Licensed Social Worker

About the Role

A qualified Social Worker will 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 residents' skills, abilities, and interests/preferences.
• Promote individualized, non-pharmacological approaches to care that meet the mental and psychosocial needs of each resident.
• Encourage residents and responsible parties to participate in the development of their care plan and invite them to care plan meetings.
• Assist with 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 residents to the medical staff and care team.
• Accurately and completely document social service actions and interactions in each resident’s medical record, upholding legal, ethical, and professional standards.
• Engage in Advance Care Planning for assigned residents upon admission and review Advance Directives regularly with residents or their representatives.
• Ensure staff members are aware of residents’ code status and end-of-life wishes, and assist in educating residents about healthcare options.
• Assist with facility policy development and annual review to positively impact the quality of care delivered to residents.
• Ensure staff members are knowledgeable about Residents’ Rights and encourage the maintenance and enhancement of each resident’s dignity.
• Advocate for residents and assist them in asserting their rights within the facility.
• Report and assist in investigations of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the appropriate State agency.
• Ensure residents with mental illness or psychosocial difficulties have access to appropriate treatment and resources.
• Assume 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 social history.
• Make arrangements for residents to obtain items such as clothing and personal care supplies.
• Assist residents in obtaining transportation to medical appointments or upon discharge.
• Act as a resource for staff participating in behavioral interventions with residents.
• Assist residents in voicing and resolving grievances.
• Review complaints and grievances, reporting actions taken to resolve them.
• Participate in Resident and/or Family Council as needed or requested.
• Arrange for residents’ communication needs through their primary method of communication or language.
• Coordinate Social Service activities with other departments.
• Complete administrative requirements, such as assigned reports.
• Participate in Care Plan meetings, QAPI Committee, Behavior Management Committee, Department Head/Stand Up Meetings, and mandatory in-services.
• Successfully complete facility-required training, continuing education, and licensing requirements.

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.

Skills

• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Supportive team member with the ability to make independent decisions.
• Tactful communication with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, and government agencies.
• 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 others in the workplace.
• Ability to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Meets general health requirements, including medical and physical exams and immunity status checks.
• Ability to work beyond normal working hours, weekends, and holidays when necessary.
• Ability to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergencies.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to exercise judgment.
• Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.
• Resourcefulness and strong leadership skills.
• Positive attitude and ability to work in stressful situations.
• Ability to coordinate meetings, set and achieve goals, and be organized and efficient.
• Basic computer skills.

Working Conditions

• May be subject to hostile or emotional residents, family members, visitors, or personnel.
• Must comply with safety and hygiene measures to protect residents and themselves.
• Maintains confidentiality of protected health information.
• Reports noncompliance, retaliation, discrimination, or allegations of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.
• Reports occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, or hazardous chemicals.
• Participates in life safety and emergency drills and training.
• Fulfills responsibilities during the implementation or activation of the facility’s emergency plan.
• Reports work-related injuries and illnesses immediately to supervisor.
• Follows established infection control policies and procedures.