JOB TITLE: Veterinary Assistant - Surgical (I)
DEPARTMENT: Veterinary Wellness Center
REPORTS TO: Manager, Veterinary Wellness Center
SUPERVISES: N/A
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt, Full-Time, Hourly
EFFECTIVE: 5/18/2026
SUMMARY: The Surgical Assistant assists the veterinarian and other assistants with patient care services in relation to surgery intake, discharge appointments, post-operative rechecks and wellness exams. This position assists in the preparation of patients for surgery, assists in patient restraint for exams, recovers patients after surgery, and assists in patient discharges. Services of the VWC include high quality, high volume spay/neuter (80%) in addition to basic wellness/preventative care (20%).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Know basic veterinary medical concepts, including, but not limited to vaccine protocols and anesthetic risks. Be able to communicate such information to clients. Knowledge and ability to intake and release patients, including delivering post-operative instructions in a competent and friendly mannerResponsible for prepping patients for surgery, observing all clinic procedures, to enforce sterility and safety of patientsOrganize and maintain pre-operative area and operating room for patient anesthesiaGeneral duties in the operating room during surgery, assisting with movement of patients, recovery of patients, and general flow Able to monitor basic anesthesia with a clear idea of abnormal conditionsDirect all concerns immediately to the veterinarian, supervisor, and or the manager on dutyAble to respond appropriately during an emergency, able to take directions from a veterinarian and/or superior veterinary staff and maintain competency in CPR proceduresEnsure anesthetic machines, pulse oximeters, scales, and other equipment are functional.When equipment is not working properly, report all findings to the assistant supervisor or manager Assists veterinarians and staff with medical exams as needed; involves but is not limited to fear-free restraint, vaccinations, other injections, intubation and preoperative prep and or blood workClean and sonicate surgical instruments and prepare surgical packs as needed.Assist with replenishing supplies in all areas of the hospital as neededClean and disinfect kennels and equipment Supports and follows all SOP’s and verbal instructions provided by all senior managementCross train and assist in the resident clinic as needed.Performs other duties as assigned by management based on the needs of the hospital and organizationQUALIFICATIONS:
High School Diploma or equivalentDesired at least 1-year experience in veterinary medical or animal husbandry in a veterinary hospital, shelter or spay/neuter clinic.Passion for animals and animal welfareStrong background in customer serviceFlexibility with work hours and able to work additional hours when necessaryMust be able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demandsStrong organizational and time management skills, as well as a strong sense of personal accountabilityExcellent verbal communication skills, Spanish speaking a plus but not requiredCOMPETENCIES:
Customer Service - Treats customers (internal and external) with respect and courtesy. Shows interest in, anticipates, and responds timely to customer needs and concerns. Goes beyond basic service expectations to help customers. Responds appropriately to and resolves difficult and emotional situations. Seeks ways to improve service delivery.
Diversity - Enthusiastically works with all employees, regardless of race, gender, culture, and age. Values contributions of people from diverse backgrounds. Demonstrates respect for opinions and ideas of others. Shows awareness of and sensitivity to cultural and individual values.
Ethics - Respects and maintains confidentiality. Offers the truth and be honest in all dealings. Avoids situations and actions considered inappropriate or which present a conflict of interest. Upholds organizational values. Does not misrepresent self or use position or authority for personal gain.
Teamwork - Listens and responds constructively to others views. Gives and welcomes feedback. Provides assistance to others when they need it. Shares expertise and acknowledges others effort and contribution. Puts the success of the team above their own interests. Creates a positive work environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Frequently required to stand, walk, kneel and bend over or stoop.Occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather).Must occasionally lift and /or move up to 40 pounds assistedMay be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises and animal bodily fluids or feces. May be exposed to aggressive, ill and/or injured animals, as well as bites, scratches, and infectious (zoonotic) animal diseases.The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Community Engagement & Outreach Coordinator (ll)
DEPARTMENT: Operations
REPORTS TO: Sr Manager, Community Programs
SUPERVISES: N/A
CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt, Hourly
EFFECTIVE DATE: 6/5/2026
SUMMARY: Tree House Humane Society is dedicated to fostering healthy communities for cats and people through compassionate care, community-based programs, and innovative approaches that support cats and their caretakers. Our programs-including Community Cats, TNR, Cats at Work, vaccine clinics, and outreach initiatives-focus on empowering caretakers, strengthening community connections, and creating sustainable solutions for cat overpopulation.
The Community Engagement & Outreach Coordinator supports and coordinates relationship-driven outreach efforts that increase awareness, trust, and access to Tree House programs to engage and support our target communities. Using a non-judgmental, community-centered approach, these programs work to empower and support our target communities to make the most well-informed decisions for them and their pets. The Coordinator is embedded in the community and builds and maintains grassroots relationships with Chicago-area community members, organizations, and businesses.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Community Engagement Programs & Partnerships
Identify, build, and maintain strong, trust-based partnerships with community members, local businesses, and community-based organizations to expand awareness and access to pet health services, community cat care, and Tree House programs.Plan and execute community engagement opportunities- including workshops, trainings, presentations, and canvassing efforts- aligned with organizational goals and community needs.Coordinates an outreach calendar in collaboration with the Community Programs Supervisor and Manager, ensuring alignment with the organization’s operational calendar and priorities.Supports onboarding and coordination of volunteer Community Ambassadors to expand grassroots education and outreach capacity within target neighborhoods.Identify and coordinate tabling and outreach opportunities such as resource fairs, ensuring a consistent and meaningful presence in target neighborhoods.Maintains and supports coalition collaborations to support coordinated TNR, microchipping, vaccination, and educational campaigns.Research and maintain up-to-date knowledge of local resources, referral partners, and community services to effectively connect clients with holistic support.Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team to develop culturally relevant and accessible outreach materials, including flyers and presentations.Track outreach efforts, participation, and community feedback to inform continuous improvement and share findings with the supervisor to support program improvement.Coordinates and assists with partner pantry events.
Program Support & Veterinary Services Access
Assists with collecting and maintaining data on pet and client socioeconomic information. Support outreach and coordination efforts related to low-cost spay/neuter access and community resource navigation.Collaborate with Veterinary Wellness Center staff to promote available services and increase accessibility within target communities via our appointment discounts.Assist with all aspects of event planning for pop-up vaccine and spay/neuter clinics and community events, ensuring efficient event flow, proper supply coordination, positive volunteer experiences, and effective community outreach.Assists with engaging and training volunteers in all aspects of the program(s).
Performs other related duties as assigned by management.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
High School degree or equivalent required.Computer skills required: Microsoft Office.Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive Tree House vehicles. Knowledge of or willingness to learn humane community cat management, TNR animal welfare resources, and pet wellness programming.Ability to maintain accurate program records and track outreach participation data. Minimum 1-2 years of experience in community outreach, grassroots organizing, public engagement, coalition-building, nonprofit programming, or related work.Comfortable working independently in community settings and collaboratively within a team environment.Experience facilitating workshops, trainings, presentations, canvassing efforts, or community initiatives preferred.Demonstrates interest and ability to build trust and foster relationships with diverse communities, particularly in historically lower-resourced areas.Strong organizational and project coordination skills with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities and community relationships simultaneously. .Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to build trust across a variety of community settings.Spanish-speaking required.Other skills required:Ability to use basic office equipment.
COMPETENCIES:
Attendance & Dependability - Is consistently at work and on time. Follows instructions and responds to management direction. Provides consistent, timely, high-quality work. Follow through on commitments. Uses time efficiently. Takes responsibility for own actions. Cultural Responsiveness & Equity - Demonstrates awareness of systemic barriers impacting under-resourced communities and approaches work with inclusivity, adaptability, and respect for diverse lived experiences.Customer Service - Treats customers (internal and external) with respect and courtesy. Shows interest in, anticipates, and responds timely to customer needs and concerns. Goes beyond basic service expectations to help customers. Responds appropriately to and resolves difficult and emotional situations. Seeks ways to improve service delivery.Diversity - Enthusiastically works with all employees, regardless of race, gender, culture, and age. Values contributions of people from diverse backgrounds. Demonstrates respect for opinions and ideas of others. Shows awareness of and sensitivity to cultural and individual values. Ethics - Respects and maintains confidentiality. Tells the truth and is honest in all dealings. Avoids situations and actions considered inappropriate or which present a conflict of interest. Upholds organizational values. Does not misrepresent self or use position or authority for personal gain.Teamwork - Listens and responds constructively to others' views. Gives and welcomes feedback. Provides assistance to others when they need it. Shares expertise. Acknowledges others' effort and contribution. Puts the success of the team above their own interests. Creates a positive work environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Frequently required to stand.Frequently required to walk.Occasionally required to sit.Frequently required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl.Continual exposure to outside weather conditions.Must occasionally lift and /or move up to 40 pounds.Additional remarks regarding work environment: Frequent exposure to potentially harsh outdoor environments including areas infested with rats or dirty conditions.The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
