BASIC FUNCTION

• Responsible for planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing the Social Service Department in accordance with federal, state, and local standards, as well as established policies and procedures, to ensure that the medically-related emotional and social needs of the clients are met and maintained on an individual basis.

EDUCATION

Must possess as a minimum, a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from an approved school of Social Work and have a non-encumbered State License to practice Social Work.

EXPERIENCE

Prefer, as a minimum, two years experience in a supervisory capacity in a Long Term Care or hospital setting, or preferably. Any combination of experience and training which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Plans, develops, organizes, implements, evaluates, and directs the social service programs of the facility.
2. Meets with administration, medical and nursing staff and other related departments in planning social services.
3. Develops and maintains a good working rapport with intra-department personnel, other departments within the facility, and outside community health, welfare and social agencies, to ensure that social service programs can be properly maintained to meet the needs of the clients.
4. Assists in developing, administering, and coordinating of department policies and procedures.
5. Keeps abreast of federal and state regulations, as well as, professional standards, and makes recommendations on changes in policies and procedures to your supervisor.
6. Reviews department policies and procedures, at least annually, and participates in making recommended changes.
7. Participates in community planning related to the interests of the facility in addition to the services and needs of the patient/resident and family.
   
   
   
8. Coordinates and participates in admission and discharge planning, development and implementation of social care plans and patient/resident assessments.

• Responsible for ensuring an adequate waiting/referral list is maintained to fill vacancies.
• Interviews clients/families as necessary and in a private setting.
• Involves the clients/family in planning social service programs when possible.
• Assists in arranging transportation to other facilities when necessary.
• Refers clients/families to appropriate social service agencies when the facility does not provide services or needs of the client.
• Provides information to client/family as to Medicare, Medicaid, and other financial assistance programs available to the client.
• Informs the client/family of the patient’s/resident’s personal and property rights.
• Maintains confidentiality of all pertinent client care information to ensure patient/resident rights are protected.
• Provides consultation to facility staff, community agencies, etc., in efforts to solve the needs and problems of the patient/resident through the development of social service programs.
• Assumes the authority, responsibility, and accountability of directing the social service department.
• Assists in determining departmental staffing, evaluates employee performances, and makes recommendations to the Supervisor.
• Assists in recruitment, selection and training of competent department personnel.
• Reviews and evaluates the department’s work force and makes recommendations to the Supervisor.
• Coordinates social service activities with other departments as necessary.
• Responsible for ensuring clients’ rights is maintained by training clients to understand their rights.
• Ensures proper/adequate training of staff regarding client’s rights, abuse, neglect, and exploitation laws.
• Informing family/legal guardians of clients’ rights upon admission.
• Act as Coordinator and Secretary of the Human Rights Committee.
• Assists in setting standards for department personnel.
• Delegates authority, responsibility, and accountability to other responsible department personnel.
• Recommends to the Supervisor the equipment and supply needs of the department.
• Makes written and oral reports/recommendations to the Supervisor concerning the operation of the social service department.
• Assists in scheduling department working hours, personnel, work assignments, etc. to maintain quality client care.
• Completes all paper work (i.e. CFA, program plans, pre-admission packets, discharge paperwork, follow-ups, 317’s etc.) accurately and in a timely manner.
• Coordinates and devise appropriate training programs for each client. Training programs must comply with all existing certifications and licensure regulations to meet the delivery of services for each individual client’s specific needs with quality in the area of self-determination and independence.
• Actively participates in the facility interdisciplinary team.
• Reports all accidents/incidents immediately.
• Reports all unsafe/hazardous conditions/equipment immediately.
• Performs other duties as deemed necessary and appropriate, or as may be directed by the Supervisor and/or Administrator.