Office of the City Manager CONSENT CALENDAR January 19, 2016 To: From: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council Dee Williams-Ridley, Interim City Manager Submitted by: Sarah Reynoso, Acting Director of Human Resources Subject: Classification and Salary: Registered Veterinary Technician Classification RECOMMENDATION Adopt a Resolution amending Resolution No. 67,185-N.S., Classification and Salary Resolution for Service Employees International Union Local 1021, Maintenance and Clerical Chapters, to establish the classification of Registered Veterinary Technician with a monthly salary range of $4,509 - $4,997 effective January 19, 2016. FISCAL IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION The estimated total cost (salary and benefits) of this proposal for the remainder of FY2016 is approximately $50,768. There will be cost savings associated with reducing the Berkeley East Bay Humane Society contract, which will offset a portion of the cost in filling this position. The Animal Care Services Division will fund the difference in the total cost of this position from General Fund, Budget Code 010-0704-410-1101. CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS Jim Hynes, Assistant to the City Manager, has requested the establishment of a new classification of Registered Veterinary Technician in the Berkeley Animal Care Services Division (BACS) of the City Manager s Office. BACS currently has a contract with the Berkeley East Bay Humane Society (BHS), to staff BACS with a veterinarian for 14 hours/week, a registered veterinary technician (RVT) for 32 hours/week, and provide 2 hours/week of medical oversight by the BHS s veterinary director. The agreement allows BHS to require the RVT to work 10 hours/week, which reduces BACS to having the RVT work onsite only 3 full days/week. Given the needs and demands of the BACS, it would be better served by having a career full-time RVT on staff, as well as allowing BACS to expand on its service delivery. The BACS is open 7 days a week and has a constant influx of animals that need to receive affordable veterinary care, treatment and spay neuter services. Additionally, sick or injured animals that are able to obtain immediate and necessary procedures and/or treatments have a higher chance for rescue and adoption. The inhouse RVT can triage most medical cases by getting phone advice from the 2180 Milvia Street, Berkeley, CA 94704 Tel: (510) 981-7000 TDD: (510) 981-6903 Fax: (510) 981-7099 E-Mail: manager@cityofberkeley.info Website: http://www.cityofberkeley.info/manager
Classification and Salary: Registered Veterinary Technician Classification CONSENT CALENDAR January 19, 2016 veterinarian, and the animals are then seen by the vet when he/she comes on duty. Having the RVT on duty 5 days a week will also result in fewer animals having to be transported to outside vets, which is costly. It will also help to reduce the stress on the animals and staff time used in transporting the animals to and from the vet, since the management of their care is maintained in-house. Furthermore, the RVT position will also serve as a lead to the Animal Services Assistants (ASA), in providing day-to-day work direction and protocols to them. Therefore, the creation of this new classification of Registered Veterinary Technician will enable BACS to expand its service delivery by staffing the position on a full-time basis in-house, in lieu of continuing to contract out this part of the service. It will also provide additional technical expertise to the BACS, and function as a lead within the shelter. Further, this new class expands on the current ASA class in terms of technical abilities and career progression, thus allowing for potential upward mobility to current employees. BACKGROUND The Personnel Board discussed the proposal at its December 8, 2015 meeting and voted (Yes: Roter, Murray, Dixon, Wenk, Watson; Absent: Vizas, Kidd) to recommend the following to the City Council: 1. Establish the classification of Registered Veterinary Technician, eligible for the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in Representation Unit D (SEIU Local 1021 Maintenance and Clerical Chapter Manual Occupations), with a monthly salary range of $4,509 - $4,747 - $4,997 effective January 19, 2016. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY There are no identifiable environmental effects or opportunities associated with the subject of this report. RATIONALE FOR RECOMMENDATION It has been the policy of the City to maintain and revise the classification and salary schedule on a regular basis to accommodate assignment of new duties and responsibilities, reflect programmatic changes, maintain competitive salaries and, when applicable, comply with regulatory requirements. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS CONSIDERED None CONTACT PERSON Rebecca Chen, Senior Human Resources Analyst, 981-6822 Attachments: 1. Class Specification Registered Veterinary Technician 2. Resolution and Exhibit A: Salary Schedule
Attachment 1 Registered Veterinary Technician Class Code: 65780 CITY OF BERKELEY Established Date: Jan. 2016 DESCRIPTION: DEFINITION Under general supervision or instruction by the Veterinarian, the Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) ensures proper pre-surgical examination, preparation, monitoring, recovery, post-surgical care, and discharge of shelter animals; ensures all animals in the shelter receive a thorough health check, deworming, vaccinations, and medical treatments as per shelter protocols or as directed by the veterinarian; and performs related work as assigned. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS This single position classification is distinguished by its responsibility for assisting the licensed Veterinarian in the treatment and care of animals in the clinic and shelter. The RVT is required to perform a range of other paraprofessional and housekeeping duties associated with the operations of the clinic and the shelter. The RVT provides lead direction to Animal Services Assistants, including coordinating work assignments, assisting and having oversight of project assignments, and communicating with the Veterinarian when not on site. This position reports to the Animal Services Manager who has overall management of the division. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: The following list of duties is intended only to describe the various types of work that may be performed and the level of technical complexity of the assignment(s) and is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties. The omission of a specific duty statement does not exclude it from the position if the work is consistent with the concept of the classification, or is similar or closely related to another duty statement. 1. Performs a complete health check (physical exam) of all animals coming into shelter, and conducts daily rounds to continuously assess condition of animals in the shelter; 2. Assists in the discharge of surgery patients and provides post-op care instructions to the owners; 3. Processes and maintains all medical paperwork for all patients, including pre-
surgical exams and injections, and prepares information required for reports; 4. Provides assistance, information and responds to inquiries of animal owners and new adopters; 5. Deworms, vaccinates, microchips, performs diagnostic tests on, and treats shelter animals as per established protocols; administers daily treatments of animals on medications; 6. Calculates and draws pre-anesthetic/anesthetic drugs for animal patients accurately; 7. Prepares animals for surgery, including the administration and application of drugs and anesthesia agents under the supervision or instruction of the Veterinarian; 8. Restrains animals for exams, treatments, and IV inductions; 9. Assists the veterinarian in surgery, and induces, maintains, and monitors animals under anesthesia; 10. Initiates emergency medical practices; 11. Maintains the clinic and equipment in a clean, sanitary, and functional condition; 12. Maintains controlled drug logs as required by law; 13. Conducts animal health and public information programs under the supervision or instruction of the Veterinarian or Shelter Manager; 14. Euthanizes and/or assists with euthanizing animals as needed in accordance with Berkeley Animal Care Services policies and procedures; 15. Monitors and maintains inventory of surgical and other medical supplies in clinic and prepares orders to replenish stock; prepares surgical kits; 16. Provides assistance with front office and kennel duties when needed; and 17. Performs related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: Note: The level and scope of the knowledge and skills listed below are related to job duties as defined under Class Characteristics. Knowledge of: 1. Shelter maintenance techniques and accepted sanitary practices; 2. Guidance for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters; 3. General veterinary medical practices and procedures involved in treatment of
injured or sick animals; and 4. Basic mathematics. Ability to: 1. Perform functions required for pre- and post-surgical care, including administration of injections and maintenance of anesthesia; 2. Maintain accurate recordkeeping and write reports; 3. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; calculate rates, ratios, percentages, and dosages; 4. Use and demonstrate proficiency in various database softwares; 5. Communicate and deal effectively with the public under sensitive or difficult circumstances; and 6. Communicate effectively with others, make sound decisions, and assimilate and understand information. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A TYPICAL WAY OF GAINING THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS OUTLINED ABOVE IS: Equivalent to graduation from high school and two (2) years of experience working with animals in a veterinary hospital or humane care setting. LICENSE: Must possess and maintain a valid Registered Veterinary Technician license issued by the State of California Veterinary Medical Board OTHER REQUIREMENTS Must be able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Berkeley to meet the program needs and to fulfill the job responsibilities. When driving on City business, the incumbent is required to maintain a valid California driver's license as well as a satisfactory driving record. Willing to work in areas exposed to animal wastes and various cleaning and disinfecting chemicals; able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds; stand for extended periods of time; stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. CLASSIFICATION HISTORY: Registered Veterinarian Technician Classification Code 65780 Classification Established 1/2016 FLSA Status Non-Exempt Administrative Leave/Overtime Overtime Representation Unit D Probationary Period 6 Months Workers Compensation Code 9420
Attachment 2 RESOLUTION NO. ##,###-N.S. CLASSIFICATION: REGISTERED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN WHEREAS, the Human Resources Department maintains the Classification and Compensation plan for the City of Berkeley; and WHEREAS, the Assistant to the City Manager had recommended establishing the Registered Veterinary Technician classification; and WHEREAS, the Animal Care Services Division and Human Resources Department have completed a classification review; and WHEREAS, the Personnel Board recommended on December 8, 2015 to establish the classification of Registered Veterinary Technician, eligible for the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in Representation Unit D (SEIU Local 1021 Maintenance and Clerical Chapter Manual Occupations), effective January 19, 2016. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Berkeley that Resolution No. 67,185-N.S., Classification and Salary Resolution for Service Employees International Union Local 1021 (Maintenance and Clerical Chapters), is amended to establish the classification of Registered Veterinary Technician with a salary range as shown in Exhibit A, effective January 19, 2016.
Exhibit A Salary Schedule Job Unit Class FLSA Steps Effective Date Code A B C D E 6578 D Registered N $4509 $4747 $4997 01/19/2016 Veterinary Technician