Director of Veterinary Technicians for the Small Animal Hospital

Classification Title:

Director of Patient Care for the Small Animal Hospital

Job Description:

The University of Florida Small Animal Hospital invites applications from qualified individuals to apply for the Director of Veterinary Technicians. This is a senior administrative supervisor responsible for the continual growth and success of the mission and philosophy of the Small Animal Hospital. The successful candidate will lead a pool of talented veterinary technicians in a beautiful 100,000-square-foot Small Animal Hospital.

(For a virtual tour, see the web link at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aubwddx28f0&feature=player_embedded#at=79 ).

The City of Gainesville is a fantastic place to live and work. Gainesville has something for everyone- from sports, to the arts, to outdoor recreation. As a bonus, Gainesville is only a short drive to Orlando’s many theme parks and the state of Florida’s many award-winning beaches.

This position will oversee Small Animal Hospital inpatient, outpatient, and emergency Veterinary Technicians. Reporting to and working with the Associate Dean for Clinical Services – SA, the incumbent will focus on Veterinary Technician education to facilitate technician development and develop and promote Veterinary Technician recruitment, retention, and well-being strategies.

The critical competencies for this position include analytical skills, relationship-building techniques, excellent communication skills, and the ability to triage, plan, and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced work environment. Experience managing a large team and expertise in a veterinary teaching hospital is preferred. This position requires a pre-employment health assessment and background check.

Responsibilities include:

Director of Patient Care
• Mentors and advises nursing managers on staffing and workflows to provide optimal patient care throughout the hospital
• Advises managers/supervisors on human resource issues and corrective actions, recruitment, orientation, staffing and performance appraisals for approximately 140 FTE
• Recommends priorities for new hires, classifications, and job descriptions
• Works closely with management team to ensure staff comply with current policies and procedures
• Investigates client complaints concerning nursing care, inform appropriate people, and make necessary suggestions for resolution.
• Responsible for ensuring the hospital provides excellent customer service and patient care. This includes but not limited to; proper communications, medical records are thorough and complete, charges are accurate and submitted on time, staff is friendly, supportive, and helpful, staff are trained appropriately, and continuing education is provided to maintain the most up-to-date care.
• Responsible to ensure management is focused on the training and development of staff to continue raising the bar to the next level.
• Determine and forecast staffing needs to meet the overall nursing needs of the hospital
• Develop, implement, and maintain an effective orientation program that orientates new employees to the facility, its policies and procedures, and to his/her job position and duties
• Provide leadership training/mentoring to the nursing managers/supervisors

Veterinary Technician Educator
• Provide and facilitate an in-house training program to facilitate the development and classification of Veterinary Care technicians from levels 1, 2, and 3.
• Assist with on-boarding
• Develop regular knowledge and skill assessments of veterinary nurses as they progress through their careers.
• Create, review, and update hospital policies and procedures as it relates to veterinary nursing
• Oversight of Veterinary Technician Internship programs

Veterinary Technician Recruiter/Retention
• Develop active recruitment strategies to attract vet nurses to the small animal hospital
• Develop retention strategies for new and current employees

Administrative Duties
• Serve in the Hospital Management Council

Benefits:

The University of Florida offers competitive benefits packages including but not limited to;

• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Extensive Medical Benefits (including health, dental, and vision)
• Retirement Programs
• Relocation Assistance
• Professional Development Assistance
• Employee Discounts

Expected Salary:

$115,900 - $125,000; salary based on experience.

Minimum Requirements:

Masters degree in an appropriate area and six years of relevant experience; or a bachelors degree in an appropriate area and eight years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• VTS and/or CVPM
• Previous hospital health care (human or veterinary) experience at the administrative level is desired.
• Experience in Small Animal Veterinary Medicine
• Strong communication, organizational, and financial skills
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude at work
• Ability to accept constructive feedback willingly from senior staff and clinicians
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with clinicians, coworkers, students, and clients
• Possess and exhibit maturity and a high level of integrity

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and two letters of reference.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required: Yes; Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 lbs, bend, kneel, pull, push, twist and stand for an extended period of time.