SOCIAL WORKER

La Crosse County•West Salem, WI

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a professional Social Worker position at the Lakeview Health Center & Assisted Living facility in West Salem, WI. The core hours are Monday - Friday, primarily 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. The Social Worker provides medically related social services in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, and facility policies. Employees operate within established guidelines, exercising considerable independent judgment. They report to the Long Term Care Services Manager and advocate for resident’s rights to ensure quality of life in the least restrictive environment. The role promotes culture change within the nursing home environment to preserve and enhance resident quality of life. Responsibilities include providing assessment, treatment, and supportive care to assist residents and families with care and psychosocial issues, reviewing referrals and making placement recommendations, and making individualized referrals as needed. The position also involves preparing and documenting social histories and comprehensive assessments to identify resident strengths and needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Social Work (or related college degree such as Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice or Human Service Degree accepted by the Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing).
One year experience work with the elderly, mentally ill or developmentally disabled.
When driving vehicle on the job, requires valid driver's license and good driving record.
Must successfully complete criminal record check as required by the Wisconsin Caregiver Law.
Requires certification by the State of Wisconsin as a Social Worker.
If not certified at the time of application for employment with La Crosse County, must have a temporary permit and the ability to become certified within 24 months of employment.
Basic understanding of the established theories of human development and behavior.
Knowledge of socio-economic conditions and related family dynamics.
Considerable knowledge of social work standards as set forth under HFS-132 and Federal rules and Medicare/Medicaid regulations and legal issues pertaining to care and treatment of persons residing in nursing homes.
Familiarity with various community resources available.
Ability to relate to residents in emphatic manner.
Ability to plan and organize work.
Ability to communicate effectively to residents, resident's families, medical professionals, employees, and public officials.
Ability to prepare and maintain necessary reports and records.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Nice To Haves

Preference for long-term care experience.
May consider other relevant combination of education and experience that provide equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
To be certification eligible: must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, social work, sociology, criminal justice, or a human services degree accepted by the Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing.
To be certified: must successfully complete both federal and state examinations.

Responsibilities

Investigates all allegations of misconduct including abuse, neglect, misappropriation and injuries of unknown origin, as assigned.
Reviews results with administration and provides resolution to complainant within established timeframe.
Provides training and information to community, as assigned.
Provides support and training to staff as assigned.
Engages with residents to determine and provide psycho-social adjustment needs.
Prepares individualized resident care plans in conjunction with inter-disciplinary team.
Provides information to residents and families related to legal decision making.
Provides information and assistance to families and residents regarding resident personal finances, insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and other services, and assist in coordinating application process.
Coordinates resident discharging planning, which may include contacts with prospective service providers, set up of transportation and other services as needed.
Communicates with resident representatives, case managers, Counties, Managed Care Organizations, ombudsman and other community agencies to assure resident needs are met.
Develops individualized behavior plans and coordinates crisis intervention with county and managed care organizations.
Documents in resident record psycho-social progress notes, social history and assessments.
Assists in scheduling care conference meetings.
Coordinates purchases of resident personal items, as requested.
Coordinates completion of informed consents for anti-psychotic medication for residents.
Conducts discharge satisfaction summary interviews/phone calls, as required.
Provides support to person centered care initiative.
Conducts pre-admission screens.
Represents long term care initiatives on a variety of internal and external teams.
Develops social services policies in cooperation with Administrations and the Interdisciplinary Team.
Communicates Medicare/Medicaid guidelines and issues denial notices as appropriate.
Thoroughly evaluates referrals to determine the facility's ability to manage care.
Coordinates initial insurance coverage for new residents with continued updates as needed.
Develops and maintains positive working relations within the community, including hospitals, home health agencies, etc.
Maintains resident rights and confidentiality of resident information.
Acts as resident rights advocate and aids in navigating ethical dilemmas and decisions.
Supports all aspects of person-centered care.
Respects and acknowledges individuality and uniqueness of residents.
Employee is required to be courteous, cooperative and respectful at all times, with the public and clients.
Establishes and maintains a courteous, cooperative and respectful working relationship with other employees, supervisors and public officials.
Maintains residents' rights and confidentiality of resident information; reports all suspected cases of resident abuse to the Administrator.
Works safely and follows safety practices and standards of the facility; responsible for reporting or correcting any existing or potential safety or accident hazard.
Employee is expected to report to work when scheduled, with minimum use of sick leave, to build up sick leave balance for income protection for unexpected illness.
Testifies in court cases regarding residents.
May accompany or transport residents to appointments.
May coordinate functions in community and other settings as assigned.