Vrh - Senior Therapist or Hydrotherapist

**About the Job**:
**Role overview**:

- A Veterinary Rehabilitation Therapist is a specialized professional who works in collaboration with veterinarians to help animal patients recover from surgery, injury, chronic pain, or mobility issues through targeted physical therapy and rehabilitation programs. The role involves both clinical expertise and compassionate care to improve the animal’s function, comfort, and quality of life. The therapist is responsible for managing patient care, developing treatment protocols, ensuring high-quality rehabilitation services, and fostering relationships with clients, veterinarians, and other stakeholders e.g. other department veterinarians and veterinary nurses.
- Who will this role report into: VRH Manager
- Employment Type: Full-Time

**Consultations, Patient Care and Treatment, Training**:

- **Patient Evaluation and Treatment Planning -**Assist veterinary rehabilitation specialist in comprehensive assessments of patients’ mobility, strength, and pain levels. Develop and implement individualized rehabilitation plans in consultation with the attending veterinarian, taking into account the patient’s condition, age, lifestyle, and goals for recovery.
- **Patient monitoring** Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment protocols as necessary to achieve desired outcomes
- **Therapeutic Modalities and Techniques -**Administer a range of physical therapy techniques, including:

- **Hydrotherapy** (underwater treadmill, swimming)
- **Laser therapy**:

- **Ultrasound and TENS**:

- **Therapeutic exercises and land exercises**:

- **Massage and manual therapy**:

- **Use of mobility aids**:

- **Patient Handling and Monitoring -**Safely handle animals using Fear Free or low-stress techniques. Monitor patients during treatments for signs of pain, fatigue, or distress and adjust therapies as needed.
- **Client Education and Support -**Communicate with pet owners to explain treatment plans, progress updates, and at-home care instructions. Provide emotional support and guidance to help owners assist in their pet’s recovery.
- **Collaboration and Communication -**Work closely with veterinarians, veterinary nurses, technicians, and other specialists to ensure cohesive patient care. Participate in case discussions and adjust rehabilitation protocols as needed.
- **Documentation and Records -**Accurately document evaluations, therapy sessions, patient responses, and progress notes to ensure continuity of care and compliance with clinic protocols.
- **Leadership & Mentorship**: Proven ability to support junior staff through training, supervision, and knowledge sharing to uphold care standards and promote team development.

**Collaboration with other Departments**:

- Support the rehabilitation veterinarian and therapist in ensuring effective communication with veterinarians, technicians, and specialists from other departments to facilitate the development and coordination of individualized rehabilitation plans.

**Desired skills and experience**:

- Diploma Veterinary Technology, Animal Science, or a related field is preferred
- Certification in veterinary rehabilitation (e.g., Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner [CCRP], Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist [CCRT], Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapist [CCAT] or equivalent.
- Experience or training in physical therapy, massage therapy, or related fields is a plus.
- Experience: 3-5 years of experience in veterinary rehabilitation or a related field is highly desirable.

**Additional Information**:

- Salary Range: Competitive and commensurate with experience.
- Benefits: Health insurance, employee discounts, professional development opportunities, etc.

**Equal Opportunity Statement**:
Beecroft Animal Specialist & Emergency Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Benefits**:

- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Professional development

Work Location: In person