Review facility policies and procedures as part of the facility’s interdisciplinary team to assure compliance with state and federal regulations
Participate in reviewing and setting policies concerning resident care and quality of life
Participate in developing facility social work policies
Participate in quality assurance interdisciplinary team meetings
Understand and meet all government requirements for social service documentation
Document progress in meeting the psychosocial needs of residents
Work with the interdisciplinary team and administration to promote and protect resident rights and the psychological wellbeing of each resident. Prevent and address resident abuse as mandated by law and professional licensure
Work with residents, families, significant others and staff to provide support, information and organization for taking a more proactive role in self advocacy to improve quality of life/care for individual residents and those who live and work within the nursing home and the community at large
Complete a social history and psychosocial assessment for each resident that identifies social, emotional, and psychological needs
Participate in the development of a written, interdisciplinary plan of care for each resident that identifies the psychosocial needs/issues of the resident, the goals to be accomplished for those needs/issues, and the appropriate social worker interventions
Ensure or provide therapeutic interventions to assist residents in coping with their transition and adjustment to a long-term care facility, including their social, emotional, and psychological needs
Ensure or provide support and education to residents’/family members/significant others to assist in their understanding or placement and facility issues in addition to referring them to appropriate social service agencies when the facility does not provide the needed services
Provide groups for residents’/family members/significant others as appropriate to their needs
Provide clinical interventions to address catastrophic events that occur during the resident’s stay in the facility
Coordinate the resident discharge planning process and make referrals for appropriate home care services prior to the resident’s return to the community
Educate staff regarding the role of the social worker in the facility and the psychosocial needs of the residents and their families/significant others including the problems of aging and disability
Educate staff regarding cultural diversity and each staff member’s importance when caring for resident. Educate staff regarding residents’ rights and how to recognize and prevent abuse, neglect and mistreatment
Educate residents and families/significant others regarding their rights and responsibilities, effective problem solving and the extend of community, health and social services that are available to them, including those necessary for effective discharge planning.
Supervise students assigned to social services in accordance with the respective school guidelines and monitor and document the progress of their work.
Bachelor’s degree in Social Science/LSW is required.
Must have, as a minimum, 3 years of experience as a supervisor in a hospital, nursing care facility, or other related health care facility.
Master’s degree in Social Science is preferred.
Long-Term Care Experience is preferred.
A minimum of three years of supervised experience in mental health or human services is preferred.
Current CPR Certification is required.
Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English language.
Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of team work and team concept.
Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to nursing care facilities.
Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures that are necessary for providing quality care.
Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
