**Early wage access**

The social worker will work with residents in the nursing home by identifying their psycho-social, mental and emotional needs along with providing, developing, and/or aiding in the access of services to meet those needs. Services will be provided in accordance with strict adherence to government regulations. The nursing home social worker is responsible for fostering a climate, policies and routines that enable residents to maximize their individuality, independence and dignity. This climate shall provide residents with the highest practical level of physical, mental and psycho-social well-being and quality of life.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review facility policies and procedures as part of the facility’s interdisciplinary team to assure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Participate in reviewing and setting policies concerning resident care and quality of life.
• Participate in developing facility social work policies.
• Develop, maintain and utilize a listing of current community resources that are useful to residents and their families/significant others.
• Participate in quality assurance interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Understand and meet all government requirements for social service documentation.
• Monitor and document progress in meeting the psycho- social needs of residents.
• Work with the interdisciplinary team and administration to promote and protect resident rights and the psychological well being of each resident. Prevent and address resident abuse as mandated by law and professional licensure.
• Identify community changes and opportunities such as legislation, regulations and programs that affect nursing home residents.
• Work with residents, families, significant others and staff to provide support, information and organization for taking a more proactive role in self advocacy to improve the quality of life/care for individual residents and those who live and work within the nursing home and the community at large.
• Committed to working with residents and families to develop and implement strategies that promote person-centered care.
• Complete a social history and psycho-social assessment for each resident that identifies social, emotional, and psychological needs.
• Participate in the development of a written, interdisciplinary plan of care for each resident that identifies the psycho-social needs/issues of the resident, the goals to be accomplished for those needs/issues, and the appropriate social worker interventions.
• Ensure or provide therapeutic interventions to assist residents in coping with their transition and adjustment to a long-term care facility, including their social, emotional, and psychological needs.
• Ensure or provide support and education to residents/family members/significant others to assist in their understanding of placement and facility issues in addition to referring them to the appropriate social service agencies when the facility does not provide the needed services.
• Provide groups for residents/family members/significant others as appropriate to their needs.
• Provide clinical interventions to address catastrophic events that occur during the resident’s stay in the facility.
• Coordinate the resident discharge planning process and make referrals for appropriate home care services prior to the resident’s return to the community.
• Educate residents and families/significant others regarding their rights and responsibilities, effective problem solving and the extent of community, health and social services that are available to them, including those necessary for effective discharge planning.
• Applies “5 Star” customer service approach in all aspects of job.
• Adheres to all company policies, procedures, and standards of conduct.
• Reports to the appropriate managers any known or suspected violations of policy and procedures, regulations or standards of conduct.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Must be a Licensed Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Two years in case work desirable.

Thorough knowledge of case work process in medical and public health settings required.

Working knowledge of social and health resources of the community required.