Licensed Social Worker

Requirements

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social work
• Licensed in the State of Maryland
• One year of supervised social work experience in a health care setting working directly with individuals

Responsibilities

• Assist in overseeing the development, implementation, supervision, and ongoing evaluation of the Social Services Department to meet and assist residents in attaining or maintaining their highest practicable well-being
• Identify the need for medically-related social services and ensure these services are provided in accordance with State and Federal regulations
• Complete the social services component of the comprehensive assessment for assigned residents
• Contribute to and/or direct/delegate social services goals and approaches to the comprehensive care plan, individualized to match the skills, abilities, and interests/preferences of each resident
• Promote individualized, non-pharmacological approaches to care that meet the mental and psychosocial needs of each resident in compliance with Federal and State regulations
• Encourage residents/responsible parties to participate in the development of their care plan and invite them to care plan meetings
• Assist with the completion of preadmission services for inbound residents
• Facilitate residents’ safe transition back into the community through interdisciplinary discharge planning and arrangement of community-based services and follow-up care
• Assist residents and their representatives in locating and accessing financial, legal, and other community resources
• Interpret and report the social, psychological, and emotional needs of the resident/responsible party to the medical staff, attending physician, and other resident care team members
• Accurately and completely document social service actions and interactions in each resident’s medical record, ensuring legal, ethical, and professional standards of social work practice are upheld
• Engage in Advance Care Planning for assigned residents upon admission and review Advance Directives with the resident/resident representative on a regular basis
• Ensure staff members are aware of the resident’s code status and end-of-life wishes and assist with informing and educating residents about healthcare options and ramifications
• Assist with facility policy development and annual review to positively impact the quality of care delivered to residents
• Assist the Social Services Director in ensuring staff members are knowledgeable about Resident’s Rights and encourage staff to maintain and enhance each resident’s dignity
• Advocate for residents and assist them in the assertion of their rights within the facility
• Report allegations of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the Social Services Director and/or Administrator, assist with reporting to the appropriate State agency, and complete thorough investigations as assigned
• Ensure residents who display mental illness or psychosocial difficulties have access to appropriate treatment and resources
• Assume the authority, responsibility, and accountability of directing the Social Services Department in the absence of the Social Services Director
• Interview residents and/or their responsible party to obtain the resident’s social history
• Make arrangements for residents to obtain items such as clothing and personal care supplies
• Assist residents in obtaining transportation to medical appointments, upon discharge, etc.
• Act as a resource for staff participating in behavioral interventions with residents
• Assist residents in voicing and obtaining a resolution to grievances
• Review complaints and grievances made by the resident and report to the Social Services Director and/or Administrator indicating actions taken to resolve them
• Participate in Resident and/or Family Council as needed or requested
• Assist with or arrange for a resident’s communication of needs through their primary method of communication or in a language the resident understands
• Coordinate Social Service activities with other departments as needed
• Complete administrative requirements, such as assigned reports, and submit them to the Social Services Director as required
• Contribute to the facility’s efforts to maintain and/or improve the quality of care through participation in Care Plan meetings, QAPI Committee, Behavior Management Committee, Department Head/Stand Up Meetings, and mandatory in-services
• Successfully complete facility-required training and any Social Work continuing education and licensing requirements

Additional Assigned Tasks

• Treat all residents with dignity and respect
• Promote and protect all residents’ rights
• Establish a culture of compliance by adhering to all facility policies and procedures
• Comply with standards of business conduct and state/federal regulations and guidelines
• Follow appropriate safety and hygiene measures to protect residents and themselves
• Maintain confidentiality of protected health information, including verbal, written, and electronic communications
• Report noncompliance with policies, procedures, regulations, or breaches in confidentiality to appropriate personnel
• Report any retaliation or discrimination to HR or compliance officer
• Report any allegations of abuse, neglect, misappropriation of property, exploitation, or mistreatment of residents to supervisor and/or administrator
• Protect residents from abuse and cooperate with all investigations
• Report any occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and/or hazardous chemicals in accordance with facility policy
• Participate in all life safety and emergency drills and training
• Fulfill responsibilities as assigned during the implementation or activation of the facility’s emergency plan
• Report work-related injuries and illnesses immediately to supervisor
• Follow established infection control policies and procedures

Skills

• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language
• Supportive team member, contributing to and exemplifying teamwork
• Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action
• Ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public
• Patience, tact, and willingness to deal with difficult residents, family, and staff
• Ability to relay information concerning a resident’s condition
• Must not pose a threat to the health and safety of other individuals in the workplace
• Ability to move intermittently throughout the workday
• Meets general health requirements according to facility policy, including medical and physical exams and checking immunity status to various infectious diseases
• Ability to work beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary
• Ability to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations
• Ability to handle hostile or emotional residents, family members, visitors, or personnel
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to exercise judgment
• Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations
• Resourcefulness and strong leadership skills
• Maintain a positive attitude and ability to work in stressful situations
• Ability to coordinate meetings, set and achieve goals
• Organized and efficient with basic computer skills