Posting Information
| Posting Number |
PG194625EP |
| Internal Recruitment |
No |
| Working Title |
Counseling Services Associate |
| Anticipated Hiring Range |
Commensurate with education and experience. |
| Work Schedule |
Full-Time, Varied Hours as Needed; on-call and after hours work may be required according to business needs. |
| Job Location |
Raleigh, NC |
| Department |
CVM Teaching Hospital |
| About the Department |
The NC State Veterinary Hospital (VH), established in 1983, is one of the highest rated veterinary academic medical centers in the country, serving communities throughout North Carolina as well as many other states. The hospital staffs over twenty clinical services with board certified specialists that are nationally and even internationally renowned, ensuring the VH is on the cutting edge of veterinary medicine. Patients benefit from the combined expertise of multiple specialists utilizing a team approach to patient health care. Each year, over 30,000 patients are treated in the VH. The VH provides compassionate care, state of the art specialty health care, expert clinical instruction for 4th year veterinary students from College of Veterinary Medicine, and ongoing investigation of innovative techniques and procedures to further advance the field of veterinary medicine.
The VH is one of only a handful of veterinary facilities in the country to include a Social Worker/Counselor on the veterinary medical team with the goal of providing family-centered care in recognition of the human-animal bond. Our Family and Community Services unit is designed to support our clients when these bonds are tested by illness, behavior problems, injury, and death, through individual work with clients, and as part of the medical care team. |
| Wolfpack Perks and Benefits |
As a Pack member,
you belong here, and can enjoy
exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our
Employee Value Proposition
and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What we offer:
Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Flexible Spending Account
- Retirement Programs
- Disability Plans
- Life Insurance
- Accident Plan
- Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
- 12 Holidays Each Year
Tuition and Academic Assistance
And so much more!
Attain Work-life balance with our
Childcare benefits,
Wellness & Recreation Membership, and
Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
|
| Essential Job Duties |
The
Licensed Counseling Services Associate plays a vital role within the Veterinary Hospital (VH) by bridging the gap between clinical veterinary care and emotional support. Grounded in a deep appreciation for the human-animal bond, this position provides expert counseling to clients navigating the complexities of pet illness, loss, and difficult medical decision-making. Beyond client care, the Associate serves as a cornerstone for the VH's Family and Community Services initiatives, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment for faculty, staff, and students.
Professional Profile The ideal candidate is a highly organized professional with excellent multi-tasking, communication
, and interpersonal skills. They must possess a sophisticated understanding of how pet loss impacts both families and clinical professionals. We are seeking an individual who is not only
experienced
in crisis intervention but thrives in a fast-paced clinical setting that requires immediate, empathetic response and long-term educational leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Service & Crisis Intervention
Expert Crisis Support: Deliver on-site and telephonic crisis intervention, grief education, and short-term emotional support for individuals, couples, and families. Decision Facilitation: Partner with veterinary healthcare teams to guide clients through difficult medical treatment plans and end-of-life decisions. Team Wellness & Collaboration: Serve as a supportive team member by providing case debriefing, stress-management strategies, and mental health referrals for VHC faculty and staff. Operational Support: Facilitate weekly service rounds to debrief client interactions, manage client relations concerns through mediation, and maintain comprehensive case records. Community Outreach: Develop educational resources and facilitate in-person grief support groups for the local community.
Teaching & Academic Instruction
Curriculum Development: Co-develop and deliver coursework for 1st-3rd year students, focusing on communication, grief, and the impact of the human-animal bond. Clinical Coaching: Conduct real-time, case-based teaching for 4th-year rotations, focusing on micro-counseling skills, nonverbal communication, and navigating high-emotion situations. Interactive Learning: Lead small-group sessions on stress management, work-life balance, and compassion fatigue prevention. Professional Mentorship: Supervise and instruct field placement students from professional social work or mental health programs.
Professional Collaboration
Institutional Leadership: Provide annual orientation and training for new residents, interns, and faculty. Ethical Oversight: Actively participate in Clinical Ethics Committee meetings. Scholarly Contributions: Co-author publications based on clinical and educational experiences within the veterinary setting.
|
| Other Responsibilities |
- Other duties as assigned.
|
Qualifications
| Minimum Education and Experience |
- Relevant professional degree and licensure in the appropriate clinical field of psychology, social work, or mental health.
|
| Other Required Qualifications |
- Excellent multi-tasking, communication and interpersonal skills.
- Desire to work as a collaborative and supportive team member in a veterinary clinical setting.
- Appreciation of the human-animal bond and the impact of pet illness and loss on families and clinical professionals.
- Experienced in crisis intervention and desire to work in settings requiring crisis intervention.
|
| Preferred Qualifications |
- Experience working in a hospital setting.
- Experience in human-animal, traumatic loss, and grief counseling.
- Teaching experience in informal and/or formal settings.
- Proficiency with computer platforms used for remote teaching, medical records.
|
| Required License(s) or Certification(s) |
- Licensed in North Carolina. LCSW A would be considered if training included relevant clinical experience.
|
| Valid NC Driver's License required |
No |
| Commercial Driver's License required |
No |
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
| Job Open Date |
05/08/2026 |
| Anticipated Close Date |
Open Until Filled |
| Special Instructions to Applicants |
Please attach a copy of your cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three professional references. |
Position Details
| Position Number |
00107464 |
| Position Type |
Exempt Professional Staff |
| Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) |
1.0 |
| Appointment |
12 Month Recurring |
| Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather |
Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather |
| Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events |
Mandatory - Medical Emergencies |
| Department ID |
192001 - CVM Teaching Hospital |
| EEO |
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or
workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. |
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