Social Services Assistant

About the Role

The Social Services Assistant II plays an integral role in the success of our team, our community, and creating a place our residents are proud to call home. This position assists in planning, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing the overall operation of the Social Services Department to ensure the medically related emotional and social needs of residents are met on an individual basis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial social service assessments, including MMSE, social history, intake for MDS, and admit notes.
• Review nursing charts and complete MDS within facility timelines.
• Develop a written plan of care (preliminary and comprehensive) for each resident, identifying problems, needs, and goals.
• Ensure all social services personnel are aware of and follow care plans; review nurses' notes to confirm adherence and report issues to the Director of Nursing.
• Evaluate social and family information to assist in determining plans for social treatment; interview residents/families to obtain social history and involve them in planning when possible.
• Assist in developing, administering, and coordinating department policies and procedures; stay updated on federal and state regulations and professional standards.
• Participate in discharge planning, social care plans, and resident assessments.
• Provide information to residents/families about Medicare/Medicaid and other financial assistance programs.
• Coordinate social service activities with other departments as necessary.
• Assist in solving social and practical environmental problems, including seeking financial assistance, discharge planning, and referrals to community agencies.
• Interpret social, psychological, and emotional needs of residents/families to medical staff and care team members.
• Obtain resources from community social, health, and welfare agencies to meet residents' needs.
• Ensure all charted progress notes are informative and descriptive of services provided and residents' responses.
• Maintain social service work areas in a clean and sanitary manner.
• Recommend and order equipment and supplies as needed.
• Assist in arranging transportation to other facilities when necessary.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must meet all applicable state and federal requirements for the position.
• Possess a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Nurse certification.
• Prefer social work experience in a healthcare setting working directly with individuals.

Skills

• Ability to make independent decisions and follow instructions.
• Tactful communication with personnel, residents, families, visitors, and government agencies.
• Capability to work with ill, disabled, elderly, and emotionally upset individuals.
• Effective communication skills for interacting with supervisors, team members, residents, and families.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Potential and/or direct exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious diseases, air contaminants, and hazardous chemicals.
• Physical activities may include lifting up to [xx] pounds at times, alternating between standing and sitting.
• Cognitive requirements: ability to execute tasks independently, express ideas clearly, and demonstrate general computer literacy.
• Environmental exposure to ambient room temperatures and lighting.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not have any direct reports or supervisory requirements.