Social Services Assistant

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct an initial social service assessment including MMSE, social history, intake for MDS, and admit note.
• Review nursing charts and complete MDS within facility timelines.
• Develop a written plan of care (preliminary and comprehensive) for each resident that identifies the problems/needs of the resident and the goals to be accomplished for each problem/need identified.
• Ensure that all social services personnel are aware of the care plan and that care plans are used in providing daily social services to the residents.
• Review nurses' notes to determine if the care plan is being followed. Report problem areas to the Director of Nursing.
• Evaluate social and family information and assist in determining plans for social treatment. Interview resident/families to obtain social history. Involve the resident/family in planning social service programs when possible.
• Aid in the development, administering, and coordinating department policies and procedures. Keep abreast of current federal and state regulations, as well as professional standards, and make recommendations on changes in policies and procedures to the Executive Director.
• Participate in discharge planning, development and implementation of social care plans, and resident assessments.
• Provide information to residents/families as to Medicare/Medicaid, and other financial assistance programs available to the residents.
• Cook up social service activities with other departments, as necessary.
• Aid in providing solutions for social and practical environmental problems including seeking financial assistance, discharge planning (including collaboration with community agencies), and referrals to other community agencies when specialized assistance is required.
• Interpret social, psychological, and emotional needs of the resident/family to the medical staff, attending physician, and other resident care team members.
• Aid in obtaining resources from community social, health and welfare agencies to meet the needs of the residents.
• Ensure that all charted progress notes are informative and descriptive of the services provided and of the residents’ response to the service.
• Ensure that social service work areas are maintained in a clean and sanitary manner.
• Recommend to the director the equipment and supply needs of the department. Place orders for equipment and supplies as necessary or as may be required.
• Aid in arranging transportation to other facilities when necessary.

Knowledge And Critical Skills

• Be able to make independent decisions and follow instructions.
• Deal tactfully with personnel, prospects, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the public.
• Capable of working with ill, disabled, elderly, and emotionally upset people within the facility.
• Communicate effectively in a manner that is sufficient for effective communication with supervisors, team members, prospects, residents, and families.
• Knowledge/proficiency of Microsoft Office Suite.

Education And Experience

• Must meet all applicable state and federal requirements for this position.
• Possesses a Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or Licensed Nurse certification.
• Prefers social work experience in a health care setting working directly with individuals.

Supervisory Responsibility

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

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Tasks assigned to this position may involve potential and/or direct exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious diseases, air contaminants, and hazardous chemicals.
• The Physical activities of this position involve: Must be able to lift xx pounds at times. Alternating between standing and sitting.

Cognitive Requirements

• Execute tasks independently.
• Ability to express yourself clearly and effectively.
• General computer literacy.

Environmental Requirements

• An individual in this position may be exposed to: Ambient room temperatures and lighting.
• Other Requirements - n/a

Platinum Service®

Platinum Service® is characterized by a high level of responsiveness delivered in a competent, timely and caring way. Employees commit to providing courteous, responsive, and quality service to our residents by following the principles of our Platinum Service® program.

Conclusion

All employees are expected to follow all policies and procedures. These policies and procedures can be found in the employee handbook, department policy and procedure manuals and with your supervisor.

Requirements

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.

Acknowledgment

I understand this job description and its requirements, and that I am expected to complete all job-related duties as assigned. I understand the essential functions may be altered from time to time. By signing below, I acknowledge I can perform the essential functions of this job with or without a reasonable accommodation. If I require a reasonable accommodation, I will inform the recruiter/hiring manager, my manager, or Human Resources and agree to participate in the interactive process to discuss accommodations.