Social Worker Jobs

About The Position

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.