SOCIAL WORKER

OVERVIEW:

The social worker will work with residents in the nursing home by identifying their psychosocial, mental and emotional needs along with providing, developing, and/or aiding in the access of services to meet those needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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
• 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 well-being of each resident.
• Prevent and address resident abuse as mandated by law and professional licensure
• Participate in the development of a written, interdisciplinary plan of care for each resident that identifies the psychosocial needs/issues of the resident
• 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 of placement and facility issues in addition to referring them to the 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
• Coordinate the resident discharge planning process and make referrals for appropriate home care services prior to the resident’s return to the community
• Educate residents and families/significant others regarding their rights and responsibilities, effective problem solving and the extent of community, health and social services that are available to them, including those necessary for effective discharge planning.
• Review grievance log with Administrator on a monthly basis so he may sign-off on resolved grievances while investigating any open grievances

QUALIFICATIONS:

• LSW, LCSW, or LICSW in the state employed
• Prior work long-term care setting is preferred
• Must have a working understanding of social systems along with the ability to implement pertinent state and federal regulations.