Social Service Assistant

About the role

The Social Services Assistant helps plan, organize, implement, evaluate, and direct the overall operation of the facility’s Social Services Department. This role ensures that the medically related emotional and social needs of residents are met on an individual basis, in compliance with federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Review facility policies and procedures as part of the interdisciplinary team to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Participate in reviewing and setting policies concerning resident care and quality of life.
• Participate in developing facility social work policies.
• Participate in quality assurance interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Understand and meet all government requirements for social service documentation.
• Document progress in meeting the psychosocial needs of residents.
• Work with the interdisciplinary team and administration to promote and protect resident rights and psychological well-being.
• Prevent and address resident abuse as mandated by law and professional licensure.
• Work with residents, families, significant others, and staff to provide support, information, and organization for self-advocacy to improve quality of life and care.
• Complete a social history and psychosocial assessment for each resident to identify social, emotional, and psychological needs.
• Provide therapeutic interventions to assist residents in coping with their transition and adjustment to a long-term care facility.
• Provide support and education to residents, family members, and significant others to assist in understanding placement and facility issues, and refer them to appropriate social service agencies when needed.
• Facilitate groups for residents, family members, and significant others as appropriate to their needs.
• Provide clinical interventions to address catastrophic events during a resident’s stay.
• Coordinate the resident discharge planning process and make referrals for appropriate home care services prior to the resident’s return to the community.

Qualifications

• A minimum of one year of supervised experience in mental health or human services is preferred.