• 12 Month Fixed Term

The Veterinary Social Worker will play a pivotal role in supporting the human animal bond by providing support to RSPCA NSW clients, staff and community members during challenging situations. This role will also ensure that trauma-informed practices are embedded across the organisation's operations, fostering resilience and compassion within the team while enhancing outcomes for animals and their owners.

Position Responsibilities:

Client and Community Support

• Collaborate with veterinary teams, inspectorate and crisis support programs teams to identify and provide support for animal owners facing complex challenges that impact their wellbeing and capacity to care for their animals.
• Provide support and resources for clients experiencing grief and bereavement including supporting the veterinary teams to counsel animal owners on difficult decisions related to the quality of life of their pet.
• Develop and maintain a referral system and strong relationships with external social service agencies.

Staff Support

• Support the RSPCA NSW Access to Vet Care (AVC) team and program that is provided through the three veterinary clinics and provides subsidised care to low income and vulnerable clients.
• Provide, training and guidance to the AVC nurses who run the program to ensure they are well equipped to support clients with challenges that impact their ability to access veterinary treatment and care for their animals.
• Provide advice to RSPCA inspectors and vets where there is suspected animal abuse and concerns related to links with domestic and family violence.

Capacity Building and Organisational Development

• Embed trauma-informed practices into the organisation’s culture.
• Provide expert advice to management to guide strategic development of human-centred animal welfare programs and evaluation.
• Develop or identify and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), flowcharts, and trauma-informed training materials and language guides for staff, volunteers, and students.
• Provide training and advice to veterinary clinic and shelter teams on how to manage grief and burnout.
• Provide training to staff on how to handle difficult client interactions
• Provide training to managers on how to identify, support and refer staff and volunteers to Employee and Volunteer Assistance Programs.
• Act as a subject matter expert in complex cases requiring multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Demonstrate personal leadership in the implementation of RSPCA NSW’s Work Health & Safety (WHS) management system, facilitate its effectiveness by ensuring adequate resources are available, and that all employees are aware of their WHS obligations, and that one’s personal behaviour model’s the organisation’s commitment to WHS.
• Comply with all RSPCA NSW policies and procedures, as implemented, varied or replaced from time to time.

Qualifications:

• An AASW accredited Bachelors or Masters degree in Social Work.
• Accredited membership with relevant regulatory body.

Experience:

• Proven experience in trauma-informed practice, case management, and training delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to manage emotionally challenging situations with sensitivity and professionalism.
• An interest in animals and an appreciation of the importance of protecting their wellbeing.
• Experience in developing SOPs and delivering training is highly desirable.

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Collaboration with inter-disciplinary teams.