POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for planning and administering social service programs within the facility, in conjunction with the Director of Social Services. He/she assists in developing policies regarding participation in community planning for health and welfare services. The Social Worker plans and assists in research projects and coordinates or assists with the discharge planning and coordination of community resources.

SPECIFIC EDUCATIONAL / VOCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a human services field including, but not limited to, Sociology, Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Psychology. Minimum requirement of CSW; MSW preferred.
• Any certifications required by New Jersey State regulations.
• Knowledge of family assessment and interventions is preferred.
• Skilled Nursing Facility experience needed.

JOB SKILLS:

• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of all governmental regulations relating to the Social Service Department.
• Ability to work independently, problem-solve, and make decisions as necessary.
• Ability to positively interact with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Provide annual verification of negative TB skin test.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES / ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Assists with planning and implementing a comprehensive social services program which provides for counseling and other support services for residents and families in the facility.
• Identifies medical-related social needs of residents, provides appropriate services to meet the individual, as well as collective needs of residents, and maintains records relating to the residents’ social work needs and care.
• Consults with the Director of Social Services and other department heads regarding interdisciplinary issues, as well as maintenance of appropriate records.
• Works directly with residents and families experiencing personal and environmental difficulties or concerns related to the resident’s physical or emotional condition.
• Promotes the preservation of the resident’s physical and mental health and helps prevent the occurrence or progression of personal and social problems.
• Maintains a written record of the frequency and nature of the social service consultation and services provided or obtained.
• Evaluates each resident’s social needs, formulates the plan for providing care, and records the plan in the resident’s medical record. Periodically re-evaluates in conjunction with the resident’s total plan of care.
• Plans and implements family meetings (upon admission and every 3 months thereafter) to provide a forum for ongoing discussions between resident/family and treatment team with a primary focus on discharge planning.
• Collects pertinent social data upon admission of each resident and places it in the medical record, including information about personal and family problems related to the resident’s illness and care, support network, actions taken to meet the resident’s individual needs, and eventual discharge to an appropriate level of care based on functional capacity. Pertinent social data shall be made available to the attending physician and other appropriate staff members.
• Acts as a liaison between residents, families, outside agencies, and the facility Administrator to ensure that the resident’s rights are maintained.
• Functions in a manner that adheres to all policies/procedures of the facility, as a representative of facility administration.
• Documents and prepares any reports requested by the administration; also counsels and provides assistance when change in financial status occurs for residents.
• Coordinates discharge planning and assists with the creation of an organized discharge plan for all residents.
• Prioritizes safety of all facility residents to minimize the potential for fire and accidents. Ensures the facility adheres to legal, safety, health, fire, and sanitation codes by being familiar with their role in carrying out the facility’s fire, safety, and disaster plans, and by being familiar with current MSDS.
• Ensures that residents and families receive the highest quality of service in a caring and compassionate atmosphere which recognizes the individuals’ needs and rights.
• Performs other duties as requested.

PERFORMS RELATED DUTIES:

• Interacts with residents, families, visitors, and employees.
• Carries out other tasks as requested in situations where hands-on intervention/participation may be required.