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Form of workVCA Southpaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency is actively seeking an experienced Social Worker to pioneer a new role within this large specialty and emergency animal hospital in Fairfax, VA. In joining this large hospital team the Social Worker will partner with veterinarians, staff, and hospital leaders to create a veterinary social work program that provides training, resources, and crisis intervention. In order to relieve the emotional toll on the hospital team, the Social Worker will provide emotional support to veterinary clients and assist veterinary staff with communication and coping tools surrounding the care of complex patients.
As part of the VCA health and well-being team, the Social Worker will join a supportive group of licensed clinical Social Workers based in hospitals around the country, to share best practices and build the program together.
The ideal candidate will have experience working in grief and/or trauma as part of a multi-disciplinary team. One should be comfortable in a hospital setting, at ease while being in close contact with animals as well as observing medical interventions, exams/procedures, extreme injuries and death. An understanding of the human/animal bond and its importance is vital. The ideal candidate should be able to work independently and have the necessary confidence and dedication to develop this growing social work program.
This is a full-time position and will require some evening and/or weekend hours. A Master’s degree in Social Work and clinical license is required.
Essential Responsibilities and Tasks:
Extend support to clients and family members during appointments, treatments, intensive care unit visits and emergency situations
Provide support to clients experiencing long wait times alone, or for clients experiencing high stress and emotion.
Provide pet loss support to clients in person or over the phone and follow up when necessary.
Assist clients with making difficult decisions concerning their pet’s health.
Support clients as they navigate end-of-life decisions.
Establish and maintain consistent documentation of client communication and formulate an additional record that maintains the confidentiality of clients.
Connect clients to community resources.
Attend staff meetings and rounds functioning as a member of the multi-disciplinary team to improve patient and client care.
Associate Care:
Prepare and deliver training on topics such as; compassion fatigue, stress management, pet loss and bereavement, empathy, and communication skills.
Provide resources for staff around well-being topics and company benefits.
Offer informal debriefing, one on one or in a group setting.
Provide short-term interventions and refer to the appropriate resource.
Community Care:
Create and offer educational presentations for clients, referring veterinarians, and the community.
Enhance the facility environment regarding euthanasia and memorialization.
Generate educational materials for clients and the community to utilize.
Develop a celebration program to honor the pets who have passed.
Preferred Skills and Qualifications:
Experience in medical social work. PTSD, hospice or mental health settings.
Experience with grief, bereavement and/or trauma.
Experience working successfully with multi-disciplinary teams.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to present information confidently.
Awareness of human/animal bond.
Additional Information
Compensation is negotiable based on education, experience, and other relevant credentials. The US base salary range for this full-time position is $80,000-$100,000. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only.
