Summit Veterinary Referral Center is hiring a Department Manager

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Summit Veterinary Referral Center is a multi-specialty and emergency veterinary hospital located in Tacoma, WA.  We provide 24-hour emergency and critical care as well as cardiology, internal medicine, oncology, ophthalmology, neurology, radiology and surgery services. Summit operates one of the largest veterinary emergency and critical care services in region.  As a tertiary referral hospital, Summit is the most-capable ICU in the South Sound and we care for the region’s most critical and complicated patients.

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We are looking for an individual to join our team in an effort to provide expanded leadership and support to our growing team. Come make a significant difference in the lives of people and animals. The position reports to our Hospital Manager.

 

Experience:

 

• Preferred Experience in Specialty or Emergency Medicine: Candidates with experience in specialty care and emergency room operations will be given preference.

• Leadership in Hospital Settings: Demonstrated leadership skills within a hospital or clinical setting are highly desirable.

• Veterinary and/or Management Experience: Applicants with relevant experience either in veterinary practices or in managerial roles highly preferred.

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Cultural Leadership:

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• Set and maintain a calm, compassionate atmosphere for optimal patient, client, and staff experiences.

• Develop and update department schedules aligned with patient/case load.

• Conduct 90-day and yearly performance reviews, regular check-ins, and create development plans for team members.

• Facilitate monthly team meetings to recognize achievements and promote team growth.

• Communicate clearly and empathetically with clients and staff.

• Reward team performance with praise and recognition.

• Address negative behaviors and toxic attitudes promptly.

• Celebrate successes in staff training, communication, and patient outcomes.

• Correct behaviors deviating from Summit’s values and vision immediately.

• Hold all team members accountable and provide feedback to upper management.

• Encourage critical thinking and good judgment in solving team challenges, seeking support when needed.

• Assist and support other departments to achieve collective goals.

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Operational Leadership:

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• Model effective communication and workflow for a productive and supportive team.

• Recruit, hire, and onboard department staff.

• Supervise and correct negative behaviors according to the Progressive Discipline Policy.

• Provide real-time coaching to uphold high medical, client experience, and team interaction standards.

• Assist in quarterly inventory counts.

• Communicate protocol changes, organizational news, and staff updates promptly and positively.

• Inspire excellent patient care and adherence to hospital best practices.

• Facilitate interdepartmental communication and workflow, addressing protocol and process gaps.

• Relay important information to appropriate team members using current technology.

• Direct daily training and task assignments to adapt to changing conditions and achieve goals.

• Manage training resources to ensure daily development and elevation of team members.

• Identify skill gaps and work with management to provide appropriate learning resources.

• Support your team in all aspects, including facility maintenance and staffing.

• Demonstrate Summit values, patient care, and empathetic communication in all interactions.

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Compensation & Benefits:

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• CE/Dues/License Fees/Uniform Allowances

• 401k

• PTO

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Employee assistance plan with focus on mental health

• Plus more employee perks!

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Our pay ranges are primarily determined by role, level, and location. The range provided for each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

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 We look forward to hearing from you!

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Summit Veterinary Referral Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer