Assistant jobs in United States

About the Job

Role overview

• The Senior Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant works under the guidance of a licensed veterinary rehabilitation therapist or veterinarian to assist in providing rehabilitation and physical therapy services to animals.

• The Senior Veterinary Rehabilitation Therapist Assistant plays a key role in supporting the delivery of advanced rehabilitation care to animal patients recovering from injury, surgery, or chronic conditions. This position involves assisting the rehabilitation veterinarian and certified therapists in providing physical therapy treatments, managing patient care, and overseeing the daily operations of the rehabilitation facility.

• Who will this role report into: VRH Manager

• Employment Type: Full-Time
  

Job Description:

Senior Assistant in Veterinary Rehabilitation Therapy

The Veterinary Senior Assistant supports the veterinary and rehabilitation team in delivering high-quality care to animal patients undergoing physical therapy and recovery. Key responsibilities include:

• Assist in administering advanced rehabilitation modalities, including hydrotherapy, laser therapy, therapeutic exercises, massage therapy, acupuncture support, and land-based physical therapy.

• Safely handle and position patients using Fear Free and low-stress techniques to ensure comfort and minimize anxiety during therapy sessions.

• Support initial evaluations and re-assessments by assisting with gait analysis, range-of-motion assessments, and therapeutic planning under the supervision of the rehabilitation veterinarian or therapist.

• Assist in monitoring and reporting patient progress, behaviour, and responses to treatments to veterinarian and therapist.

• Maintain and calibrate rehabilitation equipment such as underwater treadmills, therapy lasers, exercise tools, and cold/heat therapy devices.

• Bathe and dry patients following hydrotherapy or treatments as needed.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment, ensuring all equipment and treatment areas are properly sanitized and functional.

• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior staff and students, helping foster learning and professional development within the team.

• Communicate effectively with veterinarians, therapists, technicians, and pet owners to ensure coordinated care and clear updates opatient progress.

Collaboration with other Departments:

• Support the rehabilitation veterinarian and therapist in ensuring effective communication with veterinarians, technicians, and specialists from other departments to facilitate the development and coordination of individualized rehabilitation plans.

Desired skills and experience:

• Veterinary Clinical Experience: a minimum of 2 years of experience as a veterinary assistant or technician with an interest in veterinary rehabilitation

• Genuine Passion for Animal Care: Demonstrates a strong interest in working with animals, showing compassion, patience, and dedication to improving their health and quality of life through rehabilitation therapy.

• Rehabilitation Modalities and equipment proficiency: ability to learn and assist with various therapeutic techniques, including hydrotherapy, laser therapy, massage, therapeutic exercise programs, and acupuncture. Ability to learn and assist in the operating and maintenance of all rehabilitation equipment.

• Animal Handling: Skilled in Fear Free and low-stress animal handling, particularly with patients in pain, restricted mobility, or post-operative conditions.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to support junior staff through training, supervision, and knowledge sharing to uphold care standards and promote team development.

• Client and team Communication: Comfortable communicating with pet owners regarding home-care instructions, progress updates, and treatment goals in a professional and compassionate manner. Possesses clear and respectful communication skills for interacting with veterinary professionals, pet owners, and fellow team members.

• Organizational Skills: Strong attention to cleanliness, patient documentation, equipment maintenance, and overall clinic efficiency.

• Proactive and Reliable: Takes initiative in maintaining cleanliness, preparing equipment, and offering assistance to veterinarians and therapists as needed.

• Team Player: Works collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, contributing to a supportive and cohesive rehabilitation environment.

• Detail-Oriented: Carefully follows protocols, accurately records patient responses, and attentively supports therapy sessions.

• Adaptable and Flexible: Comfortable adjusting to varying patient needs and therapy priorities in a dynamic clinical setting.

Additional Information

• Salary Range: Competitive and commensurate with experience.

• Benefits: Health insurance, employee discounts, professional development opportunities, etc.