Position Purpose
Reporting into the Practice Manager, the Groomer Assistant looks after the condition of the patient's coat by providing services to keep the patient clean and well-cared for. Working with a variety of patients (breeds and sizes), the Groomer Assistant is responsible for patient bathing, fur and teeth brushing, nail trimming and grinding. The Groomer Assistant engages with clients to understand expectations, patient special needs, and desired outcomes. The Groomer Assistant is also responsible to ensure grooming rooms or designated space is clean, sanitized, safe, and secure. Groomer Assistant Competencies Patience & Compassion: Remaining professional while still making Doctors, teammates, clients, and patients feel as comfortable as possible regardless of the situation or challenges presented. Responding quickly and calmly to crisis while maintaining a high standard of patient care. Collaboration & Teamwork: Carefully coordinating actions with Doctors and practice team members. Providing feedback appropriately and in a timely manner. Quickly incorporating feedback to ensure positive results . Sharing ideas and being open to other's ideas. Communicating : Conveying instructions to clients and teammates to ensure successful pet services/care are provided. Active Listening: When listening to clients regarding service to pet listen for understanding and repeat back requests to ensure client expectations are met. May need to communicate and actively listen to Doctors if a patient is at the practice for multiple service and treatments. Organization Skills : Following client instructions, maintain consistent workflow to ensure client commitments are met, and other job-related items while managing multiple pets and clients. Client Satisfaction: Ensuring all activities and interactions result in the highest level of client satisfaction. Be client centric. Essential Responsibilities Admits patients noting the client's specific instructions to ensure a quality outcome including contact information and pick up time. Determines any veterinary services required during the client's visit. In accordance with hospital operating instructions, determines care required in agreement with the individual needs and circumstances of the patients. Observes patient appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent. Parts patient's hair to check for ticks, fleas, red, sore or inflamed areas and any lumps. Reports signs of illness, disease, injury or unusual activity to veterinary technicians or veterinarians. Appropriately handles patients and as needed, properly restrains hard-to-control patients. Performs bathing services, including shampooing and drying. Performs grooming services, including brushing, clipping, hand scissoring, trimming and shaping the patient's coat. Appropriately shapes hair using knowledge of patient characteristic, grooming techniques, styles, and client's instructions. Stays current and up to date on new techniques and trends that client are looking for as related to provided services. Provides medication (when instructed) and general cleansing, parasite control baths, pedicures, medicated dips (when instructed) and ear cleansing, as required for each patient. Applies technical knowledge of products and medications sold, including dietary products. Explains and educates clients on products and answers questions regarding product purchase/use. Performs work according to established methods specified in practice procedure manual or following special instructions. Performs all general maintenance of grooming room and yard; cleans and disinfects cages, tubs, grooming tables, and yard at least once daily. Vacuums and mops floor; empties trash; cleans clipper blades, scissors and brushes after use; performs monthly dryer and clipper maintenance. Delivers final groomed patient to client and ensures satisfaction. Appropriately addresses concerns. Where applicable, trains, supervises, and assists the Grooming Assistant in their performance of a variety of service functions. Sets performance standards and monitor performance. Conducts timely performance evaluations. Performs other duties as assigned. Requirements / Qualifications Full or part-time Ability to work on weekends Experience grooming / caring for animals Previous veterinary experience preferred Client satisfaction references preferred Ability to lift patients up to 25 pounds; ability to lift patients over 25 pounds with assistance Practices OSHA safety techniques including proper PPE Benefits Offered Paid time off Health insurance; dental insurance; vision insurance Retirement benefits (401k, Roth k, and matching) Bonus incentive Flexible work schedules Career and professional development Employee Assistance Program Employee Referral Program
