Social Services Assistant Full-Time

Social Services Assistant

Kern River Transitional Care Center
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Pay Range: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour (DOE)
Employment Type: Full-Time
General Purpose

The primary purpose of this position is to assist in planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing the facility's social services programs in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as established facility policies and procedures.

This role ensures that the medically related emotional and social needs of residents are met and maintained on an individual basis.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities


* Assist the Social Services Director/Consultant in planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing social service programs


* Collaborate with administration, medical, nursing, and interdisciplinary teams to support resident care planning


* Assist in developing, administering, and coordinating departmental policies and procedures


* Participate in annual reviews and recommended updates of social service policies


* Identify and address residents' medically related social and emotional needs


* Assist residents in achieving the highest practicable level of self-care, independence, and well-being


* Provide medically related social services to support residents' physical, mental, and psychosocial health


* Complete administrative duties including documentation, reports, and required forms


* Educate residents and families regarding Medicare, Medi-Cal/Medicaid, and other financial assistance programs


* Maintain regular social service progress notes reflecting resident adjustment and response to care plans


* Assist residents and families with emotional stressors related to illness, admission, disability, and long-term care placement


* Coordinate social services with other departments and community agencies


* Assist with discharge planning, including referrals for services, equipment, and community resources


* Schedule outpatient appointments and coordinate on-site ancillary services (optometry, podiatry, dentistry, psychiatric services)


* Support orientation and in-service education related to residents' social, emotional, and medical needs


* Maintain confidentiality of all resident information and report suspected unauthorized disclosures


* Report suspected or known incidents of fraud or abuse in accordance with facility policy

Supervisory Responsibilities


* This position has no supervisory responsibilities

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience


* High school diploma or equivalent required


* Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred but not required


* Prior healthcare or long-term care experience preferred

Language Skills


* Ability to read, analyze, and interpret policies, procedures, and regulations


* Ability to write reports and professional correspondence


* Ability to effectively comm...