Social Services Associate

About the Role

The Social Services Associate assists in gathering information for the Psychosocial Assessment, patient resources and support systems, treatment planning needs, and discharge planning. Additionally, the role involves providing Psychoeducational Groups under the supervision of the Director of Social Services to further patient, family, and group progress in treatment, adhering to Joint Commission, Federal and State Regulations, Oceans' Mission, policies, and performance improvement standards.

Responsibilities

• Provides social service support, education, and resources for patients and families under the supervision of the Director of Social Services, following accepted standards and timelines.
• Plans and conducts individual or group psychoeducational sessions as assigned.
• Gathers information for the Comprehensive Integrated Assessment (Biopsychosocial Assessment) within 72 hours (or 3 sessions) of admission for review by a Licensed Therapist.
• Reviews multidisciplinary assessments and provides input for the Multidisciplinary Treatment Integration within 72 hours of admission.
• Performs case management and discharge planning as assigned.
• Attends treatment team meetings and reports on assigned patients' progress toward treatment goals.
• Identifies and addresses age, disability, and cultural needs, including safety, psychosocial, mobility, and equipment requirements.
• Conducts patient care and discharge planning in a culturally sensitive manner, involving the patient's support system in decision-making as appropriate.
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field.
• One year of experience working with mentally ill populations (Adolescent, Adults, and Geriatrics) preferred; an internship in the chemical dependency field is acceptable.
• Ability to work with assigned populations through a mentorship training system if no prior experience exists.

Qualifications & Skills

• Knowledge and skills to provide care appropriate to the age-related and disability-related needs of patients.
• Understanding of growth and development principles for the patient populations served.
• Ability to assess and interpret patient data to identify needs and provide appropriate care, including age, disability, and cultural sensitivity.
• Basic knowledge of mental illness, chemical dependency, and family dynamics.
• Excellent communication skills tailored to age-specific patient needs.
• Demonstrated assessment, supportive communication, and discharge planning skills.
• Ability to pass a general age/disability post-test.
• Versatility, flexibility, and ability to perform in stressful situations.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Capability to coordinate a multi-faceted workload.
• Experience working with individuals with mental and physical disabilities.
• Ethical delivery of patient services that promote respect, dignity, and satisfaction.
• Successful completion of BLS certification and an Oceans-approved behavioral de-escalation program.

Work Environment

• Subject to frequent interruptions and occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries.
• High-paced and potentially stressful environment; requires mental and physical adaptability.
• Spends approximately 90% or more of the time indoors, with protection from weather but not necessarily from temperature changes.