Shelter Medicine Coordinator

If you are up for the challenge and would like to be considered for this position, we would like to hear from you. The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) is looking to fill the following career opportunity:

POSITION:                 Shelter Medicine Coordinator 

STATUS:                    Permanent; Part-Time

SHIFT:                        21 hours per week – (hours of work may be altered from time to time to provide vacation/sick coverage)

LOCATION:                Provincial Office, Vancouver BC

CLASSIFICATION:    Exempt           

WAGE:                        Salaried (pro-rated)                                                    

CLOSING DATE:       Open Until Filled

We welcome diversity, value differences, and foster inclusion in our employment practices.  Find out more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion by reading our Foundational Principles on our website.  We invite applications from all qualified individuals who are philosophically aligned with our mission and principles. 

About the Position:

This position supports the work of the Shelter Medicine program at the BC SPCA Community Animal Centres. This includes but is not limited to support of shelter medicine clinical cases, large scale animal intakes (LSAI), generation, maintenance and delivery of training content, disease outbreaks and managing the ringworm program for the province.

The Shelter Medicine Coordinator will work collaboratively with the Community Animal Centre Management Team and all relevant stakeholders to coordinate and consult on issues as they relate to animal health in BC SPCA care, primarily in Animal Centres but may also include fosters as necessary.

Some specific duties:

General Coordination for Shelter Medicine Program (60%):

• Acts as point person for email communication from Community Animal Centres in relation to protocols/policy questions and other Shelter Medicine matters as directed, flags inquiries needing further assessment by other members of the Shelter Medicine program, or other internal or external resources as directed.
• Ongoing awareness of and support for all Manager, Shelter Medicine activities in the province including disease outbreaks, materials under development, gaps in materials, impending absences, etc.
• Maintaining and organizing all Manager, Shelter Medicine materials on the staff portal.
• Providing enhanced support to locum veterinarians when the Manager, Shelter Medicine is absent; maintaining schedule.
• Assists in gathering/curating research and/or case-related data as determined by Manager, Shelter Medicine.

Ringworm Identification & Support (25%):

• Plating of ringworm samples received from across the province.
• Ongoing monitoring and reporting of these cases.
• Communication and support for all BC SPCA Community Animal Centres dealing with ringworm cases including biosecurity measures, treatment, troubleshooting,  tracking, and animal movement.
• Updating, implementing and training shelter staff on the use of Ringworm Comprehensive Protocol.
• Preparing orders through Health Canada.
• Emergency Drug Release program for Lime Plus Dip, maintaining compliance with Health Canada requirements for use of Lime Plus Dip on Emergency Drug Release.

Resource Development & Training (5%):

• Creating and consulting on new shelter medicine protocols and documents as directed by the Manager, Shelter Medicine.
• Answering questions from management and staff on inquiries into protocols.
• Creation and implementation of various resources including online tools, visual aids, quick reference guides, etc. around animal health related topics such as vaccine administration, low stress handling and medication administration.
• Delivering live training sessions, including by not limited to:

• Travelling to different BC SPCA locations to offer hands on training in observation techniques, animal health and welfare protocols and low stress handling.
• Leading and contributing to remote training opportunities including webinars, phone calls, and the creation of online resources as above.

Case Management Support (5%)

• Creation and management of disease outbreak spreadsheets including communication with BC SPCA Community Animal Centres and outside companies (e.g. drug and vaccine companies) regarding information required.
• Assist Manager, Shelter Medicine with conducting risk assessments in disease exposure events.
• Working alongside Veterinary Services  staff and the Ministry of Agriculture with monitoring, shipment, and tracking of RHRabbit Haemorrhagic Disease vaccines around the province
• Supporting BC SPCA Community Animal Centres with inquiries regarding RHRabbit Haemorrhagic Disease vaccine uses.
• Creating documents and health plans to support teams for medical Animal Protection Services intakes as directed by the Manager, Shelter Medicine and Shelter Medicine protocols.

• Reviewing all incoming IDEXX laboratory results, reporting negative results to Community Animal Centres and flagging positive results.

• Acting as Shelter Medicine lead during LSAI planning meetings, creating and updating animal health plans for LSAI groups, monitoring weight trends and ensuring appropriate action taken for seized LSAI animals.
• Supporting Manager, Shelter Medicine in case support requests from Community Animal Centres by reviewing and summarizing medical records.

Other Requirements (5%):

• Active and ongoing participation in continuing education, conferences and other learning platforms that will further heighten knowledge and expertise levels.
• Coordinating veterinary student Animal Welfare rotations; ensuring that student evaluations are compiled and submitted; mentoring veterinary students, veterinary technician students, and undergraduates assigned to placements at the BC SPCA as required and within scope.
• Organization and minute taking for departmental meetings as needed or requested
• Support veterinary outreach including to RVTs and RVT programs

• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications you need to have:

• Registered Veterinary Technologist designation or the ability to obtain this qualification in the province of British Columbia within six (6) months of hire; the employer will also consider equivalencies such as an experienced veterinarian trained internationally.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ related experience  Relevant experience includes, but is not limited to:
• Working in a shelter environment
• Tracking data
• Providing outstanding service to stakeholders
• Genuine compassion for animals, knowledge of the Five Freedoms.
• Excellent computer skills in Windows, MS Office and online meeting software; knowledge of Shelter Buddy is considered an asset.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with competing deadlines and multiple priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to respectfully relate to a diverse audience.
• Excellent organizational skills with high attention to detail.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively as a member of a team.
• Able to explain, train and monitor compliance of others.

• Ability to determine the nature and urgency of inquiries and issues, and triage appropriately.

• Ability to travel and work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Valid unrestricted Class 5 BC Drivers’ License would be considered an asset.

• Philosophical harmony with the BC SPCA mission, vision and strategic directions.

How to apply:

If you are interested in joining our team and are legally entitled to work in Canada, we would like to hear from you. Click on apply now or use the link to apply https://spca.bc.ca/about-us/careers/

We thank you for your interest in the BC SPCA, however; only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls, please. 

The BC SPCA is a Registered Charity BN 11881 9036 RR0001