Social Services Assistant

Social Worker

Summary of Position

The Social Services Assistant plays an integral role in the success of our team, our community and creating a place our residents are proud to call home. The primary purpose of this position is to assist in planning, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing the overall operation of the 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 Director of Social Services and/or Executive Director, to assure that the medically related emotional and social needs of the resident are met/maintained on an individual basis.

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct an initial social service assessment including MMSE, social history, intake for MDS, and admit note.
• Review nursing charts and complete MDS within facility timelines.
• Develop a written plan of care (preliminary and comprehensive) for each resident that identifies the problems/needs of the resident and the goals to be accomplished for each problem/need identified.
• Ensure that all social services personnel are aware of the care plan and that care plans are used in providing daily social services to the residents. Review nurses' notes to determine if the care plan is being followed. Report problem areas to the Director of Nursing.
• Evaluate social and family information and assist in determining plans for social treatment. Interview resident/families to obtain social history. Involve the resident/family in planning social service programs when possible.
• Assist in the development, administering, and coordinating of 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 Executive Director.
• Participate in discharge planning, development and implementation of social care plans and resident assessments.
• Provide information to residents/families as to Medicare/Medicaid, and other financial assistance programs available to the residents.
• Coordinate social service activities with other departments, as necessary.
• Assist in providing solutions for social and practical environmental problems including seeking financial assistance, discharge planning (including collaboration with community agencies), and referrals to other community agencies when specialized assistance is required.
• Interpret social, psychological, and emotional needs of the resident/family to the medical staff, attending physician, and other resident care team members.
• Assist in obtaining resources from community social, health and welfare agencies to meet the needs of the residents.
• Ensure that all charted progress notes are informative and descriptive of the services provided and of the residents’ response to the service.
• Ensure that social service work areas are maintained in a clean and sanitary manner.
• Recommend to the Director the equipment and supply needs of the department. Place orders for equipment and supplies as necessary or as may be required.
• Assist in arranging transportation to other facilities when necessary.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Critical Skills

• Be able to make independent decisions and follow instructions.
• Deal tactfully with personnel, prospects, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the public.
• Capable of working with ill, disabled, elderly, and emotionally upset people within the facility.
• Communicate effectively in a manner that is sufficient for effective communication with supervisors, team members, prospects, residents, and families.
• Knowledge/proficiency of Microsoft Office Suite.

Education and Experience

• Must meet all applicable state and federal requirements for this position.
• Poses a Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or Licensed Nurse certification.
• Prefer social work experience in a health care setting working directly with individuals.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not have any direct reports or supervisory requirements.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Tasks assigned to this position may involve potential and/or direct exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious diseases, air contaminants, and hazardous chemicals.

Physical Requirements - The Physical activities of this position involve:

• Must be able to lift xx pounds at times.
• Alternating between standing and sitting

Cognitive Requirements - The Cognitive activities with or without prosthetics of this position are:

• Execute tasks independently.
• Ability to express yourself clearly and effectively.
• General computer literacy

Environmental Requirements - An individual in this position may be exposed to:

• Ambient room temperatures and lighting.

Other Requirements -

• n/a

Platinum Service ®

Platinum Service ® is characterized by a high level of responsiveness delivered in a competent, timely and caring way. Employees commit to providing courteous, responsive, and quality service to our residents by following the principles of our Platinum Service® program.

Conclusion

All employees are expected to follow all policies and procedures. These policies and procedures can be found in the employee handbook, department policy and procedure manuals and with your supervisor. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.

Acknowledgement

I understand this job description and its requirements, and that I am expected to complete all job-related duties as assigned. I understand the essential functions may be altered from time to time.

By signing below, I acknowledge I can perform the essential functions of this job with or without a reasonable accommodation. If I require a reasonable accommodation, I will inform the recruiter/hiring manager, my manager, or Human Resources and agree to participate in the interactive process to discuss accommodations.

Qualifications

West Hills Health & Rehabilitation, a 113-bed skilled nursing community, has served the Portland community since 1970. Here, team members serve a range of lifestyles and care levels, including skilled nursing rehabilitation, long-term care, and respite care. We take pride in delivering Platinum Service® , our commitment to put residents and their families at the heart of everything we do. Join our team and come see why our team members consistently place West Hills Health & Rehabilitation above other communities as a great place to work.

Enjoy the total rewards of competitive pay plus benefits centered on you while performing meaningful work.