Veterinary Head of Training and Development

Job Purpose: The Head of Training and Development is responsible for the training and development of all support staff members to include: Front Office (in coordination with the office manager), Technicians, Technician Assistants, Doctor’s Assistants, Kennel Assistants, and Lab Techs in all departments. The Head of Training and Development will spearhead new staff training as well as play a large role in AVECCC development and implementation.

This position will be based out of AVECCC but will help the other AVECCC sites with training and development programs, classroom training and implementation.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage and lead aligned staff in the provision of safe, timely, efficient, equitable, effective, and patient-centered care.

• Promote the growth of aligned staff in areas such as problem solving, strategic thinking, decision making by identifying strengths and areas for growth, goal setting, and formal and informal learning and coaching.

• Direct and develop leadership skills by mentoring and role modeling.

• Support staff in leading nursing practice initiatives to improve nursing care, safety, and cost.

• Support staff in addressing practice trends that vary from standards/best practices.

• Analyze practice and identify opportunities to increase effectiveness and efficiency.

• Provide one-on-one coaching to monitor workload, track short- and long-term goals and review clinical and professional metrics.

• Foster a culture that embraces change and innovation.

• Promote and monitor role standardization and optimization.

• Provide strategic visioning for staff.

• Actively participates in talent review and succession planning.

• Recruit, hire, orient and develop staff.

• Support and promote organizational and nursing strategic plans

• Collaborating with the Leadership Team to develop a robust training program that encompasses all necessary duties for: Kennel Assistant, Technician Assistant, Lab Technician, Doctor’s Assistants, Front Office, and Technician (Levels 1-3). (Review and revise as necessary current training program)

• Identifies training needs for employees and the hospital as a whole.

• Develop training programs, selecting training materials, and ensuring programs are relevant

• Create and manage training budgets.

• Promote identification and resolution of complex or recurring clinical or operational problems consulting with stakeholders as necessary.

• Effectively supervises the Charge Nurse team in collaboration with the HM/HD.

• Facilitate nursing leadership collaboration within each area/hospital when applicable.

• Ensure staff are involved in the sustainability of interventions, initiatives, and practice changes.

• Participates in performance management, coaching, disciplinary action, and reviews of nursing staff.

• Facilitates and participates in training meetings with both the DVM team, leadership teams, and clinical staff

• Oversees the hiring and onboarding process for the nursing staff.

• Assists with the oversight of nursing scheduling and labor budget.

• Create and develop medical SOPs in partnership with the Medical Director.

• Participates in the maintenance and the process of obtaining hospital credentials.(VECCS level 1, AHAA, etc.)

• Facilitate and participate in M&M rounds.

• Assign trainers/mentors with new trainees depending on position.

• Remain up to date with current research and related literature on key programmatic and practice areas, especially specific to aligned staff’s role, practice, and aligned areas of nursing support.

• Provide adequate support and resources (including time) to aid staff to improve care processes, patient outcomes, and organizational outcomes by identifying and implementing evidence-based practice(s), improving processes though quality improvement, and/or conducting research, when needed, to discover answers

• Ensure collaboration with and utilization of experts as appropriate to assist with program development, staff education, and clinical issues.

• Communicate new hires and training progress to applicable teams.

• Facilitate and lead regular “Train the Trainer” sessions.

• Participate in new hire orientation

• Update staff on new techniques and frequent training refreshers.

• Partner with local technician schools to assist with developing a partnership with local technician schools.

• Plan and implement training programs/pathways for employee growth

• Develop multiple types of training methods to ensure employees can successfully complete trainings (ie: simulations, mentoring, on-the-job training, classroom trainings)

• Participate and lead AVECCC academy development, host and organize lectures and trainings

• Assess instructional effectiveness and determine the impact of training on employee skills and KPIs

• Collect feedback from trainers and trainees after each training session

• Collaborate with Leadership Team to review retention and make alterations to training program

• Required to work flexible hours as needed to reinforce training and development, including evenings and weekends.

• Facilitate continuing education training as requested by the Leadership Team.

• Shadow and train new hires, trainers, and any other team members on the hospital floor for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

• Acts as a support to the Leadership Team in the staff development process.

• Help with shifts on the floor as needed to support patient care.

• Must possess an upbeat attitude, excellent communication skills, and lead by example to create a positive team atmosphere.

• Must demonstrate an ability to develop strong relationships with others

• Any other duties as requested by leadership to facilitate growth and development

Preferred Skills and certification:

• Experience in training of veterinary staff or employment for at least 1 year at AVECCC

• Certified Veterinary Technician in the state of Arizona is required.

• Advanced VTS accreditation is preferred, but not required.