Social Services Assistant

Key Responsibilities:

Program Planning & Implementation


* Assist in planning, developing, organizing, and implementing social service programs in accordance with federal, state, and facility standards.


* Participate in the evaluation and improvement of the facility's social service programs.


* Help develop policies and procedures for identifying and addressing the social and emotional needs of residents.


* Contribute to community planning initiatives that relate to facility interests and resident services.

Resident & Family Support


* Support residents in achieving their highest level of independence and self-care.


* Assist with providing medically related social services that promote the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident.


* Address residents' emotional needs, including anxieties, coping with illness or disability, and adjustment to institutional care.


* Provide support to families, helping them navigate placement, emotional stress, and care planning.


* Educate residents and families about available financial assistance programs (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid).

Collaboration & Communication


* Coordinate social service activities with other facility departments and external providers.


* Develop and maintain positive working relationships with internal departments and community health, welfare, and social agencies.


* Provide consultation to facility staff and outside agencies to address resident needs effectively.

Documentation & Compliance


* Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including progress notes, assessments, and treatment responses.


* Complete required forms, reports, and documentation in compliance with facility policies.


* Ensure confidentiality of all resident information, including protected health information (PHI).


* Report any suspected or known incidents of fraud, abuse, or unauthorized disclosure of PHI.

Appointments & Discharge Planning


* Assist with scheduling outpatient appointments and on-site services such as optometry, podiatry, dentistry, and psychiatry.


* Participate in discharge planning by coordinating services, equipment, and community referrals.

Training & Development


* Participate in staff orientation and in-service training programs, especially those addressing the social, emotional, and medical needs of residents.


* Assist with the development and monitoring of the department's budget.


* Attend regular departmental meetings to support continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications:


* Experience in long-term care or healthcare setting preferred


* Strong interpersonal and organizational skills


* Understanding of federal and state regulations related to social services in a healthcare setting