Description

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 at our center 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 in order 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. 

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. 

• 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  

Requirements

Accountabilities: 

•       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 regards 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; develop and implement training on disease control and animal care.
•       Participates in the performance appraisal process 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 contribution 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 of 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.

Qualifications:

•       Doctor of Veterinary Medicine licensed to practice within the State of Rhode Island.
•       The ability to complete spay and neuter surgery, other surgeries such as enucleations and mass removals, and dental procedures.
•       Shelter Medicine experience is preferred.

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 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.