Social Services Assistant

General Description Under the direction of the Social Services Director, the Social Services Assistant is responsible for monitoring the resident’s mental and psycho-social needs and to provide the services to meet these needs in order to attain or maintain the highest practical level of physical, mental, and psycho-social well-being Essential Duties

1. Adjusts to changes in schedule to meet resident and family needs

 2. Assists the Social Services Director in the development of a social history of new residents.

3. May conduct psycho-social assessments.

4. Documents progress toward goals, assessment updates, and interventions.

5. Reviews the resident’s progress toward resolution of the problems, needs, or concerns; evaluates the effectiveness of the staff approaches; evaluates changes in the mental and psycho-social assessment.

6. Participates in the interdisciplinary assessment reviews and revisions; may revise the residents’ Care Plan according to residents’ needs.

7. Participates in the pre-admission screening of potential residents.

8. Provides information to residents and families during admissions.

9. Orients the resident to the long-term care environment and facilitates adjustment to placement. 

10. Assists with coordination the Complaint / Grievance program with appropriate disciplines and verifies that complaints / grievances are handled in a timely manner.

11. Works with residents to obtain Advance Directives upon admission and reviews with residents at least annually.

12. Verifies that a Heart-To-Heart coordinator program is implemented in Facility.

13. Assists with reviewing behavior charting so that an appropriate Care Plan is developed.

14. Assists with providing therapeutic counseling to residents and family members, as appropriate, to meet the residents’ psycho-social needs.

15. Coordinates appointments in the community for various health care visits and therapeutic needs.

16. Attends in-services in areas concerning the mental and psycho-social needs of the resident.

17. Assists the resident and family in the implementation of the discharge plan. 18. Participates in various Quality Improvement team.

Standard Requirements

1. Supports the Mission, Values and Vision of the Facility.

2. Is knowledgeable of resident rights and supports an atmosphere which allows for the privacy, dignity and well-being of residents in a safe, secure environment.

3. Supports, cooperates with, and implements specific procedures and programs for: OSHA and safety, including universal precautions and safe work practices, established fire/safety/disaster plans, risk management, and security, report and/or correct unsafe working conditions, equipment repair and maintenance needs.

4. Adheres to: a. Confidentiality of data, including resident, employee and operations data. b. HIPAA regulations c. Quality Assurance requirements and compliance with regulatory requirements. d. Compliance with current law and policy to provide a work environment free from sexual harassment and illegal and discriminatory behavior. e. Code of Conduct and Compliance Programs when performing job functions

5. Supports and participates in common teamwork: a. Cooperates and works together with all co-workers; plans and completes job duties with minimal supervisory direction, including appropriate judgment. b. Uses tactful, appropriate communications in sensitive and emotional situations. c. Follows up as appropriate with supervisor, co-workers or residents regarding reported complaints, problems and concerns. d. Promotes positive public relations with residents, family members and guests. e. Completes requirements for in-service training, acceptable attendance, uniform and dress codes including personal hygiene, and other work duties as assigned. f. Participates as assigned in the orientation of new staff and demonstrates a positive, helpful, and enthusiastic attitude. 6. Immediately reports incidents of alleged resident abuse or neglect or alleged violations of residents’ rights to Supervisor or Executive Director.

6. Maintains current practice standards or changes by participating in educational opportunities provided by the Facility and outside resources.