Social Services Assistant

Essential Functions

• Assesses the psychosocial status of patients related to the patient’s illness and environment and communicates findings to the registered nurse.
• Carries out social evaluations and plans person-centered intervention based on evaluation findings.
• Maintains clinical documentation on all patients referred to social work.
• Provides information and coordinates referral services for residents/patients and families/caregivers regarding resident’s/patient’s practical and environmental needs.
• Provides information to residents/patients or families/caregivers regarding community agencies and other available services.
• Serves as liaison between residents/patients or families/caregivers and community agencies.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with facility co-workers to support resident/patient care.
• Participates in the development of the total plan of care and case conferences for residents/patients referred to social services, as required.
• Assists physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to residents’/patients’ health problems.
• Establishes behavior monitoring and interventions to provide quality care to resident and reduce/alleviate necessity of medication use.
• Addresses resident behaviors to prevent harm to themselves or others.
• Actively participates in discharge planning and advises on issues relating to resident’s/patient’s practical and enviro mental needs post-discharge.
• Coordinates medication review regimen to determine gradual dose reduction to the lowest possible dose.
• Consults with a LCSW, LSW, or MSW for resident review and/or case management issues.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.
• General knowledge of social work clinical practices, particularly those applicable to a geriatric population.
• Ability to maintain resident/patient confidentiality.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required. 

Licenses/Certification

• None required.

Experience

• Six months experience in a long-term care environment preferred.