Job Description

Clerical Assistant - Reception

Primary Purpose: To provide client services within the reception areas of the Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC)

Nature of Work: Reporting directly to the Team Lead, Client Services, this position functions as a member of the client reception team within a fast paced, demanding environment. The environment involves exposure to animals, frequent interruptions, and multiple simultaneous demands. Constant communication with clients/owners, Veterinarians, staff and students both in person and over the telephone is daily interaction. This position exercises judgment when booking appointments for the various services in the hospital. The position works in an environment with frequent sensitive, emotional situations (such as emergency care, clients experiencing grief and monetary transactions) requiring diplomacy and tact.

Typical Duties: Booking of appointments in a computerized system; receives clients and offers assistance; responds to and understands urgent and emergency client calls; maintains excellent customer service with an empathy for client/patient concerns; performs clerical duties related to admitting and discharging patients; receives payment for goods and services, and maintains balanced cash receipts; answers client account inquiries; initiates health records; assist with orientation of new staff, students, residents, and clinicians in office procedures; and other related duties as assigned.

Education: Completion of grade 12 and successful completion of a recognized veterinary office assistant program including medical terminology is required. A combination of education and experience such as successful completion of a recognized medical office assistant program, including medical terminology, and/or education pertaining to animal studies may be considered.

Experience: 2 years direct experience in a similar veterinary hospital setting.

Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal; highly effective public and customer relations skills, including the ability to provide timely and courteous service under stressful conditions with a tactful and firm approach; ability to effectively work independently as well as part of a team maintaining a professional and positive demeanor in a dynamic environment; demonstrated accuracy in data entry and the ability to maintain attention to detail; proven problem solving abilities; a strong knowledge of veterinary medical terminology, veterinary anatomy and disease processes; a knowledge of species and breeds; proficiency with computers to complete appointment scheduling, billing and lab requests; ability to multitask and demonstrate effective organizational skills in a fast paced environment; and the demonstrated ability to handle cash accurately.

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Andrea Gibson at 306-966-8795.

Department: Veterinary Medical Centre
Status: Term 14 months with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent
Employment Group: CUPE 1975
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $21.34 - 24.88 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Operational Services
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 3
Posted Date: 10/24/2022
Closing Date: 11/20/2022
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at:

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

Please review the University of Saskatchewan's for faculty, staff and students in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The University believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. The University of Saskatchewan's main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Metis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Metis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.