Qualified Social Worker

The primary purpose of this position is to assist in implementing, evaluating and participating in the overall operation of the social services department in accordance with current federal, state and local standards and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Functions

• Implement the social services programs of this facility under the direction of the Administrator and the Director of Social Services.
• Participate in the facility assessment and assess individual social services needs and resources.
• Assist in obtaining resources from community social, health and welfare agencies to meet the needs of the resident.
• Coordinate social services activities with other members of the interdisciplinary team (IDT).
• Assist residents, representatives and families with seeking financial assistance, discharge planning (including collaboration with community agencies) and referrals to other community agencies.
• Ensure that each resident receives necessary behavioral health care and services to obtain and maintain the highest practical physical, mental and psychosocial well-being in accordance with the comprehensive assessment and plan of care.
• Participate in resident/group council meetings as requested.
• Provide residents with information concerning resident rights, living wills, etc.
• Keep abreast of current federal and state regulations as well as professional standards and make recommendations on changes in facility policies and procedures to the Director of Social Services or the Administrator.
• Coordinate resources and assist residents who have limited English proficiency (LEP) including the provision of verbal and written translation of information.
• Maintain a reference library of written material, laws, standards of practice, etc., necessary for complying with current standards and regulations that will provide assistance in maintaining quality social services.
• Meet with administration, medical and nursing staff as well as other related departments in planning social services programs and activities.
• Participate in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies as necessary or as directed.

Care Plan and Assessment Functions

• Participate in the development of a resident-centered care plan for each resident.
• Involve the resident/family in planning individualized objectives and goals for the resident.
• Communicate the social, psychological and emotional needs of the resident/family to other members of the IDT.
• Complete and sign social services components of the Minimum Data Set (MDS), Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) or cognitive assessment.
• Collaborate with the IDT prioritizing non-pharmacological interventions for resident behaviors in accordance with facility policies and best practices.

Admission, Transfer and Discharge Functions

• Ensure that the discharge needs of each resident are identified and result in the development of a discharge plan for each resident.
• Coordinate transfers or discharges for residents.
• Manage the transfer or discharge process when a resident has appealed.
• Assist residents who are being transferred to another facility or who are being discharged; assist residents and their resident representatives in selecting a post-discharge care provider.
• Refer residents/families to appropriate social services agencies when the facility does not provide the services or needs of the resident.

Personnel Functions

• Assist in standardizing the methods in which social services tasks will be performed.

Staff Development Functions

• Attend and participate in continuing education programs to maintain current licensure.

Equipment and Supply Functions

• Follow established procedures governing the use of labels and safety data sheets (SDSs).
• Maintain a clean and sanitary work area.
• Follow established infection prevention and control procedures when indicated.
• Participate in all Life Safety Code and emergency preparedness and response drills.
• Report all occupational injuries and illnesses to the supervisor in charge.

Budget Planning Functions

• Conduct social services programs and activities within the established department budget.

Working Conditions

• Works in office areas as well as throughout the facility.
• Moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, etc.
• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing services and other department directors.
• Works beyond normal working hours on weekends and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.
• Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• Attends and participates in continuing education programs.
• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday as well as to reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke and other air contaminants.
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.
• Maintains a liaison with other department supervisors to adequately plan for social services/activities.
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Education

• Must possess, as a minimum, a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social work or a human services field including sociology, gerontology, special education, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, etc.

Experience

• Must have, as a minimum, one (1) year supervised social work experience in a health care setting working directly with individuals.

Specific Requirements

• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age-related needs of the residents served.
• Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of team work and team concept.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
• Must possess leadership ability and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
• Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm as well as be willing to handle residents based on whatever cognitive level in which they are currently functioning.
• Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing social services.
• Must be a member in good standing with state or national licensing and accrediting bodies.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel and support agencies.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which include a medical and physical examination.
• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset and, at times, hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to push, pull, move and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.