Veterinary Receptionist - Upper Arlington Veterinary Hospital

Upper Arlington Hospital is a full service veterinary care facility located in Upper Arlington, Ohio. Our hospital provides superior service and education to families and their pets by offering high-quality patient care with compassion, experience, and comprehensive medical and surgical care. We offer a wide variety of veterinary services including internal medicine, dentistry, general and orthopedic surgeries, spays/neuters and more. We are AAHA accredited and won the AAHA 2023 Practice of the Year. If you're dedicated to veterinary excellence, we invite you to join our family.

Required Soft Skills and Key Competencies:

Veterinary receptionists play a crucial role in the smooth operation of a veterinary clinic or hospital. They are often the first point of contact for clients, and their soft skills are essential in providing exceptional customer service and ensuring the efficient management of the front desk. Here are some specific soft skills that are important for veterinary receptionists:

Customer Service Orientation: Veterinary receptionists should have a strong customer service mindset, making clients feel welcomed and valued. They should be attentive to client needs and concerns.

Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication is vital. Receptionists should be able to listen to clients, relay messages accurately, and provide information about appointments, services, and pricing.

Empathy and Compassion: Clients may be anxious or upset about their pets' health. Receptionists should demonstrate empathy and compassion to help clients feel understood and supported.

Patience: Veterinary receptionists often deal with clients who may be emotional or distressed. Patience is essential when addressing client concerns and questions.

Phone Etiquette: Professional and polite phone etiquette is critical when answering calls, scheduling appointments, and providing information to clients over the phone.

Organizational Skills:  Managing appointments, client records, and clinic schedules requires strong organizational skills to keep everything running smoothly.

Multitasking: Veterinary receptionists often must handle multiple tasks simultaneously, such as answering phones, checking in patients, and assisting clients. The ability to multitask is valuable.

Attention to Detail:  Accuracy in documenting client information, appointments, and payments is important to ensure that records are complete and correct.

Conflict Resolution: Occasionally, conflicts or misunderstandings may arise. Receptionists should be capable of resolving issues professionally and calmly.

Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing and respecting cultural differences in client beliefs and values can help ensure positive interactions.

Computer Proficiency: Proficiency with veterinary practice management software is crucial for scheduling, billing, and maintaining patient records.

Computer Skills: Being comfortable with basic computer operations, including using a keyboard and mouse, is fundamental. Proficiency in navigating operating systems (e.g., Windows or macOS) and applications is important.

Positive Attitude:  Maintaining a friendly and positive attitude creates a welcoming atmosphere for clients and coworkers.

Teamwork: Receptionists work closely with veterinarians, technicians, and support staff. The ability to collaborate effectively with the team is important.

Adaptability: Veterinary clinics may have fast-paced and unpredictable environments. Being adaptable and flexible is important for handling changes and unexpected situations.

Time Management: Efficiently managing tasks and appointments throughout the day is essential for the smooth operation of the front desk.

Problem-Solving: Receptionists may encounter situations that require quick thinking and effective problem-solving, such as finding solutions for scheduling conflicts.

Email and Communication Software: Efficiently using email and communication tools is essential for client communication and internal coordination. Proficiency in email platforms like Microsoft Outlook or Gmail is helpful.

Word Processing Software: Knowledge of word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word or Google Docs) may be required for tasks like drafting documents, creating informational materials, or writing reports.

Scanners and Printers: Familiarity with office equipment like scanners and printers for document management and record keeping.

Training and Updates: Being receptive to ongoing training and updates in the use of technology within the clinic is important, as software and tools may evolve.

Personal Requirements:

• Genuinely enjoys working with people and can stay calm when clients are stressed or upset.
• Genuinely enjoys working with animals and can safely handle them even when they are stressed, ill, or injured.
• Can stay calm and efficient in the event of a medical crisis.
• Is well spoken and approaches his/her job duties in a mature and professional manner.
• Is experienced in a team centric approach and works well with all members and levels of the hospital team.
• Has excellent client communication skills.
• Demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning. Strives towards personal and professional betterment.

Hospitality:
 Can bond with clients during interactions both in person, during phone calls, responding to emails, and responding to text messages.  

Can keep the front desk a positive area even in the event there is a client wait time or during

Schedule Management
Can work to maintain an effective veterinarian appointment schedule, screening emergencies and prioritizing cases that need to be seen.
 Can effectively communicate with clients and team members to maintain an efficient workflow and reduce client wait times.
 Can self-motivate to ensure daily tasks and special projects are completed in a timely manner.

Computer Knowledge / Telephone Skills
Receives and relays telephone, fax, and email messages accurately and promptly.
 Answers telephones and handle calls quickly, efficiently and in a professional and friendly manner using a multi-line system.
 Can enter and update client and patient information into practice computer software.
Has excellent computer skills; shows accuracy in inputting details and a comfort with modern computer and touch screen equipment and social media.
 Can assist clients and management with clinic website and related online tools and navigation.

Personal Conduct/Attitude/Teamwork
Can maintain positive, cooperative relationships with other employees.
Can display tact and respect with clients and team members even when busy or hectic.
Can greet every client and situation with a smile and positive, solution-oriented attitude.
Feel and express a genuine liking for animals and their owners and for working in an animal care field.
Can take direction from peers and management with a professional and positive attitude.

Client Communication
Can conduct oneself in a confident, calm and professional manner with clients even when situations are stressful and/or focused on individual tasks.
Can deal intelligibly, pleasantly and efficiently with clients, often doing several things at one time.
Can greet clients with poise and natural ease.
Can outline costs and fees in a positive light while supporting hospital payment policies.
Can turn future clients (phone-shoppers, walk-ins) into clients through relationship building and bonding.
Can easily remember clients and patients names and uses them.

Can handle the necessary insurance paperwork when needed.

• Pay range of $18.00-20.00/hour based on experience
• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Short Term Disability
• Paid Time Off (Vacation & Public Holidays) - for eligible positions only
• SVP offers educational assistance for qualified teammates to enroll in AVMA-CVTEA accredited veterinary technician programs
• Teladoc- FREE doctor access 24/7
• Discounted Veterinary Care
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• A large network of over 5,000 veterinary professionals who all share common interest in promoting a collaborative working environment and individual career growth
• Opportunity to make an impact in your community while tackling a challenging, variety of tasks and the ability to help animals among a great team of people!

Our team’s continuous dedication has rewarded us with remarkable growth, and Southern Veterinary Partners now employs more than 8,000 employees nationwide. The organization’s success has not gone unnoticed, landing us recognition as #19 on Newsweek’s “Most Loved Workplaces” list in 2022. Additionally, we have ranked among Inc. 5000’s List of "Fastest Growing Companies in America" (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022) and the Birmingham Business Journal's "FastTrack 30" of the Fastest Growing Companies in Birmingham (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021).