Clerical Assistant, Large Animal Reception

Primary Purpose: To provide client services within the reception areas of the Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC) Nature of Work: Reporting directly to the Team Lead, Client Services, this position functions as a member of the client reception team within a fast paced, demanding environment. The environment involves exposure to animals, frequent interruptions, and multiple simultaneous demands. Constant communication with clients/owners, Veterinarians, staff, and students both in person and over the telephone is daily interaction. This position exercises judgment when booking appointments for the various services in the hospital. The position works in an environment with frequent sensitive, emotional situations (such as emergency care, clients experiencing grief and monetary transactions) requiring diplomacy and tact. Varying shifts include evenings, weekends, and Statutory Holidays. Typical Duties: Booking of appointments in a computerized system; receives clients and offers assistance; responds to and understands urgent and emergency client calls; maintains excellent customer service with an empathy for client/patient concerns; performs clerical duties related to admitting and discharging patients; receives payment for goods and services, and maintains balanced cash receipts; answers client account inquiries; initiates health records; assist with orientation of new staff, students, residents, and clinicians in office procedures; and other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education: Completion of grade 12 and successful completion of a recognized veterinary office assistant program including medical terminology is required. A combination of education and experience such as successful completion of a recognized medical office assistant program, including medical terminology, and/or education pertaining to animal studies may be considered. Experience: 2 years direct experience in a similar veterinary hospital setting. Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal; highly effective public and customer relations skills, including the ability to provide timely and courteous service under stressful conditions with a tactful and firm approach; ability to effectively work independently as well as part of a team maintaining a professional and positive demeanor in a dynamic environment; demonstrated accuracy in data entry and the ability to maintain attention to detail; proven problem solving abilities; a strong knowledge of veterinary medical terminology, veterinary anatomy and disease processes; a knowledge of species and breeds; proficiency with computers to complete appointment scheduling, billing and lab requests; ability to multitask and demonstrate effective organizational skills in a fast paced environment; and the demonstrated ability to handle cash accurately. Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to [email protected]