TITLE:

Social Services Assistant

REPORTS TO

Director of Admissions Social Services

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The primary purpose of your job position is to assist in planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing social service programs in accordance with current existing federal, state, and local standards, as well as our established policies and procedures, to assure that the medically related emotional and social needs of the resident are met/maintained on an individual basis. ROLE and

RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist the Director in the planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing of the social service programs of this facility. Attend Care Plan meetings and report any updates. Maintain appropriate social service records, including a Social History, Social Assessment, Discharge Plan and Progress notes with follow-up on social service needs identified on the Plan of Care. Periodic updates are required for each of these records except the social history. Perform administrative requirements, such as completing necessary forms, reports, etc., and submitting such to the Director. Refer resident/families to appropriate social service agencies when the facility does not provide the services or needs of the resident. Make routine visits to residents and perform services as necessary. Maintain a high level of visibility in the facility; be known to residents and family members; be available as needed by the family. Assure that resident's personal care needs are met by arranging for shopping and/or appropriate appointments (e.g. dental care, eye care, hearing services). Resident Trust (cash payouts). Orient the residents and family to the nursing home environment and assist in the adjustment of both through individual and group programs. Identify and promote a supportive family network, including notification (with resident's permission) to the family when important changes in resident health or well-being occur. Work with the department director and IDT members to develop a social service plan of care which identifies medically related social and emotional problems and needs with realistic goals and specific actions to be taken. Assist in arranging transportation to other facilities when necessary. Assist residents in determining how they would like health care decisions, including the use of Advance Directives if desired by the resident. Provide information on DNR orders to the residents and family members. Coordinate social service activities with other departments as necessary. Work with emotional problems including assisting the resident/family with anxieties and stress caused by illness and admission to the facility, difficulties in coping with residual physical disabilities, fears related to helplessness and death, and the need for institutional and specialized care. Assist in interpreting social, psychological, and emotional needs of the resident/family to the medical staff, attending physician, and other resident care team members. Provide consultation to members of our staff, community agencies, etc., in efforts to solve the needs and problems of the resident through the development of social service programs.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Highly focused and strong attention to detail. Ability to work with frequent interruptions. Excellent communication skills written and oral.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

Must possess, as a minimum, a high school diploma or its equivalent. 1 - 2 years experience in Social work or it's equivalent is preferred.