Social Service Assistant

Essential Duties

• Aid the Social Service Director/Consultant in planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing social service programs.
• Collaborate with administration, medical and nursing staff, and other related departments in planning social services.
• Assist in the development, administration, and coordination of department policies and procedures.
• Review and recommend changes to department policies and procedures at least annually.
• Help develop and implement policies and procedures for identifying the medically related social and emotional needs of residents.
• Participate in community planning related to the interests of the facility and the services and needs of the resident and family.
• Support residents in achieving the highest practicable level of self-care, independence, and well-being.
• Provide medically related social services to ensure the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident.
• Complete necessary forms, reports, and submit them to the Director.
• Inform residents/families about Medicare/Medicaid and other financial assistance programs available to the resident.
• Offer consultation to members of staff, community agencies, etc., to solve the needs and problems of the resident through the development of social service programs.
• Record and maintain regular Social Service progress notes indicating response to the treatment plan and/or adjustment to institutional life.
• Coordinate social service activities with other departments as necessary.
• Assist with addressing emotional problems, including helping residents/families cope with anxieties and stress related to illness, disabilities, and institutional care.
• Evaluate social and family information and assist in determining a plan for social treatment.
• Meet with department personnel on a regularly scheduled basis to identify and correct problem areas, and improve services.
• Seek out resources from community social, health, and welfare agencies to meet the needs of the resident.
• Aid in obtaining outpatient appointments and scheduling on-site ancillary patient services, including optometry, podiatry, dentistry, and psychiatric services.
• Assist in discharge planning with appropriate agencies, entities, or individuals, including agency services, equipment, and referrals.
• Develop and maintain a good working relationship with other departments within the facility and outside community health, welfare, and social agencies to ensure proper maintenance of social service programs.
• Participate in the development of and provide input into regularly scheduled orientation and in-service training programs related to the social, emotional, and medical needs of residents.
• Contribute to the development of the department's budget.
• Report suspected or known incidences of fraud related to false billings, cost reports, kickbacks, etc.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all resident care information, including protected health information.
• Report known or suspected incidents of unauthorized disclosure of such information.

Qualification

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred but not required.
• Prior health-care experience preferred.