Social Service Designee

About the Role

Join our long-term care team as a Social Worker Designee, where you'll have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with residents and families. This part-time, on-site position supports residents, clients, and patients by providing personalized service, assisting with positive lifestyle changes, and offering resources to encourage emotional growth and stability. Every patient and resident is unique and worthy of compassion and the very best care.

Responsibilities

• Promote the mission, vision, and values of Weston County Health Services (WCHS).
• Assess each resident’s unique condition using medical diagnoses, personal interviews, and professional knowledge to establish an accurate picture of overall mental and emotional health.
• Develop comprehensive plans to help patients adjust to medical diagnoses, including recommending support groups, lifestyle changes, and assisting with transitions from hospital care to personal healthcare management.
• Provide necessary support tailored to each resident’s health status, personal strengths, emotional state, and other factors.
• Research local support groups and resources to determine eligibility and suitability for individual residents.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of services and resources provided, modifying treatment plans and recommendations as needed.
• Follow up with residents throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery to assess mental and emotional health, provide support, and recommend lifestyle or dietary changes.
• Maintain current knowledge of local resources and relevant medical research to offer the best recommendations.
• Coordinate with medical staff and other departments to ensure efficiency.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and assigned gatherings.
• Adhere to accreditation and compliance standards, completing required reports, program reviews, and preparations.
• Utilize strong communication skills to maintain positive relationships with clients, providers, co-workers, and community facilities.
• Maintain a professional, organized, and clean working environment by following organizational policies and safety standards.
• Complete work assignments in a timely manner and assist visitors with directions when requested.
• Introduce yourself to patients, residents, families, and visitors as appropriate.
• Report safety hazards and replenish supplies as needed.
• Follow infection control practices, including hand washing techniques, Standard Precautions, and Isolation Precautions.
• Adhere to set quality standards when performing job duties.
• Work independently with normal supervision, applying common sense to carry out instructions.
• Read and understand equipment operation manuals.
• Cooperate with other personnel to achieve departmental and interdepartmental objectives.
• Enhance professional growth through participation in educational programs, trainings, literature, in-service meetings, and workshops.
• Adhere to budget guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Sociology preferred, or 1 year of work experience (or an acceptable combination of both education and experience).
• Social Work License preferred.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain medical concepts clearly to residents, clients, and patients.
• Compassionate demeanor with residents, clients, and patients of all ages and conditions.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to determine appropriate courses of action in complex situations.
• Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, and maintain a positive attitude.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, prioritize tasks, and delegate when appropriate.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information.
• Ability to complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle difficult situations professionally.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong time management with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasional after-hours calls may occur.
• Must be able to navigate all departments at WCHS.
• Light to moderate work with a maximum of 50 pounds to lift and carry.
• Requires reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers.
• Requires talking, hearing, and seeing.

Other Professional Requirements

• Adhere to dress code; appearance must be neat and clean.
• Complete annual education requirements.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Report to work on time and as scheduled.
• Wear identification while on duty.
• Maintain regulatory requirements, including all state, federal, and local regulations.
• Represent WCHS in a positive and professional manner at all times.
• Comply with all WCHS policies and ethical business practices.
• Communicate the mission, ethics, and goals of WCHS.
• Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Attend regular staff meetings and in-services.