Purpose of Your Job Position •Must Have Nursing Home Experience• The primary purpose of your position is to assist in planning, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing the overall operation of the Facility's Social Services Department in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations, our established policies and procedures, and as may be directed by the Social Services Director and/or the Administrator, to assure that the medically related emotional and social needs of the resident are met and maintained on an individual basis. Delegation of Authority As Social Worker you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties. Job Function Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is an essential function of the position. Duties and Responsibilities Administrative Functions Assist in planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing the social service programs of the Facility. Assist in the development, administering, and coordinating of Social Services Department policies and procedures. Keep abreast of current federal and state regulations, as well as professional standards, and make recommendations on changes in policies and procedures to the Social Services Director ("Director") or Administrator. Review department policies and procedures, at least annually, and participate in making recommended changes. Assist in developing and implementing policies and procedures for the identification of medically related social and emotional needs of the resident. Participate in community planning related to the interests of the Facility and the services and needs of the resident and family. Participate in discharge planning, development and implementation of social care plans and resident assessments. Interview residents and families to obtain social history. Involve the residents and families in planning social service programs when possible. Assist in arranging transportation to other Facility's when necessary. Refer residents and families to appropriate social service agencies when the Facility does not provide the services or needs of the resident. Provide information to residents and families as to Medicare and Medicaid, and other financial assistance programs available to the resident. 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. Assist in the review and updating of departmental job descriptions at least annually. In the absence of the Director, assume the authority, responsibility, and accountability of directing the Social Service Department. Maintain a quality working relationship with the medical profession and other health related facilities and organizations. Review and evaluate the department's work force and make recommendations to the Director. Coordinate social service activities with other departments, as necessary.