Veterinary Social Worker

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

408d

About The Position

The Veterinary Social Worker at Iowa State University's Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center plays a crucial role in providing emotional support and crisis intervention for clients and staff. This position focuses on helping individuals navigate challenging situations related to pet loss and wellness, while also contributing to the development of innovative programs in veterinary social work. The role involves direct client support, staff wellness programming, instructional support, and community outreach, all aimed at fostering emotional well-being in a veterinary setting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related experience.
• Master's Degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field (preferred).
• Experience in bereavement counseling and crisis intervention.
• Familiarity with veterinary or medical settings.
• Group counseling expertise.
• Proven success in program development.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in educational program development.
• Knowledge of mental health resources and community support systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate support for clients facing pet loss, illness, and other crises.
• Collaborate with the veterinary team to enhance client care through consultation and tailored resources.
• Facilitate support groups, workshops, and educational initiatives around grief and emotional challenges.
• Develop and refine wellness initiatives to support faculty and staff.
• Offer short-term interventions like conflict mediation, crisis support, and referrals.
• Lead workshops and create peer support programs to promote mental health and resilience.
• Mentor students and house officers on wellness strategies.
• Deliver workshops on stress management and emotional well-being in a veterinary setting.
• Create and distribute educational materials on mental health and pet loss.
• Maintain confidential documentation of client and team interventions.
• Build partnerships with community organizations to expand support networks.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and dental insurance.
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time.
• Onsite childcare in Ames, Iowa.
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellbeing program.
• WorkFlex options for flexibility in work arrangements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree