OVERVIEW:

Identify and provide for each resident's social, emotional and psychological needs, and the continuing development of the resident's full potential during their stay at the facility and to assist in the planning for their discharge. Oversee the Social Work Department of Long Term and Acute Care patients.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop a social history, social assessment and care plan which identifies pertinent problems and needs, realistic goals to be accomplished and the specific action to be taken in resolution of the problems and/or needs upon admission of each new resident.

• Actively participate in interdisciplinary Care Plan meetings.

• Document progress notes which relate to each resident's care plan when necessary and within policy timeframes.

• Assist the resident and resident's family in discharge and placement planning.

• Organize family groups to promote communication, education and support between family members, facility staff and administration, and provide counseling as needed.

• Assist in the education of the community regarding aging, rights of residents, facility services and other related topics.

• Actively participate in the pre-admission screening of all potential residents and provide information to residents and families during admission.

• Orient the resident to the long-term care environment and facilitate adjustment upon placement.

• Evaluate and discipline Social Services Department personnel.

• Make job assignments and set priorities. Orient new staff and participate in recruitment and selection.

• Keep associates informed of changes that affect them.

• Ensure universal precautions and infection control, isolation, fire, safety and sanitation practices and procedures are followed and promptly address any hazardous conditions.

• Maintain records, manage budget and supplies.

• Meet Company policies and state and federal regulations regarding Social Services.

• Comply with all Company safety policies, regulations and requirements regarding fire and life safety.

• Comply with all Company safety policies regulations and requirements involving employee safety and patient safety. This includes but is not limited to: a zero tolerance for harassment and violence; following infection control procedures; following safe patient handling as required with your specific job position.

• May be required to assist in the evacuation of patients during emergency situations.

• Understand, comply with and promote all rules and regulations regarding residents' rights.

• Promote positive relationships with residents, visitors, and regulators, to include presenting a professional appearance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or related field preferred.

• Basic understanding of computer technology, including email use.

• Must be able to relate positively and favorably to residents and families and to work cooperatively with other associates and personnel of other community agencies.

• Must have knowledge of State and Federal guidelines.

• Must have demonstrated skills in communication, documentation, assessment and social work methods techniques.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This position supervises the social work staff

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This job operates in a health care setting. This role requires regular walking to various locations around the care center

• Incumbent may be exposed to virus, disease and infection from patients and specimens in working environment

• Use hands repetitively to operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; and lift up to 20 pounds

• Incumbent may be required to work extended periods of time at a video display terminal

• Incumbent may experience traumatic situations, including psychiatric, and deceased patients

• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; talk or hear

• The employee must occasionally lift or move office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds

TRAVEL:

• Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected