Social Worker

About the role

The Chesapeake is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Medical Social Worker to help ensure the psychological, social, medical, and spiritual needs of our residents are met. The Medical Social Worker manages and coordinates social service functions for the nursing facility unit while meeting or exceeding The Chesapeake’s quality care and service standards. This position works collaboratively with nursing and other clinical and support disciplines to facilitate the provision of needed care and services.

Responsibilities

• Actively follow all personnel policies and procedures.
• Maintain thorough knowledge and understanding of:
  • Job Description
  • Resident Rights Policy
  • Health Services Manual
  • Resident Services Manual
  • Fire & Disaster Plan/Disaster Manual
  • Problem-Solving Procedure
• Complete an MI/MR assessment upon admission to the Health Care Center, whether temporary or permanent.
• Complete a Social Services assessment of each resident within 14 days of admission and within the MDS lookback period for quarterly, admission, or significant-change assessments.
• Identify problem areas and develop appropriate treatment goals.
• Ensure the admission packet is completed upon admission and signed by the resident or the resident’s responsible party.
• Review resident advance directives, when applicable, upon admission and quarterly, ensuring they are appropriately incorporated into the resident’s care plan.
• Improve knowledge and skills related to assessments, interdisciplinary care plans, and progress notes.
• Discuss the medically related social and emotional needs of residents during Interdisciplinary Care/Health Care Center conferences and document accordingly.
• Update progress notes periodically and resident care plans in accordance with applicable regulations and the quarterly schedule.
• Complete assigned MDS sections.
• Counsel residents and families regarding eligibility for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits, as well as personal and emotional needs.
• Assist with the development of advance directives.
• Represent residents and/or their families to staff by interpreting social problem areas, plans, and measurable goals.
• Coordinate notification and communication with resident families regarding Level of Care assessments and room charges.
• Work closely with the Administrator of Health Services and Director of Nursing to ensure resident rights are upheld.
• Coordinate all discharge planning for the Health Care Center.
• Provide social work support services to Independent Living (IL) residents as needed during Health Care Center stays.
• Attend staff meetings and other facility committee meetings as requested.
• Complete reports as requested by the supervisor.
• Follow all established safety rules, policies, and procedures of the facility.
• Refrain from discussing personal or work-related problems with residents, their families, or friends.
• Support resident agendas by attending meetings, taking minutes, and providing other assistance as requested.
• Attend and support facility functions as requested.
• Provide support to other members of the Social Work Department as needed.
• Participate as a member of the Manager on Duty (MOD) Team for seven days per year.
• Plan, prepare for, send notices for, and facilitate care plan meetings; follow up as appropriate.
• Ensure grievances are properly recorded, followed up on, and resolved appropriately.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Administrator of Health Services in a timely and cooperative manner.

Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work with one year of supervised social work experience involving the elderly population within the last five years.
• Ability to organize effective psychosocial programming for the elderly population.
• Ability to function within established budgetary guidelines.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Basic computer skills.
• Positive interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with residents, families, and staff.
• Ability to organize responsibilities, prioritize tasks, and complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Strong oral communication skills.
• Ability to function within regulations established by governmental agencies.
• Ability to counsel residents and provide referral and resource information as necessary.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off.
• Flexible scheduling.
• Discounted meals.
• Team member appreciation events.
• A strong culture of workplace excellence.
• Leadership that demonstrates team member commitment and appreciation every day.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents and their families.
• A supportive environment focused on purposeful living, compassionate service, and teamwork.

Schedule

• Full-time, 40 hours per week.
• Flexible scheduling may be required.
• Scheduled hours include a 30-minute meal break and an optional 15-minute break.