Veterinary Social Worker
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Working/Functional Title
Veterinary Social Worker
Position Summary
Provides direct support services to clients, employees, students, and community stakeholders. This position will serve on the Veterinary Social Work Services team, which includes other Veterinary Social Workers, our facility dog and interns. Our Veterinary Social Workers are overseen by the Director of The Office of Health and Wellbeing. The Veterinary Social Worker provides multifaceted emotional support to clients and employees; consultation regarding clients to veterinary medical professionals, short-term interventions; and educational wellness programs for the hospital. This individual will also serve as a field instructor for a master's level social work internship program placement at the VMC. The Veterinary Social Worker will work in concert with VMC staff, faculty, and our leadership to help foster an environment of mindful compassion and support within the hospital. An ideal candidate will also serve as a secondary handler to our facility dog.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
Clients:
Provide short-term support, grief education and community resources to clients
Provide referrals to community mental health professionals as requested
Ensures client documentation that is confidential
Provide individual and group support associated with the loss of companion animals for clients
Aid clients in the end-of-life planning for their pet and communication with VMC clinical team
Faculty, staff and clinical students:
Helps develop and implement educational wellness programming and materials
Provide educational presentations and support for faculty, staff, students and referring veterinary professionals on topics such as; compassion fatigue, wellbeing, human and animal bond, the link, grief and loss, communication
Speak to community groups about veterinary social work services as needed
Provide debriefing individually and/or in groups
Provide support in mitigating compassion fatigue
Provide referrals and help individuals navigate university and community resources
Minimum Requirements
Desired Qualifications
Master's degree in Social Work required with state licensure
State certification as a Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) or Limited Licensed Masters Social Worker (LLMSW)
3-5 years field experience; veterinary related preferred
Be familiar with animal laws within the State
Experience supporting individuals experiencing grief and loss
Maintain confidentiality and uphold the NASW Code of Ethics
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively on a team
Ability to provide trauma informed, inclusive services within a high paced and highly emotional setting
Strong presentation skills
Exceptional interpersonal and relationship building skills
Demonstrated reliability and dependability, with a consistent record or following through on responsibility and maintaining accountability.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Work Hours
Full-time Monday - Friday. Must be able to work evenings.
Website
Summary of Health Risks
Interested candidates will be required to work with our facility dog as a secondary handler.
Bidding eligibility ends September 1, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.
| Location | East Lansing, MI |
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