Cat Medical Specialist

Cat Medical Specialist

The basic function of the Cat Medical Specialist is to monitor and manage the health of every cat living at the shelter. The key functions are to provide prescribed medications, preventatives and vaccines to each cat that enters our population and prioritizing the welfare of every cat with every action and decision.

This person will provide care for all cats onsite at Austin Pets Alive! Including specialized populations, such as the sick and injured; and assisting in the intake of new cats.

The ideal candidate will be able to learn and demonstrate strong cat handling and caregiving skills for cats of challenging temperaments, cats undergoing medical treatment, and cats requiring advanced levels of care. Commitment to APA’s No-Kill mission and a passion for saving the most at-risk cats is critical.

The candidate should work at a self-directed pace and effectively communicate with others in person, over the phone, and through email. The ideal candidate will have experience in cat handling/care, administering medications (oral and injectable), knowledge of common feline health conditions, knowledge of cat behavior, and customer service; or be an enthusiastic worker who is highly organized, ambitious, a quick learner, and passionate about helping homeless pets. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Able to provide an intake exam for all cats arriving at TLAC except for cats being seen by the clinic/neonatal.
• Provide prescribed medication to each cat exactly as prescribed within the required timeframes and insure it is ingested
• Consult with vets to diagnose and provide treatment plans
• Monitor timing of preventatives and vaccines and ensure they are given on time 
• Oversee health during rounds and address any weight, health concerns brought up by Cat Care Specialists, Counselors and Kennel Techs. 
• Request and facilitate vet clinic appointments for injuries/illnesses/concerns
• Assist the on-site clinic with cat exams when needed. 
• Coordinate with Care Specialists to monitor eating issues, digestive issues, allergies etc. 
• Keep track of cats needing special diets and provide them when necessary. 
• Coordinate with the clinic or personally fill prescriptions medications in a timely manner
• Is knowledgeable on cat care policies and knows where to find policies. 
• Knows when to go to the clinic for help and who to talk to in the clinic when help is needed. 
• Provides guidance and instruction to Care Care Specialists and Volunteers working in cat care areas.
• Work as a liaison between clinic and Cat Care Team to provide information and clear instruction for follow up for each cat. 
• Help organize medical charts, systems and processes.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift at least 40 lbs, safely reach cats in high and low places, reach into enclosures, and stand on feet for long periods of the day, able to work both indoors and outdoors at all times of the year.
• Must be able to work with and around animals of unknown temperaments and those with zoonotic conditions.
• Must be able to work with and around chemicals, detergents, and cleaners.

EXPECTATIONS

• Must embody APA!'s core values of innovation, respect, drive, resourcefulness, and inclusion
• Commitment to APA!'s customer experience expectations
• Willing and committed to working well with volunteers and staff in all roles

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Cat Care Manager. This position will work with cat kennel techs, cat care specialists, and clinic staff. 

TIME COMMITMENT

Full-Time Hourly includes 36-40 hours per week. May include weekends and on-call times as required. 

LOCATION(S) 

Town Lake Animal Center (TLAC) Campus, located at 1156 West Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas 78703

PAY RATE: Starting range of $15.00 hourly