Argus Institute Counselor
Colorado State University
Posting Detail Information
Working TitleArgus Institute Counselor
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional PositionNo
Posting Number202500184AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitleProf/Indiv Contrib II
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week40
Proposed Annual Salary Range$52,000 - $60,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado 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, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , 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 Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on02/27/2025
Description of Work Unit
Argus Institute
The 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 pets
Veterinary Teaching Hospital
At 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 You
CSU 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 Programs
While 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 Community
Colorado 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-Free
Colorado 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 Summary
Join 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
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategorySupport Service
Duty/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 Time80
Job Duty CategoryTeaching
Duty/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 Time15
Job Duty CategoryAdministrative
Duty/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 Time5
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
To 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 vth_hr@colostate.edu.
References 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 welfare
Search ContactVTH HR, vth_hr@colostate.edu
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,titleix@colostate.edu.
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado 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 Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested3
Maximum Requested3
Supplemental Questions
Required 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
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