Director of Shelter Medicine

We are seeking a Director of Shelter Medicine for our Animal Care Center in Middletown, RI.

When you join the Potter League team, you are able to focus on care, not production, and will be a hero to those who need you by making a life-changing and often lifesaving difference for pets and the people who love them.

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.

Rhode Island’s largest and most innovative animal welfare organization, the Potter League for Animals, has two locations in Rhode Island. Our animal care and adoption center receives more than 1,800 dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals annually and consistently maintains a Live Release Rate of 90% or higher. Our commitment to all animals means we are willing to pursue all reasonable efforts to provide for their well-being. We also offer some community care for under-resourced pet owners in Newport County because nobody should have to surrender their beloved pet and family member because of a lack of access to affordable veterinary care.

Position Description:

Classification: Full-time, salaried, exempt

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

Supervises: Vet Techs and Assistants in conjunction with the COO

Job Purpose

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:

• Examine animals for overall health and formulate appropriate treatment plans
• 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 regard 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; develops and implements training on disease control and animal care.
• Participates in the performance appraisal process, providing 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 contributions 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 with 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

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 that 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.

Benefits

• Tuesday through Friday daytime hours
•  Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Veterinarian License and Veterinary Association Membership Dues expenses, annual allowance for continued education, and PLIT insurance.
• Generous vacation and sick time, as well as eight paid holidays per year
• Simple IRA plan with a match up to 3% of gross salary
• Health and Dental insurance
• A fun, friendly, and supportive team

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine licensed to practice within the State of Rhode Island.
• Shelter Medicine experience is preferred
• Current DEA License, or the ability to obtain
• Knowledge of the Humane Alliance spay and neuter model is preferred, but we will train.

Why Choose Rhode Island?

It’s said good things come in small packages, and this cannot be truer when describing Rhode Island. Covering an area of 1,214 square miles, Rhode Island offers 400 miles of beautiful coastline with some of the finest beaches one could hope to experience and, of course, fresh seafood. Northern Rhode Island offers hiking trails and a variety of lakes for fishing, kayaking, ice skating, and more! Rhode Island has historic architecture and mansions, the arts, charming villages and Providence offers an urban experience that rivals that of other noteworthy cities around the country. Centrally located, Rhode Island is the gateway to Southern New England – a hub of culture, scenic beauty, history, and entertainment can be found throughout Rhode Island, nearby Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

How to Apply:
Please send your resume and cover letter to: Todd Cramer, Chief Mission Officer at tcramer@potterleague.org. Phone calls are welcome at 401.846.0592 ext. 126.

Employment Disclaimer: This job description is not a contract – management reserves the right to change its contents at any time. This organization complies with the guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. This organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer.