Social Worker

Basic Purpose

The Social Worker is responsible for providing effective and appropriate social, physical, educational, and therapeutic services to meet the needs and interests of residents throughout the community.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Complete resident assessments and plan/design resident programs. Implement programs that maintain viable interest and meet resident goals.

• Evaluate resident behaviors and report unusual observations to supervisor.
• Conduct one-on-one visits to room bound residents.
• Attend Care Plan meetings and keep all documentation current and according to policies.
• Complete social histories, electronic medical record charting, and progress notes for Nursing Care and Assisted Living residents.
• Work with appropriate departments to facilitate programming.
• Be knowledgeable of federal, state, and the community’s rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Perform other department duties or special assignments identified by the Director of Social Services.
• Assess resident applicants prior to admission and contribute to the decision concerning the appropriate level of care as assigned.
• Coordinate the admission of residents to Nursing Care.
• Assist in securing necessary documents prior to admission.

Provide back-up assistance to the marketing department when they are not available to complete the admission process.

Assess incoming residents for all levels of the community to determine cognitive level and behavioral concerns; complete appropriate mental status evaluation.

• Develop intervention techniques for residents with behavior concerns.
• Assess resident needs and advocate for them in the care planning process; document interventions.
• Assist with transfers within the community.
• Promote accommodations for residents according to individual needs.
• Conduct staff training when requested for specific resident needs.
• Maintain contact with families to report changes in resident condition; obtain authorization for specialized services; identify resident needs for personal items.
• Coordinate discharge planning from hospital to Lambeth House or from Lambeth House community.
• Inform residents & responsible parties about health care choices.
• Arrange for Home Health & any other outside support services.
• Offer grief counseling for residents/families/others.
• Offer resident/family counseling as needed.
• Advocate for residents rights.
• Participate in staff education on resident rights, aging process, communication, behavior management, advance directives.
• Assist Lifestyle Department in the absence of a scheduled Lifestyle Coordinator throughout the community.
• Assist with instructing and directing volunteers and community service workers to assigned duties.
• Collaborate with Lifestyle Coordinators to plan programs.
• Improve quality of care; quality of life for residents in all continuums of care.
• Follow defined safety codes and infection control procedures.
• Understand community’s fire and disaster plans; follow established procedures during drills and actual emergencies.
• All other services deemed necessary by the Director of Social Services.

Minimum Requirements

• Social Worker with MSW.
• Communication skills, patience, teamwork, attention to detail, customer service expected.
• Time management and organizational skills required; computer skills required.

Demonstrates a broad perspective on the range of physical, emotional & social environmental factors that influence the well being of individuals & communities.

Possesses knowledge, skills, values, methods necessary to collaborate effectively with individuals, families, health care providers & the community.

• Minimum of one (1) year experience in a health care setting preferred.
• Ability to read, understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to work with residents regardless of health, physical and cognitive impairments.
• Motor coordination and manual dexterity required in working with craft projects and other resident activities.
• Able and willing to work flexible hours, such as during evenings and weekends for planned activity events.

Typical Physical Demands

• Stands and walks intermittently throughout most of the working day.
• Reaches, lifts, carries, and manipulates supplies and equipment.
• Arranges furniture and/or pushes/positions residents who are wheelchair bound at activity events.
• Assists residents on and off the bus during outings; training will be provided in transferring and positioning.
• Occasionally work outdoors for activity events.