Veterinary Social Worker, Veterinary Medical Centre

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 69,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Saskatchewan invites applications for a Veterinary Social Worker at the Veterinary Medical Centre. The permanent, full-time position supports digital and clinic teams in addressing emotional and psychosocial needs of clients throughout veterinary care, including grief and family stress.

Collaboration with students, faculty, and community partners is central. Responsibilities span crisis intervention, education, program development, and research in veterinary social work, with

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in social work; graduate coursework related to veterinary social work is an asset.
• Registered or eligible to be registered with the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers (SASW).
• Minimum of five years of clinical counselling experience, preferably within a veterinary setting.
• Experience developing and delivering education seminars is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to chart patient interactions in a clear and timely manner.
• Knowledge of human development, family systems, relational and interdisciplinary theories, and family violence theory.
• Knowledge of community resources and interagency collaboration frameworks.
• Awareness of One Health principles and links between child maltreatment, interpersonal violence, and animal abuse.
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Services Act, Child and Family Services Act, and Animal Protection Act.
• Competency in trauma-informed practice and crisis and suicide intervention paired with professional, ethical judgment and conduct.
• Understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion principles and issues affecting Indigenous peoples including cultural, socio-economic and other factors.
• Strong initiative, independent judgment, organization skills.
• Ability to work in environments with a variety of animal species.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications, email, and internet research.

Responsibilities

• Assesses and triages clients experiencing significant emotional concerns or crisis.
• Analyzes complex client situations and responds with appropriate clinical interventions grounded in mental health, addictions, and veterinary social work practices.
• Provides screening, assessment, triage, and referral to community, university, and mental health and addiction services.
• Guides clients through anticipatory grief, loss, and bereavement with resources, referrals, and follow up support.
• Attends to the unique needs of the centre’s clients and their families through therapeutic, supportive and trauma-informed service delivery.
• Coordinates access to community resources, financial assistance programs, or mental health supports.
• Contributes to evolution, development, and evaluation of the college’s social work program.
• Collaborates with clinical and leadership teams to support coordinated client care.
• Facilitates communication between veterinary teams and clients to support informed decision-making and compassionate service delivery.
• Fosters positive working relationships with clients, colleagues, students, faculty, and community organizations.
• Contributes to research and educational initiatives related to human–animal relationships and their broader impacts.
• Maintains accurate, timely, and comprehensive client documentation in accordance with professional standards and legal requirements.
• Facilitates seminars and lectures on veterinary social work for students, staff, and community audiences.
• Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, and contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment.
• Engages in continuous learning by participating in activities, training, and events related to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrates respect and dignity for all members of the community, actively contributes to an environment of acceptance and inclusion of others and responds to different perspectives from a place of curiosity, respect, and non-judgement.
• Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Initiative

Independent judgment

Organization skills

Proficient computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work

SASW registration eligibility

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Veterinary Social Worker, Veterinary Medical Centre

The veterinary social worker provides clinical social work services to clients of the Centre’s small and large animal clinics, supporting their emotional and psychosocial needs throughout the veterinary care experience. This role addresses the human–animal bond and the complex situations that emerge in veterinary settings, such as grief, loss, rural stress, caregiver fatigue, and experiences involving human or animal violence. The social worker delivers therapeutic support, crisis intervention, and guidance for clients experiencing acute distress or navigating challenging decisions about their animals. Additionally, this role contributes to research, teaching, and program development regarding veterinary social work. Collaboration with clinical teams, faculty, students, and community partners is a key feature of this role, along with regular exposure to diverse animal species and clinical environments.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assesses and triages clients experiencing significant emotional concerns or crisis.
• Analyzes complex client situations and responds with appropriate clinical interventions grounded in mental health, addictions, and veterinary social work practices.
• Provides screening, assessment, triage, and referral to community, university, and mental health and addiction services.
• Guides clients through the process of anticipatory grief, loss, and bereavement by offering evidence-informed resources, referrals, and follow up support.
• Attends to the unique needs of the centre’s clients and their families through therapeutic, supportive and trauma-informed service delivery.
• Coordinates access to community resources, financial assistance programs, or mental health supports.
• Contributes to the evolution, development, and ongoing evaluation of the college’s social work program.
• Collaborates with clinical and leadership teams to support coordinated client care.
• Facilitates communication between veterinary teams and clients to support informed decision-making, clarity of care plans, and compassionate service delivery.
• Fosters positive working relationships with clients, colleagues, students, faculty, and community organizations.
• Contributes to research and educational initiatives related to human–animal relationships and their broader impacts.
• Maintains accurate, timely, and comprehensive client documentation in accordance with professional standards and legal requirements.
• Facilitates seminars and lectures on veterinary social work for students, staff, and community audiences.
• Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, and contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment.
• Engages in continuous learning byparticipatingin activities, training, and events related to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrates respect and dignity for all members of the community, actively contributes to an environment of acceptance and inclusion ofothersand responds to different perspectives from a place of curiosity, respect, and non-judgement.
• Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in social work; graduate coursework related to veterinary social work is an asset.
• Registered or eligible to be registered with the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers (SASW).
• Minimum of five years of clinical counselling experience, preferably within a veterinary setting.
• Experience developing and delivering education seminars is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to chart patient interactions in a clear and timely manner.
• Knowledge of human development, family systems, relational and interdisciplinary theories, and family violence theory.
• Knowledge of community resources and interagency collaboration frameworks.
• Awareness of One Health principles and links between child maltreatment, interpersonal violence, and animal abuse.
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Services Act, Child and Family Services Act, and Animal Protection Act.
• Competency in trauma-informed practice and crisis and suicide intervention paired with professional, ethical judgment and conduct.
• Understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion principles and issues affecting Indigenous peoples including cultural, socio-economic and other factors.
• Strong initiative, independent judgment, organization skills.
• Ability to work in environments with a variety of animal species.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications, email, and internet research.

Department: Veterinary Medical Centre
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Shift: Mon-Fri, 8:00-4:30 pm
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69,035.00 - 107,868.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 11/12/2026
Closing Date: 12/10/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Yes
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Yes
Vulnerable Sector Check: Yes

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, contact us for assistance.