Job Purpose: This position supports individuals and families navigating crises and challenges involving companion animals such as animal illness or injury, pet loss, housing instability, and the prospect of having to surrender their pet(s). This position helps prevent pet surrender by providing individuals and families with access to veterinary or social resources using a trauma-informed, client-centered, and evidence-based approach. With a focus on supporting the human-animal bond, the Veterinary Social Worker supports community members in making informed, compassionate decisions that value both the human and animal experience. Essential Functions: - Provide support to community members in situations including but not limited to pet surrender or rehoming, animal illness or injury, end-of-life decisions, loss of an animal, housing or food instability, and access to veterinary care.
- Assist families in navigating complex emotions such as guilt, grief, fear or anger related to their companion animal.
- De-escalate emotionally charged interactions and support constructive communication between community members and shelter staff.
- Connect community members to resources such as low-cost veterinary care, pet food assistance, temporary foster or boarding options, housing and social services, and crisis support programs.
- Collaborate with the community to expand available resources and bridge human and animal services.
- Help design programming that addresses the social determinants impacting pet retention and supports the human animal bond
- Represent HSSA in a professional and positive manner
- Perform other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications: - Master's degree in social work (MSW)
- License with the State of Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners to independently practice social work (LCSW)
- Experience and/or training in crisis intervention, grief counselling, or community-based social services
- Experience working with underserved populations
- Experience and/or training in animal services or a related field
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Preferred Qualifications: - Additional coursework or certification in Veterinary Social Work from an accredited university
- Bilingual proficiency in written and oral English and Spanish
Performance Factors and Skills: - Strong collaboration and communication abilities
- Commitment to community engagement, equity and humane care
- Strong client-centered and culturally responsive practice
- Alignment with HSSA’s mission, values, and standards of professionalism
Working Conditions: Public-facing role with frequent interaction with community members in crisis. Combination of shelter-based, community-based, and office work. Exposure to emotionally challenging situations involving illness, loss, and trauma. Exposure to animals of various sizes and temperaments. Exposure to zoonotic diseases, loud noises, and outdoor weather conditions is common. Benefits Include: - Medical insurance beginning on the first of the month following your start date.
- Paid Time Off (PTO), including Paid Sick Time, accruing at 4.61 hours per pay period. Approved PTO usage may begin after 60 days of employment.
- Eleven (11) paid holidays per year.
- 8 hours of paid birthday leave per year.
- Life insurance, beginning 12 months after your start date, provided at no cost.
- Eligibility to participate in the HSSA 401(k) plan beginning the first of the month following your start date.
- Employer matching contributions after one year of employment, provided you are at least 21 years old and have worked 1,000 hours during that year. HSSA currently matches employee contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 3%.
- Access to supplemental insurance through AFLAC, beginning the first of the month after your start date if you elect this benefit.
- Eligible employees receive six (6) weeks of paid parental leave
- Special discounts for employees and in some cases their family members for adoptions and clinic services
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