Position Authority and Accountability:

In the absence of the Social Worker, the Social Services Designee assures the medically related social and emotional needs of the residents are identified and services are provided to meet those needs.  Functions within the constraints of regulations, established policy and procedure, and accepted social services standards of practice under the on-site supervision of the Administrator, in conjunction with the Social Worker.

Training/Education/Licensure/Skills or Proficiency Requirements:

Functional literacy in written and spoken English.

Demonstrated effective interpersonal and communication skills.

Working knowledge of state and federal regulations relating to long-term care.

Demonstrated skills in working with the elderly in long-term care.

General Functions:

Accepts assigned duties, instructions, or correction in a cooperative manner, voicing concerns or disagreement in a professional manner through established chain of command.

Assumes accountability for compliance with Federal, State and other regulations within scope of control and of which informed.

Observes safety hazards and emergency situations, and reports to appropriate person or takes corrective action according to establish procedures, works safely without danger to self or others.

Comes to work as scheduled and consistently demonstrates dependability and punctuality, complies with attendance policies.

Assumes accountability for information within personnel policies.

Reports for work with clean, neat personal appearance, consistently presents a professional image.

Maintains confidentiality of resident, employee and facility information.

Participates in in-service training programs and completes assignments and return demonstrations as required.

Assume accountability for using, maintaining and storing facility property according to established policy.

Job Functions:

Gathers social and psychosocial information about residents to be used by the Social Worker in developing care plans, social histories and assessments.

Communicates Social Services information to the interdisciplinary team as a part of the care plan conference, in the absence of the Social Worker.

Documents interactions with residents and/or family.

Monitors and documents resident progress or lack of progress toward established goals.

Listens to concerns from residents and family members.  Refers to the Social Worker for assistance or counseling regarding adjustment, remotivation, death and dying.

Assists the Social Worker with the discharge planning for residents according to regulations and facility policy.

Assists with orientation of residents and families.

Explains resident’s rights and responsibilities.

Assists residents and families with the coordination of resources as needed to resolve financial concerns and to promote emotional security.

Provides at least one in-service education program per calendar year regarding death and dying, resident’s rights, and other social services issues.