Social Services Assistant

The Goodman Group, LLC•Portland, OR

15h

About The Position

The Social Services Assistant supports the operation of the Social Services Department by helping plan, organize, implement, evaluate, and direct services in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local standards, regulations, and facility policies. The role focuses on meeting and maintaining each resident’s medically related emotional and social needs. The assistant conducts social service assessments, reviews charts, completes MDS documentation, develops and monitors care plans, and participates in resident assessments and discharge planning. The position also works with residents and families, facility staff, and community agencies to coordinate services, address social and practical needs, provide information about financial assistance programs, and arrange referrals or transportation when needed. The role requires maintaining accurate progress notes and a clean work area, and recommending or ordering departmental supplies and equipment as appropriate. This position has no direct reports. Work may involve exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious diseases, air contaminants, and hazardous chemicals. Physical activities include alternating between standing and sitting; the description also states the employee must be able to lift “xx pounds” at times. The position requires independent task execution, clear communication, and general computer literacy. Employees are expected to provide courteous, responsive, and quality service to residents and follow facility policies and procedures.

Requirements

Meet all applicable state and federal requirements for the position.
Hold a Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or Licensed Nurse certification.
Be able to make independent decisions and follow instructions.
Deal tactfully with personnel, prospects, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies and personnel, and the public.
Be capable of working with ill, disabled, elderly, and emotionally upset people.
Communicate effectively with supervisors, team members, prospects, residents, and families.
Have knowledge of or proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Be able to execute tasks independently, express oneself clearly and effectively, and demonstrate general computer literacy.
Be able to alternate between standing and sitting.
Be able to lift “xx pounds” at times, as stated in the job description.

Nice To Haves

Social work experience in a health care setting working directly with individuals is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct initial social service assessments, including MMSE, social history, MDS intake, and admission notes.
Review nursing charts and complete MDS documentation within facility timelines.
Develop preliminary and comprehensive written care plans identifying residents’ needs, problems, and goals.
Ensure social services personnel are aware of care plans and use them in daily services; review nurses’ notes and report care-plan issues to the Director of Nursing.
Evaluate social and family information, interview residents and families, and involve them in social service planning when possible.
Assist with developing, administering, and coordinating departmental policies and procedures; monitor applicable regulations and professional standards and recommend policy changes to the Executive Director.
Participate in discharge planning, social care plan development, and resident assessments.
Provide residents and families with information about Medicare, Medicaid, and other available financial assistance programs.
Coordinate social service activities with other departments.
Help address social and practical environmental problems, including seeking financial assistance, coordinating discharge planning with community agencies, and making referrals.
Communicate residents’ and families’ social, psychological, and emotional needs to medical staff, attending physicians, and resident care team members.
Obtain resources from community social, health, and welfare agencies to meet residents’ needs.
Ensure progress notes describe the services provided and residents’ responses.
Maintain social service work areas in a clean and sanitary manner.
Recommend departmental equipment and supply needs and place orders as necessary.
Assist in arranging transportation to other facilities when necessary.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Follow facility policies and procedures and provide courteous, responsive, quality service to residents.