Heritage Lakes Nursing and Rehab Job Description Position Title:

Social Worker Date:

Sept 2026

Company:

Heritage Lakes Nursing and Rehab Status:

Exempt Reports To:

Administrator Position Objective:

The Social Worker provides emotional, social, and advocacy support to residents and their families in a nursing home or long-term care facility. They play a critical role in enhancing residents' quality of life by assessing their psychosocial needs, connecting them to resources, and coordinating care and services. This role requires compassion, strong communication skills, and a thorough understanding of the unique challenges faced by elderly and vulnerable populations.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Conduct psychosocial assessments: assess residents' mental, emotional, and social needs, and develop personalized care plans to address these needs Provide counseling and emotional support: offer individual and group counseling to residents and families, addressing issues such as coping with illness, grief, and adjusting to long-term care Coordinate care planning and services: collaborate with medical, nursing, and therapy staff to ensure that residents receive holistic care, including support with mental health, socialization, and family connections Advocate for residents' rights and needs: ensure residents' rights are respected, advocate on their behalf, and assist them in expressing their preferences for care Support family communication and education: work with families to help them understand residents' needs, provide resources, and offer guidance on the challenges associated with aging and caregiving Assist wit discharge planning and transitions: help residents transition between care levels or back to the community by arranging follow-up services, transportation, and other necessary resources Address behavioral and mental health needs: monitor residents' mental health, address behavioral concerns, and provide referrals to specialized services when needed Facilitate access to financial and community resources: connect residents and families to financial aid programs, veteran services, and community resources that support residents' health and well-being Document services and interventions: accurately document assessments, care plans, interventions, and resident interactions in compliance with facility and regulatory guidelines Meet with new residents and their families upon admission to explain facility policies, services, and provide orientation to help ease the transition Regularly review and adjust residents' care plans based on ongoing assessments, changes in condition, or shifts in family dynamics Offer immediate support to residents, families, and staff during crises, such as medical emergencies or unexpected changes in health status Watch for signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and take action by following facility protocols and mandatory reporting guidelines Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings: actively engage in care planning meetings, contribute social work perspectives, and collaborate to develop comprehensive care strategies for residents

Other Key Responsibilities:

Organize and attend resident council meetings, ensuring residents have a forum to voice concerns, suggestions, and ideas for facility improvements Work with residents and families to provide support and resources around advance care planning, hospice, and palliative care as needed Encourage and coordinate social activities, special events, and therapeutic programs that promote residents' mental and emotional well-being Address and mediate conflicts or disagreements among residents, family members, or staff to ensure a peaceful and supportive living environment Stay informed on state and federal regulations regarding social work in long-term care, ensuring all documentation and practices mee legal requirements Facilitate or arrange support groups to help families and caregivers connect, share experiences, and access community resources Help residents and families navigate financial planning, including Medicare/Medicaid, insurance, and assistance programs for long-term care expenses

Qualifications:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work (BSW/MSW) from an accredited program State licensure or certification as required (e.g.

LSW, LCSW

) Prior experience in a nursing home, healthcare, or geriatric setting is preferred Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, along with cultural sensitivity and patience Compassionate, empathetic, and committed to supporting the dignity and autonomy of residents Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English Physical Requirements "Occasionally" equals approximately 1% to 33% of the workday, "frequently" equals approximately 34% to 66% of the workday, and "continuously" equals approximately 67% to 100% of the workday (typical full-time workday is 8 hours). 1)

Job Requirements:

A) Sit continuously B) Stand occasionally C) Walk occasionally 2)

Movements:

A) Bend/Stoop occasionally B) Squat/Crouch/Kneel occasionally C) Crawl occasionally D) Reaching occasionally E) Balancing occasionally F) Pushing/Pulling occasionally 3)

Weight Carried:

A) Up to 34 pounds occasionally B) 35 to 50 pounds occasionally C) 51 to 100 pounds occasionally

• 4) Meets health assessment requirements (as required)
• Assistance can include mechanical devices, equipment, or human assistance

Work Environment:

The Social Worker interacts closely with residents, families, and interdisciplinary teams. The role may require flexibility in hours, including occasional evenings or weekends, based on resident and family needs.

Key Competencies:

Leadership

• Demonstrates or models behavior that rallies others around a common cause and builds a shared sense of purpose. Problem Solving
• Analyzes relevant aspects of a situation before reaching a conclusion; does not hesitate to take action when required. Drive for Results
• Focuses on and achieves results. Takes actions that have a positive impact on profitability. Takes calculated risks that are likely to provide good business results. Holds self and others accountable for impact on the bottom line. Commitment
• Provides a sustained effort and dedication to getting the job done well, works continuously to produce superior work regardless of obstacles or setbacks. Displays personal concern, interest, pride, and accountability in all areas of responsibility. § Organization
• Plans and organizes multiple tasks and projects to meet deadlines. Oral and Written Communication
• Able to clearly present information through the spoken or written word; read and interpret complex information; talk with customers or clients; listens well. Teamwork
• Actively seeks to contribute to the positive morale, attitude and effectiveness of their work environment.

Heritage Lakes Nursing and Rehab is an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer. It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of Heritage Lakes Nursing and Rehab not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination."

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person