Social Services Worker

GHC LTC Management LLC•Ranger, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Assists in planning, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing the overall operation of the facility’s Social Services Department in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations, and the facility’s established policies and procedures. The Social Worker will assist in overseeing the development, implementation, supervision and ongoing evaluation of the Social Services Department designed to meet and assist residents in attaining or maintaining their highest practicable well-being. This includes identifying the need for medically-related social services and ensuring that these services are provided in accordance with State and Federal regulations.

Requirements

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social work or another human services field to include, but not limited to, sociology, gerontology, special education, rehabilitation counseling, or psychology.
One year of supervised social work experience in a health care setting working directly with individuals.
Ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of team work.
Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
Ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
Must have patience, tact, and willingness to deal with difficult residents, family and staff.
Must be able to relay information concerning a resident’s condition.
Must not pose a threat to the health and safety of other individuals in the workplace.
Ability to work beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.
Ability to assist in evacuation of residents during emergency situations.
Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, perform overhead lifting and perform other common physical movements as needed for the position.
Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to exercise judgement.
Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.
Resourcefulness.
Strong leadership skills.
Maintain a positive attitude and possess the ability to work in stressful situations.
Ability to coordinate meetings, as well as set and achieve goals.
Ability to be organized and efficient.
Basic computer skills.
CPR licensed and trained in first aid.

Nice To Haves

Social Services Designee if applicable
Serves as a member of the QAPI Committee if requested.
Serves as a member of the Behavior Management Committee if requested.

Responsibilities

Complete the social services component of the comprehensive assessment for assigned residents.
Contribute to and/or direct/delegate contribution of social services goals and approaches to the comprehensive care plan, identifying and promoting individualized, non-pharmacological approaches to care that meet the mental and psychosocial needs of each resident.
Encourage residents/responsible parties to participate in the development of their care plan and invite them to care plan meetings.
Assist with completion of preadmission services for inbound residents, including participation in interdisciplinary evaluation of residents needs for institutional care and completion of the PASARR Level 1.
Facilitate residents’ safe transition back into the community through interdisciplinary discharge planning and arrangement of community based services and follow-up care.
Assist residents and their representatives in locating and accessing financial, legal, and other community resources.
Interpret and report the social, psychological, and emotional needs of the resident/responsible party to the medical staff, attending physician, and other resident care team members.
Accurately and completely document social service actions and interactions in each resident’s medical record, ensuring legal, ethical, and professional standards of social work practice are upheld.
Engage in Advance Care Planning for assigned residents upon admission, ensuring Advance Directives are reviewed regularly.
Ensure staff members are aware of the resident’s code status and end-of-life wishes and assist with informing and educating residents and their representatives about health care options and ramifications.
Assist with facility policy development and annual review to positively impact the quality of care delivered to residents.
Assist the Social Services Director in ensuring staff members are knowledgeable about Resident’s Rights and encourage staff to maintain and enhance each resident’s dignity.
Advocate for residents and assist them in assertion of their rights within the facility.
Report allegations of suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation to the Social Services Director and/or Administrator and assist with reporting to the appropriate State agency, as well as completion of a thorough investigation as assigned.
Ensure residents who display mental illness, or psychosocial difficulties have access to appropriate treatment and resources.
In the absence of the Social Services Director, assume the authority, responsibility, and accountability of directing the Social Services Department.
Treat all residents with dignity and respect, and promote and protect all residents’ rights.
Establish a culture of compliance by adhering to all facility policies and procedures, and complying with standards of business conduct, and state/federal regulations and guidelines.
Follow appropriate safety and hygiene measures at all times to protect residents and themselves.
Maintain confidentiality of protected health information.
Report noncompliance with policies, procedures, regulations, or breaches in confidentiality to appropriate personnel.
Report any allegations of abuse, neglect, misappropriation of property, exploitation, or mistreatment of residents to supervisor and/or administrator.
Report any occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and/or hazardous chemicals in accordance with facility policy.
Participate in all life safety and emergency drills and trainings and fulfill responsibilities as assigned during implementation or activation of the facility’s emergency plan.
Report work-related injuries and illnesses immediately to supervisor.
Follow established infection control policies and procedures.
Complete all assigned training and skills competency.
Interview residents and/or their responsible party to obtain the resident’s social history.
Make arrangements for residents to obtain items such as clothing and personal care supplies.
Assist residents obtaining transportation to medical appointments, upon discharge, etc.
Act as a resource for staff participating in behavioral interventions with residents.
Assist residents in voicing and obtaining resolution to grievances.
Participate in Resident and/or Family Council as needed or requested.
Assist with, or arrange for, a resident’s communication of needs through the resident’s primary method of communication or in a language that the resident understands.
Coordinate Social Service activities with other departments as needed.
Perform administrative requirements, such as completing assigned reports, and submit them to the Social Services Director as required.
Contribute to the facility efforts to maintain and/or improve quality of care through participation in Care Plan meetings, QAPI Committee, Behavior Management Committee, Department Head/Stand Up Meetings, and mandatory in-services.
Successfully complete the facility required training, and any Social Work continuing education and licensing requirements.