Social Services Specialist

Hillcrest Health & LIving • Lincoln, NE

12h • Onsite

About The Position

Hillcrest Health & Living is seeking a compassionate, organized, and relationship-focused Social Services Specialist at Hillcrest Firethorn in Lincoln, Nebraska. The position supports patients and families from admission through discharge and into the next level of care by identifying psychosocial needs, coordinating resources, supporting safe transitions, and incorporating patient preferences and goals into care plans.

The specialist works with patients, families, the interdisciplinary care team, and organizational leaders to coordinate social services and transition planning. The role includes admission and discharge documentation, assessments and care plans, referrals, education and counseling, advocacy for patient rights, and assistance with concerns and financial or insurance-related questions. The specialist also helps care teams recognize social-service needs and connect patients with resources.

The role is suited to someone who communicates clearly, builds relationships, stays organized across multiple priorities, and remains calm and professional during stressful or emotional situations. A bachelor’s degree in a healthcare-related field is preferred. At least two years of experience in Social Work, Case Management, or a related field is required; two years of experience in social services, discharge planning, or care transitions in a post-acute or acute-care setting is preferred.

Requirements

• At least two years of experience in Social Work, Case Management, or a related field.
• Knowledge of the social-service needs of the aging population.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• Compassionate, patient-centered approach.
• Strong organization and follow-through, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Comfort working with interdisciplinary care teams.
• Strong documentation skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful or emotional situations.
• Knowledge of resources available to aging adults and post-acute patients.
• Strong advocacy skills and respect for patient rights and preferences.
• Ability to explain complex information clearly to patients and families.
• Collaborative approach to problem-solving and transition planning.
• Ability to speak, read, and write English.
• Ability to remain flexible and calm when supporting patients and families during stressful situations.
• Ability to independently lift up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to perform repetitive sitting, standing, bending, and movement throughout the workday.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and use technology and available resources efficiently.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in a healthcare-related field.
• At least two years of experience performing social services, discharge planning, or care transitions in a post-acute or acute-care setting.

Responsibilities

• Meet with new patients and families at admission and assist with required admission paperwork.
• Communicate patient and family needs to the care team.
• Coordinate social services and transition planning with the interdisciplinary team.
• Begin discharge and transition planning early in the patient stay.
• Develop transition plans reflecting care-team recommendations and patient preferences.
• Coordinate patient referrals and supportive services as appropriate.
• Help patients and families understand available resources and next-step care options.
• Coordinate family communication about care recommendations and transition planning.
• Complete admission and discharge documentation accurately and on time.
• Complete assessments, progress notes, care plans, social histories, and other required documentation.
• Provide education and counseling to patients and families regarding personal, social, and care-related needs.
• Advocate for patient rights and help ensure concerns are addressed appropriately.
• Educate care teams on recognizing social-service needs and connecting patients with resources.
• Assist with patient and family concerns and communicate them to leadership.
• Help patients and families understand financial and insurance responsibilities, including copayments, insurance denials, and Medicare or Medicaid notifications.
• Participate in meetings, committees, and interdisciplinary discussions as assigned.
• Work with the Director of Patient Transitions and other leaders to support safe and successful transitions.

Benefits

• Benefits and insurance options for eligible team members.
• Supportive leadership and a collaborative interdisciplinary team.
• Professional development and career-growth opportunities.
• Dayforce Wallet, allowing team members to choose when they get paid.
• Gym membership reimbursement and partner discounts.
• Opportunities to build experience in post-acute care, case management, and care transitions.
• Opportunities to grow within Hillcrest Firethorn and Hillcrest Health & Living.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed