The Social Services Assistant assists in planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing social service programs. Must assure that the medically related emotional and social needs of the resident are met/maintained on an individual basis; safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of all residents of the facility. The person holding this position is delegated the responsibility for carrying out the assigned duties and responsibilities in accordance with current existing federal and state regulations and established company policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Works separately and in groups with residents, families, facility staff, and representatives of community agencies, institutions and organizations; document all activity as required
• Greets new residents in the facility and orient them to the building and staff
• Maintains appropriate departmental documentation:
• Assesses all new residents upon admission and complete the social service initial admission notes, social history, social assessment, and discharge planning when appropriate
• Writes quarterly and annual updates of Social Assessment and Social History
• Records all significant events in resident’s life and social service contacts
• Informs and educates residents/families/legal representatives regarding the importance of funeral and other pre-arrangements and follow up with their completion
• Completes care plan as needed and follow through with approach and goals developed
• Interviews residents/families as necessary and in a private setting
• Assists in developing and implementing policies and procedures for identifying the medically related social and emotional needs of residents
• Maintains as much personal contact as possible with the resident and his/her family or guardian in order to continue good relations and to determine changing conditions and needs
• Communicates with the elderly with communication problems and relay their needs/concerns to family, facility, and community agencies
• Participates and coordinates room changes and make calls to families when necessary. Distributes list of changes to each involved department and document each room change
• Addresses problems of residents and families and attempt to reconcile differences
• Attends Care Plan, social services, admissions, rehabilitation, marketing, Performance Improvement, and Medicare meetings, in-service educational classes, and on-the-job training programs as deemed appropriate
• Coordinates discharge planning and maintain ongoing notes regarding discharge planning for appropriate residents

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Must possess a high school diploma, Bachelor’s degree in social work preferred but not required.

At least one year of experience preferred. Must be 18 years of age.