own hours
• Day shift
• No nights

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay
• Signing bonus

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.