Cottonwood Healthcare
Job Description: Resident Advocate

Job Title: Resident Advocate
Department: Social Services
Reports To: Nursing Home Administrator

Position Purpose:

The primary purpose of this job position is to plan, organize, develop and direct the operations of the Social Services department in accordance with federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations to ensure that the emotional and social needs of the residents are met and maintained.

Job Requirements

1. At a minimum, must be a high school graduate or have a GED. Higher education with a social services related college degree is preferred.
2. Prior social services related experience is preferred, with some of that experience in a long-term care facility;
3. Must provide all necessary documentation in accordance with the company’s new hire process to evidence eligibility for employment, including passing a criminal background check;
4. Must complete new hire orientation as required by company policy and participate in continuing education such as in-services, training, etc.;
5. Must possess excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and work well with others;
6. Must possess excellent organizational, critical thinking and problem solving skills;
7. Must possess the ability to communicate proficiently in English, both orally and in writing;
8. Must be proficient in the use of technology, including and especially the use of computers;
9. Must be willing to follow all federal, state and local laws and regulations as well as company policies and procedures and abide by the employee handbook, including but not limited to dress and grooming standards, time and attendance standards, drug and alcohol policy, respect and courtesy towards others, etc.;
10. Must have flexibility and availability to work outside of standard business hours, including on-call shifts, night shifts, weekends and holidays;
11. Must participate in and respond professionally to surveys and inspections conducted by government agencies;
12. Must be able to perform physical tasks associated with the standard work and essential functions of a social worker, including standing or sitting for extended periods, lifting/carrying in excess of 30 pounds, or be able to be reasonably accommodated for any limitations;
13. Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress inherent to the position, including working daily with residents in the geriatric, mentally ill, dementia, and disabled populations;
14. Must be able to perform assigned tasks with a minimum of supervision and oversight and develop awareness for and a willingness to perform other tasks, as needed, without constant supervision;
15. Must help foster and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, cheerfulness, enthusiasm and compassion, giving residents the quality of service you would want to receive.

Summary of Principal Job Responsibilities and Accountabilities

1. Complete all social services related documentation in each resident medical record, including assessments, progress notes, and care plans.
2. Become familiar with the financial status of resident and family, and assist with S.S.I. application, Medicaid/Medicare applications and reviews, and other financial assistance, as needed.
3. Help with legal assistance, as needed.
4. Coordinate the Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) process for all new admissions, including making recommendations to the applicable PASRR agency for review upon completion of short stays, convalescent stays, or significant changes in resident status.
5. Coordinate with and assist the Activity Director with social service related activities as needed or requested.
6. Maintain quality working relationships with all social service agencies in the area.
7. Become familiar with community resources and public support systems that may be of benefit to residents.
8. Assist in providing each resident with personal care items to assure their dignity and comfort. Assist with phone calls, letter writing, shopping, etc. as needed.

9. Assist in making arranging resident services with specialists for certain resident care areas, at a minimum the dentist, podiatrist, optometrist/ophthalmologist and audiologist and mental health specialists (providers, counselors, etc.).

10. Attend and participate in meetings and committees such as daily department head meetings, Resident Care
Conferences, Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI), Comprehensive Skilled Services Review (CSSR),
Psychotropic Committee, Resident Council, etc.
11. Meet with Administrator, medical and nursing staff, and other related departments in planning social service programs and activities.

12. Interview resident and family to obtain social history, and get their continued involvement in objectives and goals of care in the facility.
13. Assist with the social interaction of residents, staff, family members, etc.
14. In collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, issue the Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC) and Advanced
Beneficiary Notice (ABN) forms to residents when indicated. File the appeal when applicable.
15. Assist with discharge planning, including becoming familiar with community resources, coordinating applications to the local contact agency (e.g. New Choices Waiver program), making referrals to home health agencies, arranging durable medication equipment, etc. Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team and medical director in coordinating details of discharge as indicated.
16. Work with Social Services Consultant or LCSW and implement any recommended changes.
17. Maintain a reference library of written material, laws, etc. necessary for complying with current standards and regulations and that will provide assistance in maintaining a quality social service program.
18. Attend and participate in continuing education programs to stay professionally informed.
19. Ensure social service work areas are maintained in a clean and sanitary manner.
20. Order supplies and equipment for department as needed and use supplies in an efficient manner to avoid waste.
21. Provide consultation to medical staff, attending physician, and other resident care team members about resident or family needs.
22. Provide training to staff in form of inservices and individual counseling regarding resident dignity, treatment, and other social service related areas.

23. Participate in developing the Patient Care Plan for each resident that includes measurable objectives and time tables to meet a residents psychosocial needs and attend the I.D.T. meetings.
24. Keep records and documentation up to date.
25. Perform other job duties as may become necessary or as directed by your supervisor.

After reading the above job description, please select one of the options below:

____ I have read the above job description and can perform all duties as outlined.

____ I have read the above job description and cannot perform some of the duties without a reasonable accommodation. I understand that if a reasonable accommodation cannot be made, I will not be able to work in this role. Below are the duties that I cannot perform and the proposed reasonable accommodation(s):

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________ ______________________
Employee Signature Date

_______________________________________________________ _____________________
Administrator Signature Date

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Continuing education credits
• Flexible schedule
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid orientation
• Paid sick time
• Referral program

Healthcare setting:

• Long term care
• Nursing home

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person