Social Worker

Job Title: Social Worker – Independent LivingReports to: Social Work Manager        Department: Care Coordination         Summary: This position is primarily responsible for social work service provision to residents in Independent Living. The Social Worker acts as an advocate, resource, educator, facilitator, counselor, historian and organizer for residents and their families. The Social Worker evaluates residents’ mental, emotional, and psychosocial needs to understand how these needs connect with the residents’ overall health and wellbeing. The Social Worker facilitates care coordination and solution-focused supports to promote resident dignity and optimal care within the Carolina Meadows continuum.  Essential Functions: Resident Assessment-    Builds relationships and rapport with residents and family members. Establishes trust as the foundation of the professional relationship and maintains ongoing communication regarding resident needs as relevant to the resident’s wellbeing. -    Conducts psychosocial assessments at regular intervals for ongoing determination of resident needs. Initial assessment and resident history obtained shortly after a resident’s admission to Carolina Meadows and at minimum again on an annual basis. Conducts relevant cognitive and mental health assessments in collaboration with the Carolina Meadows Medical Practice. -    Provides psychoeduction and counseling to residents and family members regarding resident conditions, needs and welfare. -    Documents resident assessments and encounters in an accurate and timely manner. Resident Care Coordination-    Promotes resident dignity, autonomy, and individual rights in a holistic approach throughout the care continuum.-    Collaborates with the Interdisciplinary Team for resident care planning and serves as a liaison between Resident Life services, Behavioral Health services, the Care Coordination team, and the Medical Practice. Assists members of these other services in understanding any pertinent social, emotional, and environmental factors related to the resident’s circumstances. -    Communicates between residents, family members, and Carolina Meadows to advocate for appropriate resident supports and care transitions.-    Coordinates care supports and facilitates smooth transitions for residents within the care continuum. Resident-Focused Support and Problem Solving-    Monitors residents for needs related to life transitions and adjustments.-    Provides psychosocial support, counseling, and psychoeducation to resident and family members related to residents’ diagnoses, treatment plans, and overall welfare. -    Respond to community response cases and crises as needed, providing psychosocial supports, interventions, and follow-up as required. -    Integrates Social Work values, ethics, and best practices into approaches to resident care. -    Facilitates informational groups or psychotherapeutic support groups for residents experiencing stress, adjustments, grief, or other identified areas of concern. -    Assists residents and family members with accessing available supports within the Carolina Meadows community. Provides information about and facilitates referrals to medical, community, financial, and other relevant resources available. Personal and Professional Development-    Participates in staff development and training opportunities that promote professional growth and the ability to remain knowledgeable about best practices in Social Work, gerontology, and long-term care. -    Establishes and nurtures a professional network within the Carolina Meadows organization and with community partners. Participates in relevant strategic initiatives aimed at improving the Carolina Meadows organization and resident care. -    Develops and facilitates relevant educational programs for residents and staff on topics related to resident care, wellness and health management, dementia, mental health, and resource navigation.-    Maintains detailed and accurate documentation of work efforts, policies and procedures, and work performance as required to demonstrate measurable goals of resident support.  The ideal candidate for this position would possess the following:-    A Master’s Degree in Social Work or an equivalent degree in a related field. A Bachelor’s of Social Work degree would be considered if a candidate has strong experience in the field. -    A minimum of two years’ experience working in a long-term care or health care setting with the provision of care coordination or case management services. -    An interest and ability to work with older adults in a Continuing Care Retirement Community. -    Aptitude to effectively collaborate with an Interdisciplinary Team of professionals. -    Ability to work in a fluid environment with evolving demands.-    Strong interpersonal skills, demonstrating discretion, empathy, and patience.-    Robust written and verbal communication skills. -    Strong organization and creative problem-solving skills. Must be self-motivated. -    Proficient in MS Office Suite and the use of Electronic Medical Records.