Social Services Designee

The Social Services Designee assists in implementing and directing social service programs in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards and the facility’s established policies. The role ensures residents’ physical, mental, emotional, and social needs are met on an individual basis.

• Comply with the Facility’s personnel, safety, and corporate policies and procedures.
• Comply with the marketing department’s policies and procedures.
• Report witnessed or reported allegations of resident abuse/neglect immediately to the Administrator/DON or Nurse Manager on Call.
• Treat residents, family members, visitors, and team members with respect and dignity.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all resident and family information.
• Report to work on time and as scheduled.
• Assist the Social Service Director in the planning, development, organization, implementation, evaluation, and direction of the social service programs.
• Meet with administration, medical and nursing staff, and other related departments in planning social services.
• Participate in community planning related to the facility’s interests and the needs of residents and families.
• Coordinate admissions including readmissions, room moves, and patient inquiries.
• Participate in discharge planning, develop and implement social care plans and resident assessments.
• Assist in arranging transportation to appointments, transfers to other facilities, and discharges.
• Interview residents/families as necessary and in a private setting.
• Involve residents/families in planning social service programs when possible.
• Provide information to residents/families regarding Medicare/Medicaid and other financial assistance programs.
• Perform administrative requirements, such as completing necessary forms and reports, and submit them to the Director.
• Coordinate resident Medicare and Medicaid benefits, including beneficiary consent, denials, explanations, utilization, and MS 2001.
• Coordinate VA and insurance benefits for residents.
• Record and maintain regular social service progress notes indicating response to the treatment plan or adjustment to institutional life.
• Coordinate social service activities with other departments as necessary.
• Make routine visits to residents and perform services as necessary.
• Maintain contact with residents’ families, involving them with non‑medical progress reports as necessary.
• Assist in interpreting social, psychological, and emotional needs of residents/families to the medical staff, attending physician, and other care team members.
• Develop and maintain good rapport with other departments within the facility and outside community health, welfare, and social agencies.
• Attend and participate in appropriate in‑service training programs before performing tasks that may expose staff to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, or hazardous chemicals.
• Report all incidents/accidents immediately.
• Participate in fire safety and disaster preparedness drills.
• Review complaints and grievances made by residents and report to the Director, indicating actions taken.
• Inform residents/families of residents’ personal and property rights.
• Assist residents with information concerning resident rights, living wills, etc.
• Handle hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, and others.

• Regular worksite attendance.
• Bachelor’s Degree from an approved school of social work, preferred.
• Social service designee certificate or license, required.
• Must have basic computer skills.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must be able to work beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.
• Must be able to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.
• Must be able to perform the essential position functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Employee is required to use a transfer/gait belt or obtain the assistance of another employee when lifting or carrying objects in excess of 25 pounds.
• Primary
  
  Physical Requirements:
• Lift up to 10 lbs:
  Occasionally
• Lift 11 to 25 lbs:
  Not required
• Lift 26 to 50 lbs:
  Not required
• Lift over…