Veterinary Financial Assistance Veterinarian

Scope of Responsibilities

Associate veterinarians are mission-critical members of our team, entrusted with safeguarding the health, comfort, and welfare of our dogs. This role supports Seeing Eye Dogs through their working life, ensuring that every medical decision reflects both excellent veterinary care and our commitment to humane, ethical and compassionate practices. Veterinarians work collaboratively across departments to help each dog reach its fullest potential as a guide and companion.

Essential Functions

Veterinary Financial Assistance Fund

• Handle incoming veterinary assistance hotline communications with compassion and understanding
• Make recommendations based on illness/injury described
• Make referrals to a veterinary care provider or emergency referral as needed based on condition assessed
• Coordinate care as needed for patients to receive treatment
• Make payments to veterinary care providers when appropriate
• Record all communications
• Students served
• Guides served (R&C and ER)
• Recommendations or referrals
• Payments made
• Medical record entries - Seeing Eye Information System
• Medical coding for future research opportunities - Seeing Eye Information System
• Manage budget of approximately $1.2 million with Director oversight
• Communicate all services provided to training managers and veterinarians
• Communicate and transfer calls as need to training managers for training-related questions
• Summarize and code all incoming medical records (new and old)
• Communicate program details to graduates - Graduate Services and Donor & Public Relations
• Manage enrollment
• Determine need-based guidelines are met
• Ensure need-based criteria are met by applicants
• Spot checking to ensure compliance
• Oversee enrollment into programs offered
• Inform graduates of enrollment status
• When needed: Provide high-quality preventive and clinical veterinary care for puppies, dogs in training, breeding dogs, adoptable dogs and working guide dogs.
• Diagnose and treat illness or injury with a strong emphasis on comfort, long-term soundness, and quality of life
• Handle communications regarding veterinary care for dogs in Field Service, Puppy Development and Training
• Perform routine surgical procedures and coordinate specialty care and referrals when needed
• Advocate for each dog's well-being, balancing medical findings with training demands and individual needs

Population Health & Welfare

• Develop and oversee preventive health programs that promote lifelong wellness and minimize disease and injury
• Develop quarterly communications to graduates and canine health
• Ensure compliance with Routine & Chronic care and Emergency programs as well as payments made

Support of Mission & Programs

• Collaborate closely with training managers and veterinarians to provide medical guidance and education
• Contribute to thoughtful decisions regarding health care, treatment, career change or retirement, always prioritizing the dog's welfare
• Support breeding and genetic health initiatives, when applicable, to promote sustainable, healthy future generations

Education, Communication & Advocacy

• Communicate medical information clearly and compassionately to students, graduates and staff
• Provide education on canine health, wellness and preventive care to support a culture of shared responsibility
• Serve as an advocate for ethical working-dog care within the organization and broader community

Records & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate and thorough medical records
• Participate in program evaluation, research or data collection to improve outcomes for dogs and the people they serve
• Contribute to policies and procedures that reflect best practices in non-profit veterinary and working-dog medicine

Education and Experience

Required

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or equivalent) from an accredited institution
• Licensed or eligible for licensure in (jurisdiction)

Candidate Profile

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong alignment with the mission and values of a non-profit service organization

Benefits

• In addition to the standard benefits package for veterinarians of The Seeing Eye, veterinarians also receive additional benefits as licensed practicing veterinarians
• Medical supplies and medications may be purchased at cost + 10%
• Use of space & equipment benefit: Full-time veterinarians working more than 30 hours per week can use the clinic space and equipment one day annually for a $100 donation. The donation will cover expenses associated with gas, injectable medications and supplies. If any additional prescriptions or supplies are needed, the standard rate of cost + 10% applies. No technicians may be utilized during this time and the day will be selected by the department director so as to not conflict with The Seeing Eye operations. The date will likely fall on a Saturday or Sunday and will be selected with the veterinary team's input.