Social Services Coordinator

Description

Position Summary:

The Social Service Coordinator is responsible to provide medically related social work services so that each Resident may attain or maintain the highest practicable level of physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. This position participates as a member of interdisciplinary team and may assist patients in treatment planning.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assesses and evaluates each Resident’s psychosocial needs and develops goals for providing the necessary services and takes part in the admissions process as needed.
• Incorporates the Social Service goals in the Resident’s Plan of Care and attends care planning conferences.
• Assists the Residents in adjusting to the facility and promotes a positive environment for the continuity of relationship with family and community.
• Assists Residents and families to utilize the community resources when not provided directly by the facility.
• Maintain confidential records and interviews with Residents and families as appropriate.
• Assists in the development, supervision, and education of staff.
• Serves as the team lead in discharge planning.
• Ensures completion of any required components of DPOA or guardianship paperwork.
• Coordinates services with psychiatric providers.
• Coordinate services with OBRA including assisting in overseeing proper completion and management of the PASARR program.
• Assists the Clinical IDT in Resident room management.
• Assists Residents and families in resolving grievances as assigned.
• Attend Clinical IDT Meetings and serves as an advocate for Resident rights.
• Assure that established infection control and standard precaution practices are maintained at all times. Follow established safety precautions when preforming tasks and using equipment and supplies.
• Maintains the comfort, privacy and dignity of Residents and interacts with them in a manner that displays warmth, respect and promotes a caring environment.
• Communicates and interacts effectively and tactfully with Residents, visitors, families, peers, and supervisors.
• Answers and respond to call lights promptly and courteously when working in Resident care areas.
• Reports all Resident concerns to the appropriate department head.
• Attend and participate in departmental meetings and in-services as directed. Attends in-service and education programs and attends continuing education required for maintenance of professional certification or licensure.
• Understands Infection Control and follows the Company’s Infection Control guidelines, such as hand washing principles.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA guidelines at all times and protects confidential information by only providing information on a “need-to-know” basis.
• Promotes and Protects Resident Rights by assisting Residents to make informed decisions, treating Residents with dignity and respect, protecting Residents’ personal belongings, reporting suspected abuse or neglect, avoiding the need for physical restraints in accordance with current professional standards; and supporting independent expression, choice and decision-making consistent with applicable laws and regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• None

Requirements

Education, Training, and Experience:

• Requires a bachelor’s or associates degree in gerontology or related field and at least one-year experience in a social service program for the elderly or related field.

Specific skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Requires knowledge of the skills necessary to conduct and evaluate assessments of the social and economic aspects of Resident care and to identify and evaluate changes in mood and behavior, which affect their lives.
• Requires a working knowledge of the skills necessary to provide continuity in and coordination of Resident care.
• Must have knowledge of community agencies and other resources for making referrals for family and Resident problems.
• Basic business computer knowledge required.
• Requires ability to communicate effectively with staff, Residents, and families. Must be able to plan, implement and work with only minimal direct supervision.
• Must be able to write clearly and concisely in preparation of social histories and care plans.
• Must be a good listener and be able to display understanding and a helpful attitude toward the problems and concerns of the Residents with terminal illnesses and their families and others.
• Requires valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to be able to attend court hearings and meetings at off-site locations as scheduled.