Social Services Assistant

Essential Functions

Interpersonal, Teamwork, Misc.

• Communicates unresolved work-related issues productively & effectively solves problems
• Handles confidential information appropriately and is HIPAA compliant
• Friendly and courteous to residents, co-workers etc, and takes ownership in solving problems (taking initiative where appropriate)
• Works well in a team, owning personally assigned work and assisting wherever needed to get the job done
• Follows established policies and guidelines
• Reliable and predictable attendance
• Other Duties as assigned

Administrative Functions

• Assist the Social Service Director/Consultant in the planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing of the social service programs of this facility.
• Meet with administration, medical and nursing staff, and other related departments in planning social services, as directed.
• Assist in the development, administering, and coordinating of department policies and procedures.
• Review department policies and procedures, at least annually, and participate in making recommended changes.
• Assist in developing and implementing policies and procedures for identifying the medically related social and emotional needs of the resident.
• Participate in community planning related to the interests of the facility and the services and needs of the resident and family.
• Participate in discharge planning, development and implementation of social care plans and resident assessments.
• Interview residents/families as necessary and in a private setting.
• Perform administrative requirements, such as completing necessary forms, reports, etc., and submitting such to the Director.
• Involve the resident/family in planning social service programs when possible.
• Assist in arranging transportation to other facilities when necessary.
• Refer resident/families to appropriate social service agencies when the facility does not provide the services or needs of the resident.
• Provide information to resident/families as to Medicare/Medicaid, and other financial assistance programs available to the resident.
• Obtain information concerning the resident’s personal and family problems, past illnesses, etc., by developing a Social Service Data Record.
• Provide consultation to members of our staff, community agencies, etc., in efforts to solve the needs and problems of the resident through the development of social service programs.
• Assist in the review and updating of departmental job descriptions at least annually.
• Maintain a quality working relationship with the medical profession and other health related facilities and organizations.
• Compile and maintain a social service directory listing available community resources.
• Compile information on discharge plans and present to appropriate committee as required.
• Coordinate social service activities with other departments as necessary.
• Work with the facility’s consultants as necessary and implement recommended changes as required.
• Make routine visits to residents and perform services as necessary.
• Maintain contact with the resident’s family, involving them with non-medical progress reports as necessary.
• Make written and oral reports/recommendations to the Administrator concerning the operation of the social service department.
• Assist in standardizing the methods in which work will be accomplished.
• Assist in making appointments for the resident/family as requested or appropriate.
• Perform charting duties as necessary.
• Work with emotional problems including assisting resident/family with anxieties and stress caused by illness and admission to the facility, difficulties in coping with residual physical disabilities, fears related to helplessness and death, and the need for institutional and specialized care.
• 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.
• Evaluate social and family information and assist in determining plan for social treatment.
• Assist in interpreting social, psychological, and emotional needs of the resident/family to the medical staff, attending physician, and other resident care team members.
• Participate in completing appropriate sections of the MDS as necessary.
• Assist in obtaining resources from community social, health and welfare agencies to meet the needs of the resident.
• Provide consultation to members of our staff, community agencies, etc., in efforts to solve the needs and problems of the resident through the development of social service programs.
• Others as deemed necessary and appropriate, or as may be directed by the consultant or Administrator.
• Agree not to disclose assigned user ID code and password for accessing resident/facility information and promptly report suspected or known violations of such disclosure to the Administrator.
• Agree not to disclose resident’s protected health information and promptly report suspected or known violations of such disclosure to the Administrator
• Report any known or suspected unauthorized attempt to access facility’s information system.

Committee Functions