SOCIAL WORKER

Benefits

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), one of the most respected pension programs in the nation.
• Countywide insurance plans plus growing access to local, no‑cost care options for everyday health needs.
• Two dedicated banks of vacation and sick time, with vacation accrued from day one.
• Vacation accrual can be banked up to twice the annual amount.
• Full‑time employees can build up to 150 sick days.

Overview

This is a professional Social Worker position at the Lakeview Health Center & Assisted Living facility in West Salem, WI (FLSA: Exempt). Core hours are Monday – Friday, primarily 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. The Social Worker provides medically related social services in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and facility policies. Employees operate within established guidelines, exercising considerable independent judgment, and report to the Long Term Care Services Manager. The role advocates for residents’ rights, promotes culture change to preserve quality of life, conducts assessments and treatment, reviews referrals, prepares social histories, and documents comprehensive assessments.

Essential Leadership Functions

• Act with Integrity and Build Trust – Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty; speak up appropriately; actively listen to diverse perspectives.
• Drive for Results – Set clear goals, seek process improvements, hold self and others accountable, and monitor outcomes.
• Develop Talent and Effective Teams – Foster collaboration, provide mentorship, recognize diverse strengths, and support growth.
• Lead with Vision and Strategy – Communicate a compelling vision, develop long‑term strategies, and connect daily work to broader objectives.
• Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking – Navigate complex situations, adapt quickly, and make analytical decisions.
• Build and Maintain Effective Relationships – Communicate and collaborate across stakeholders, influence through coaching, and sustain partnerships.
• Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service – Understand community needs, incorporate perspectives, and drive positive external impact.
• Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence – Show self‑awareness, manage emotions, seek feedback, and balance empathy with accountability.

Essential Job Functions

• Investigate allegations of misconduct, including abuse, neglect, misappropriation, and injuries of unknown origin; review results with administration and provide resolutions within established timeframes.
• Provide training and information to the community and staff as assigned.
• Engage with residents to determine psycho‑social adjustment needs and prepare individualized care plans with the interdisciplinary team.
• Inform residents and families about legal decision‑making, personal finances, insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and assist with application processes.
• Coordinate resident discharge planning, including contacts with service providers, transportation, and other needed services.
• Communicate with resident representatives, case managers, counties, Managed Care Organizations, ombudsman, and other agencies to ensure resident needs are met.
• Develop individualized behavior plans and coordinate crisis intervention with county and managed‑care organizations.
• Document psycho‑social progress notes, social history, and assessments in resident records.
• Assist in scheduling care conference meetings and coordinate purchases of resident personal items.
• Coordinate completion of informed consents for anti‑psychotic medication.
• Conduct discharge satisfaction summary interviews/phone calls as required.
• Support person‑centered care initiatives and conduct pre‑admission screens.
• Represent long‑term care initiatives on internal and external teams.
• Develop social services policies in cooperation with administration and the interdisciplinary team.
• Communicate Medicare/Medicaid guidelines and issue denial notices as appropriate.
• Evaluate referrals to determine facility’s ability to manage care and coordinate initial insurance coverage for new residents.
• Maintain positive working relationships with community partners, including hospitals and home‑health agencies.
• Advocate for resident rights, maintain confidentiality, and assist with ethical dilemmas.
• Support all aspects of person‑centered care and respect each resident’s individuality.
• Maintain courteous, cooperative, and respectful interactions with the public, clients, colleagues, supervisors, and officials.
• Report suspected resident abuse to the Administrator and follow safety practices and standards.
• Attend court cases to testify regarding residents when required.
• May accompany or transport residents to appointments and coordinate community functions as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic understanding of human development and behavior theories.
• Knowledge of socio‑economic conditions and family dynamics.
• Considerable knowledge of social work standards (HFS‑132), Federal rules, and Medicare/Medicaid regulations.
• Familiarity with community resources.
• Ability to relate empathetically to residents, plan and organize work, and communicate effectively with residents, families, medical professionals, employees, and public officials.
• Proficiency in preparing and maintaining reports and records and following oral and written instructions.

Training, Experience, and Other Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work or a related field (e.g., Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Human Services) accepted by the Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing.
• At least one year of experience working with the elderly, mentally ill, or developmentally disabled; preference for long‑term care experience.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Successful completion of a criminal record check as required by the Wisconsin Caregiver Law.
• Certification by the State of Wisconsin as a Social Worker. If not certified at the time of application, a temporary permit is required with the ability to become certified within 24 months.
• Eligibility for certification: bachelor’s degree in an accepted discipline and successful completion of both federal and state examinations.

Physical Demands

The position requires frequent movement throughout the facility, including standing, bending, lifting, and walking while communicating with residents, staff, and families. It also involves occasional travel to referral sites, use of an automobile, telephone, and computer. The role may require testifying in court, accompanying residents to appointments, and coordinating community functions.

Related Job Functions

• Testify in court cases regarding residents.
• Accompany or transport residents to appointments.
• Coordinate community functions and other assigned settings.