Lighthouse Veterinary Personnel Services prides itself on building the perfect job for each employee. There are several considerations we use to craft each position. The first two are part of the job description. The geographic area in which you desire to live and receive work assignments is one component of the job description, and the other is the amount and timing of work that you desire. The job description is then balanced against a custom-designed compensation package (benefits plus salary). The key is balancing all areas—job description, fringe benefits, and income. We have the tools to build your balanced position, including flexible work schedules and premium pay per hour. Some details are found in the following discussions. As you read, think about how these tools can be used to craft the perfect position for you!
The following are just a few of the tools we use to create YOUR perfect job:
A cap on the maximum number of days per week that you wish to work
A cap on the maximum days per month that you wish to work
Limits on Saturday assignments (You don’t have to work any Saturdays if you choose!)
Consistent day(s) off each week if you desire
Vacation amounts adjusted to your preference
Job Description: Location and Work Levels
Location: Lighthouse services all areas of Ohio and most of Western Pennsylvania. Relief work with our group does not require you to live in a certain location. Instead you go to a number of clinics in your work area. This can be especially appealing for those who wish to live in a specific area that may not offer the right employment situation. For others, location isn’t a strong motivator, and they may opt to locate in areas that offer higher pay or shorter average commutes.
There are two broad classifications of job descriptions, and they are differentiated by your location and willingness to travel. The important thing to remember is that we build each job description to fit each associate.
Regional Associate: As the name implies, these associates work within a defined area with limited commutes. Overnight stays are not required.
Floaters: A floater is assigned to multiple regions as needed. Floaters have required overnight stays, with a full-time floater having as many as 50-75 overnight stays per year. Hotel expenses are reimbursed and meal per diems are provided. Floaters meet many new people as they experience many different clinics.
Work Level: Your work level is determined by when and how much you wish to work.
There are three work levels within our structure: Defined-Vacation (can be full-time, but with more flexibility to meet your needs), Heavy Part-time and Light Part-time. These distinctions vary primarily by when you are available to work and secondarily by the amount of work you wish to perform. Each of the three is briefly discussed below. Remember, we build your unique job description to fit YOU. The following are broad definitions.
Defined-Vacation Associates: At the top end of the Defined-Vacation range, you would work an average of about 4.5 days/week. During the busy seasons (summer, spring break, major C.E. meetings, etc.) you will work 5-6 days a week, with 2-5 days/week being closer to the norm during slower periods. The average commute is 40-55 minutes depending on your location. As a Defined-Vacation associate, you may have as much or as little vacation as you desire. Three weeks/year is our typical starting point.
Heavy Part-time: This position is appealing if you wish to work at a nearly full-time pace, but also want more control over days off. It can allow you to ease some of the seasonal nature of work or to structure a schedule more compatible with both work and play. You may book days off as desired around those days already committed in the relief schedule. This unique availability level relies heavily on a mutual understanding and respect for each others’ needs and is a very popular option.
Light Part-time: Those with families or other commitments often find the control and balance offered by Light part-time work a perfect fit for their lifestyle. Additional assignments that are requested less than two weeks in advance require your approval. You are given considerable leeway to book days off and as a Light part-time associate you would likely work an average of 1 to 3 days/week.
Compensation Package: Salary and Benefits
Some associates are more interested in job description and others in compensation. In the end, we have to find a balance between the two areas. Just as we have tools to craft the job description to suit your desires, we also adjust benefit values and salary to meet your needs.
Salary:
Salary is determined by abilities, experience, location, and job description. At the top end of the ranges, salaries can exceed $90,000 per year. Hourly payment systems are also available and allow for even greater job description options.
Fringe Benefits:
Lighthouse benefit plans are tailored to each employee's individual needs. We offer a 401K retirement plan, state licensure, and Lighthouse-sponsored C.E. trips which are often onboard a cruise ship or in exotic Caribbean locations! Additional benefits include allowances for a health plan, liability insurance, association dues, DEA licensure, uniforms, and any additional C.E. meetings or books desired. Beyond these, our Profit-Sharing and Recruiting Bonuses involve and reward our employees for the growth of the company.
Expense Reimbursements:
Travel to any job is expensive. Lighthouse reimburses employees for travel expenses including mileage at the I.R.S. rate, currently $0.51/ mile for 2011. This is a significant tax-free benefit for our associates and should be considered when comparing our position to other options.
IMPORTANT: It is very important to appreciate that even if we are unable to provide enough work to fulfill your agreed upon work level, your entire compensation package for that period is guaranteed. Conversely, if you exceed preset work thresholds, you receive additional salary or bonuses. This means that we take the responsibility to provide work, and if you work more than anticipated, you are paid appropriately.
General Discussion
Our approach to relief work remains the same regardless of the above considerations and must be noted when evaluating our positions.
Philosophy:
Our vision of relief work is to fit into the style of our clients' practices. This encompasses many areas such as practice volume, style, marketing, work hours, and philosophy of medicine. We let the staff run the clinic and we stay out of management. This requires significant patience, flexibility, a very pleasant personality, and most importantly, a positive attitude.
Experience & Abilities:
We believe relief work requires a minimum of 18 months of clinical experience. On the other hand, an associate further removed from veterinary college must be current in newer medical techniques. Good surgical experience is also required to handle the normal range and pace of surgeries that most clinics perform without referral. Large animal or exotic proficiency or orthopedic surgical skills are certainly a plus, but not required. We do not send veterinarians to assignments where they are expected to practice beyond their competence levels in these areas.
Please contact us to discuss how we might meet your specific desires in a position!
(800)888-6877 or email office@LighthouseVet.com
