Veterinary Social Worker - Pullman, WA

Employer: Washington State University
Job Type: Full Time
Location: Pullman, WA

Job Description:

The Veterinary Social Worker’s (VSW) primary responsibility is to develop and maintain a social work program for Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) staff, students, and their clients. It is intended that the social work program become a robust program, providing services to assist and support clients of the hospital (families of pets); consultation regarding clients to veterinary staff in areas of quality of life and the end of life counseling to families of patients, and provide extensive resources about grief, euthanasia, and memorialization. In addition to developing support groups in areas of pet loss, grief, and caregivers of elderly or terminally ill pets, the Veterinary Social Worker will also provide supportive services, short-term interventions, psychoeducational programs and trainings for employees of the hospital. This position will educate students, staff and faculty on identifying and supporting clients who would benefit from Animal-Related Grief and Bereavement services.

Job Duties:

The Veterinary Social Worker will work as a member of the WSU CVM Counseling and Wellness Team providing support, crisis intervention, grief education, referrals and resources in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. This position will work with faculty, staff and students to support difficult decision-making, end-of-life care, euthanasia planning, and the grieving process. Conduct in-the-moment clinical teaching with senior veterinary students, house officers, hospital staff, and faculty during case management activities; conduct workshops, small-group learning, and clinical rounds on effective client support and communication skills; develop new education materials; and coordinate and deliver orientation training for senior veterinary students, interns & residents, new staff and faculty.

The candidate will need to promote general wellness among students, staff, and faculty with an emphasis on well-being, compassion fatigue, and conflict management while also providing brief crisis intervention in the hospital setting.

Experience/Qualifications/Knowledge/Skills:

Required Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in human mental health field such as counseling, family therapy, social work, veterinary social work, or clinical psychology.
  • Possession of, or ability to independently obtain within six (6) month of hire, a State of Washington Mental Health or Social Work License.
  • Two (2) years of experience in professional counseling, social work, and/or clinical psychology.
  • Demonstrated strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to development and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external constituents.
  • Demonstrated ability to provide services to clients and staff in an emotionally intense, fast pace setting.
  • Experience developing and managing multiple programs and projects at one time.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Experience developing and presenting a variety of information and trainings in formal and informal settings.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working in medical social work, child welfare/protection, hospice, or mental health settings.
  • Experience with grief/bereavement and/or trauma counseling.
  • Experience working successfully with multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Experience with animal ownership and knowledge of euthanasia processes.

How to Apply:

Review of applications begins April 13, 2020 and continues until the position is filled. 

Applicants are required to submit electronic application including; 1) a cover letter which addresses candidate’s qualifications; 2) curriculum vitae; and 3) the contact information (including email addresses) of three (3) professional references. Three (3) letters of recommendation are required and will be automatically requested and obtained from the reference provider through the WSU online application system.

Washington State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action educator and employer.

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