Social Worker

RATE: Up to $78,000 Per Year

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Disability Insurance

• 401K

• Holiday Pay

• Paid Time Off

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for planning and administering social service programs within the facility, in conjunction with the Director of Social Services. The Social Worker assists in developing policies regarding participation in community planning for health and welfare services. The role also includes planning and assisting with research projects, discharge planning, and coordination of community resources.

RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Assists with planning and implementing a comprehensive social services program which provides counseling and other support services for residents and families in the facility.

• Identifies medical-related social needs of residents, provides appropriate services to meet individual, as well as collective needs of residents, and maintains records relating to the residents’ social work needs and care.

• Consults with the Director of Social Services and other department heads regarding interdisciplinary issues, as well as maintenance of appropriate records.

• Works directly with residents and families experiencing personal and environmental difficulties or concerns related to the resident’s physical or emotional condition.

• Promotes the preservation of the resident’s physical and mental health and prevents the occurrence or progression of personal and social problems.

• Maintains a written record of the frequency and nature of the social service consultation and services provided or obtained.

• Evaluates each resident’s social needs, formulates the plan for providing care, and records the plan in the resident’s medical record. Periodically re-evaluates in conjunction with the resident’s total plan of care.

• Plans and implements family meetings (upon admission and every 3 months thereafter) to provide a forum for ongoing discussions between resident/family and the treatment team with a primary focus on discharge planning.

• Collects pertinent social data upon admission of each resident and places it in the medical record, including information about personal and family problems related to the resident’s illness and care, support network, actions taken to meet the resident’s individual needs, and eventual discharge to an appropriate level of care based on functional capacity. Pertinent social data shall be made available to the attending physician and other appropriate staff members.

• Acts as a liaison between residents, families, outside agencies, and the facility Administrator to ensure that the resident’s rights are maintained.

• Functions in a manner that adheres to all policies/procedures of the facility, as a representative of the facility administration.

• Documents and prepares any reports requested by the administration; also councils and provides assistance when a change in financial status occurs for residents in the facility.

• Coordinates discharge planning and assists with the creation of an organized discharge plan for all residents.

• Concerns themselves with the safety of all facility residents in order to minimize the potential for fire and accidents. Also, ensures that the facility adheres to legal, safety, health, fire, and sanitation codes by being familiar with their role in carrying out the facility's fire, safety, and disaster plans and by being familiar with current MSDS.

• Ensures that residents and families receive the highest quality of service in a caring and compassionate atmosphere that recognizes the individuals’ needs and rights.

• Performs other duties as requested.

SPECIFIC EDUCATIONAL/VOCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a bachelor’s degree in a human services field, including, but not limited to, Sociology, Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Psychology.

• Any certifications required by state regulations.

• Knowledge of family assessment and interventions is preferred.

JOB SKILLS:

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.

• Knowledge of all governmental regulations relating to the Social Service Department.

• Ability to work independently, problem-solve, and make decisions as necessary.

• Ability to positively interact with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.

• Provide annual verification of a negative TB skin test.

PERFORMS RELATED DUTIES:

• Interacts with residents, families, visitors, and employees.

• Carries out other tasks as requested in situations where hands-on intervention/participation may be required.