Posting Detail InformationWorking TitleArgus Institute CounselorPosition LocationFort Collins, COWork LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-personResearch Professional PositionNoPosting Number202500184APPosition TypeAdmin Professional/ Research ProfessionalClassification TitleProf/Indiv Contrib IINumber of VacanciesWork Hours/Week40Proposed Annual Salary Range$52,000 - $60,000Employee BenefitsColorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !
Desired Start DatePosition End Date (if temporary)To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on02/27/2025Description of Work UnitArgus InstituteThe Argus Institute is unique to CSU . Their mission is to honor the human-animal bond by providing compassionate support and advocacy for people who care for animals. They do this by:
Offering support to people who are facing challenges surrounding their pet’s healthcare
Teaching compassionate communication and self-care to veterinary professionals
Providing community outreach through Pet Memorial events, and educational workshops
Integrated into the veterinary medical team, the ARGUS service facilitates client decision-making about their pets’ medical treatment, quality of life and end-of-life issues. The ARGUS service provides crisis intervention, brief counseling, and grief support for people with petsVeterinary Teaching HospitalAt the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital ( VTH ) we exist to educate the next generation of veterinarians by providing exceptional veterinary care and service to the community every day. This work unit exists to provide administration and direction of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and provide a support facility for service to the general public and referring veterinarians. Why work at Colorado State University? CSU was recently ranked first among Colorado-based educational employers and fifth among all in-state employers in Forbes magazine’s “America’s Best Employers by State!” We are looking to add individuals to our team who have the following characteristics:
Confidence – they expect success in what they do
Compassion – they have genuine care and concern for others
Commitment to Inclusive Excellence – they engage principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in all they do, valuing a supportive community where everyone’s contributions are valued, and all voices are heard
Empowerment – they use their knowledge and skills to adjust, change, and improve daily tasks/work for themselves and others
Integrity – they are honest, and others trust them
Responsibility – they take ownership of decisions and actions
Our Investment in YouCSU is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits and well-being package that supports you, your health, and your family. These CSU resources help with many aspects of your life – financial, physical, emotional, family, workplace wellness. These resources are part of our investment in you. Employees are benefits eligible when working a minimum of 20 hours per week; benefits outlined below reflect full-time status of 40 hours per week; some benefits would be prorated for part-time status.
Paid time off at 192 hours/year (accrued at 16 hours per month), 120 hours sick leave/year, and 11 paid holidays annually pro-rated by full-time equivalent ( FTE )
Comprehensive benefits programs and services including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Parental Leave, work/life resources, and more
20% Employee Pet VTH Discount!
Robust Employee Assistance Program ( EAP ) for your overall well-being
FREE college credit courses (up to 9-semester credits per year) through the Employee Study Privilege program
Tuition Scholarships up to 50% for eligible family members
FREE employee growth opportunity through CSU training and development opportunities. After-school programs and summer camps for kids
Community Discounts
FREE MAX transit use with CSU identification
For more detail about these and other Health and Welfare benefits and Commitment to Campus programs, visit our CSU Well-Being Hub athttps://hr.colostate.edu/well-being-hub/and our Benefits programs for Administrative Professional employees:https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/afap/.Retirement ProgramsWhile employees of CSU do not contribute to Social Security, the University and the state of Colorado offer competitive retirement plans. As a condition of employment and required by Colorado law, employees are required to participate in either the University’s Defined Contribution Plan ( DCP ) or the Public Employee’s Retirement Plan ( PERA ) of Colorado. Each plan offers a generous employer match. For more information, visit:https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/afap/retirement/.Campus Culture and Principles of CommunityColorado State University has a campus culture that is driven by a desire always to do better and a vision to be the best place to learn, work, and discover. Our Principles of Community – Inclusion, Integrity, Respect, Service, and Social Justice – reflect our core values and support CSU’s mission and vision of access, research, teaching, service, and engagement. Each member of our community has a responsibility to uphold these principles when engaging with one another and acting on behalf of the University. For more information visit:https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-people/.Tobacco and Smoke-FreeColorado State University is a tobacco and smoke-free campus. For the health of our university community, the use of smoking, vaping or tobacco products is prohibited on CSU grounds or in buildings.Position SummaryJoin the Argus Institute and be a part of the longest-running support program within a veterinary teaching hospital. As a social worker, you will have the opportunity to contribute to our mission, which is: honoring the human-animal bond by providing compassionate support and advocacy for people who care for animals. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of both animals and their human caregivers. Apply now and be a part of a team that is dedicated to the human-animal bond.A signing bonus may be considered for the successful candidate.Required Job Qualifications
Master’s degree required from an accredited college or university, preferably in the following areas social work, human development and family studies, counseling, or clinical psychology.
Licensed within the state of Colorado within 12 months of hire.
One year of post-graduate experience in general counseling
Understanding and appreciation of the human-animal bond and the impact of pet death on families and clinical professionals
Proficiency in computer skills.
Excellent multi-tasking, written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Job Qualifications
Experience providing support in the field of grief, death and dying
Experience in a medical setting providing crisis intervention
Experience teaching in informal or formal settings
Experience in a veterinary setting
Experience working in an academic environment
Comfortable using direct communication to de-escalate emotionally charged situations
Experience working with people in highly emotional situations
High tolerance for exposure to a graphic medical environment
Able to work in a fast-paced setting
Excellent self-care skills
Comfort with animal euthanasia process
Comfort in engaging with key stakeholders across the VHS and representing the Argus Institute
Essential DutiesJob Duty CategorySupport ServiceDuty/Responsibility
Provide short-term emotional support, advocacy, crisis intervention, communication mediation, and grief counseling for families of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital ( VTH ) and Johnson Family Equine Hospital ( JFEH ), both in person and via phone communication.
Facilitate client decision-making around medical treatment and end-of-life issues with the veterinary healthcare team.
Act as a liaison between the client and medical team to help ensure the client’s questions and concerns are answered in a manner they can understand.
Provide informal debriefing services to team members, individually, or in groups, following challenging situations.
Provide emotional support stress relief strategies, and wellness resources for VTH / JFEH faculty, staff, and students.
Host dedicated events honoring the Human-Animal Bond.
Develop and support hospital events as needed to promote wellness and enhance a positive culture within the VTH / JFEH .
Percentage Of Time80Job Duty CategoryTeachingDuty/Responsibility
Develop and present lectures and workshops on topics of expertise such as compassionate communication, grief, stress management resiliency.
Conduct in-the-moment case-based teaching in the hospital for students and staff
Co-author publications based on clinical and educational experiences.
Facilitate weekly service rounds to debrief, educate and support veterinary students regarding client interactions and self-care.
Continually assess and develop creative approaches and topics to engage students during rounds.
Provide annual orientation and training about Argus services for interns, residents, and students.
Support rotating veterinary intern Argus curriculum weeks.
Percentage Of Time15Job Duty CategoryAdministrativeDuty/Responsibility
Maintain and develop client resources (e.g., handouts and website).
Contribute as a team member to day-to-day operations, and staff and program development.
Actively participate in weekly staff meetings
Serve on hospital or college committees.
Maintain case records.
Percentage Of Time5Application DetailsSpecial Instructions to ApplicantsTo apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references by 11:59 PM on February 17, 2025.CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact: VTH HR at [email protected] will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Essential Services Designation - This position is required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety, and welfareSearch ContactVTH HR, [email protected] State University ( CSU ) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.Background Check Policy StatementColorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.References RequestedReferences RequestedMinimum Requested3Maximum Requested3Supplemental QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk ().
Are you willing and able to report to work without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety, and welfare of the campus community?
Yes
No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume
Optional Documents