Social Services Designee

Position Description

The social worker is responsible for fostering a climate, policies, and routines that support residents in maximizing their individuality, independence, and dignity. This role ensures residents attain the highest practicable level of physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being and quality of life. The social worker identifies psychosocial, mental, and emotional needs and provides, develops, or facilitates access to services that meet those needs. All services are delivered in accordance with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics and in compliance with all Federal, State, and Local regulations.

Principal Responsibilities

• Complete social histories and psychosocial assessments for each resident, identifying social, emotional, and psychological needs. Complete relevant portions of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) and use MDS data to guide care planning.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in compliance with Federal/State regulations, corporate policies, and center-specific practices. Documentation responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Advanced Directives, MDS, Social Service History and Assessment, RAPs, Care Plans, Social Service Progress Notes, Behavior Tracking, monitoring of cognitive and psychosocial changes, PASARR, Discharge Planning, and psychiatric services.
• Support each resident’s right to self-determination. Document refusals of offered services, inform residents of therapeutic alternatives, and involve appropriate team members in supporting resident understanding and decision-making.
• Participate in developing an interdisciplinary Plan of Care for each resident, identifying psychosocial needs/issues, corresponding goals, and appropriate social work interventions.
• Provide or ensure therapeutic interventions to support residents in coping with transitions and adjusting to long-term care placement, addressing social, emotional, and psychological needs.
• Provide or coordinate support and education for residents, families, and significant others regarding placement, facility processes, and available resources. Refer to appropriate agencies when services lie outside the facility’s scope.
• Maintain and update a resource file of service providers and vendors; assist in identifying new providers, evaluating existing ones, and ensuring satisfactory service delivery.
• Assist the Social Service Director/Consultant in planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing the facility’s social service programs.
• Collaborate with Nursing and Administration during inspection surveys, including participating in surveyor interviews, assisting in immediate corrections, and reinforcing previously cited standards.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned, with or without notice.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Certified, licensed, or registered to practice in the state, required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Services field (e.g., Sociology, Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology) from an accredited institution, preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year supervised social work experience in a healthcare setting working directly with geriatric individuals, preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of nursing experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility, preferred.