EDUCATION

1. Educate the staff regarding the psychosocial needs of the residents and their families/significant others/responsible party regarding the needs of aging and disability.
2. Educate the staff regarding cultural diversity and each staff member’s importance when caring for residents.
3. Educate the staff regarding resident rights and how to recognize and prevent abuse, neglect and maltreatment.
4. Educate residents and families/significant others/responsible party regarding their rights and responsibilities, effective problem solving and the extent of community, health and Social Services that are available to them, including those necessary for effective discharge planning.
5. Supervise students assigned to Social Services in accordance with the respective school guidelines and monitor and document the progress of their work.
6. Encourage the Social Services staff to attend and participate in outside training programs. Schedule times as appropriate.

EDUCATION

• A Master’s Degree in social work is preferred. Must possess, as a minimum, a Bachelor’s Degree in social work, sociology, special education, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, or any other specialized intellectual instruction directly related to social work.

EXPERIENCE

• A minimum, three (3) years supervised social work experience in a health care setting working directly with individuals is preferred.
• Prior work with elders in a community or long-term care setting is preferred.
• The nursing home social worker must have skills in communication, assessment and social work methods and techniques. The Social Worker should be able to work effectively with a variety of disciplines in an individual and team setting and should have a working understanding of social systems along with the ability to implement pertinent state and federal regulations.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess leadership ability and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
• Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing Social Services.

PURPOSE OF YOUR JOB POSITION

The Social Service Director will work with residents in the nursing home by identifying their psychosocial, mental and emotional needs along with providing, developing, and/or aiding in the access of services to meet those needs. Services will be provided in accordance with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics along with strict adherence to government regulations. The nursing home social worker is responsible for fostering a climate, policies and routines that enable residents to maximize their individuality, independence and dignity in accordance with the Federal Regulations, the requirements of this State, and policies and goals of the facility. This climate shall provide residents with the highest practical level of physical, mental and psychosocial well-being and quality of life.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In fulfilling the primary duties and responsibilities, the nursing home Social Service shall exercise professional judgment in carrying out a variety of activities that maximize the well-being and quality of life of residents. The following is a listing of those duties in accordance with current professional Social Work practice standards.