Social Service Designee

PURPOSE OF YOUR JOB POSITION

The primary purpose of your job position is to assist the Social Services Coordinator in accordance with current existing Federal, State, and local standards, as well as our established policies and procedures, to assure that the medically related emotional and social needs of the resident are met/maintained on an individual basis.

DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY

As Social Service Designee, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties.

JOB FUNCTIONS

Every effort has been made to make your job description as complete as possible. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is a logical assignment to the position.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Social Service Coordinator/Consultant in the planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing of the social service programs of this facility.
• Meet with medical and nursing staff, and other related departments in planning social services, as directed.
• Assist in the development, administering, and coordinating of department policies and procedures.
• Interview resident/families and obtain required information and signatures.  
• Admit, assist in the orientation for residents and prepare identification records in accordance with our established policies and procedures. Collect, assemble, and check admissions papers.  
• Notify nursing services and call for assistance, as necessary, if resident is disturbed/violent on admission or if resident shows symptoms of infectious/communicable disease.
• Perform administrative requirements, such as completing necessary forms, reports, etc., and submitting such to the Coordinator.
• Involve the resident/family in planning social service programs when possible. Refer resident/family to appropriate social service agencies when the facility does not provide the services or meet the needs of the resident.
• Provide information to resident/family as to Medicare/Medicaid, and other financial assistance programs available to the resident.
• Obtain and record information concerning the resident’s personal and family problems, past illnesses, etc., and develop and maintain a personal file for each resident based on this information.
• Record and maintain regular social service progress notes indicating response to the treatment plan and/or adjustment to nursing home placement.  
• Maintain an excellent working relationship with the medical profession and other health-related facilities and organizations.
• Coordinate social service activities with other departments as necessary.
• Make routine visits to residents and perform services as necessary.
• Maintain contact with the resident’s family, involving them with non-medical progress reports as necessary.
• Assist in making appointments for the resident as requested or appropriate.
• Work with emotional problems including assisting resident/family with anxieties and stress caused by illness and admission to the facility, difficulties in coping with residual physical disabilities, fears related to helplessness and death, and the need for institutional and specialized care.
• Evaluate social and family information and assist in determining plan for social treatment.
• Assist in interpreting social, psychological, and emotional needs of the resident/family to the medical staff, attending physician, and other resident care team members.
• Assist in obtaining resources from community social health and welfare agencies to meet the needs of the resident.
• Others as deemed necessary and appropriate, or as may be directed by the Social Service Coordinator.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess, as a minimum, a high school diploma. A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a related field helpful.

EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience in Social Work is preferred. On-the-job training provided.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
• Must possess leadership ability and willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.
• Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to handle residents, staff, and visitors based on whatever maturity level they are currently functioning.
• Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing practices.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must possess sight/hearing senses, or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.
• Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.
• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people within the facility.