Social Worker-WES Care

Job Title: Social Worker

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The Philadelphia Model: Addressing serious mental illness (SMI) in long-term care (LTC) will provide highly structured therapeutic residential behavioral healthcare and treatment for frail adults who are eligible for skilled nursing level of care who also have serious mental illness and who have reached maximum benefit from the mental health resources available elsewhere in the community or hospital. The program philosophy is to create a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment where frail older adults with SM! That may include other complex behavioral health needs and/or prior criminal history- and need long-term skilled nursing services—can receive the care and services needed to address their holistic needs free of stigma. In this integrated program, a multidisciplinary team will provide both long-term care and behavioral health services.

All team members will adhere to the WES CARE philosophy of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and adhere to the mission to promote total wellness and provide high-quality residential health services to culturally diverse populations through a combination of compassion, innovative thinking, nimble and adaptive strategy, and e11gagement with clients, staff, and provider partners.

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Social Worker has the general responsibility for providing psychosocial and therapeutic support for residents. Is an active member of the inter-disciplinary treatment team and implements the WES CARE at WEST PARK code of conduct, philosophy, standards, objectives, and the policies and procedures of the Social Services Department. This position will work in collaboration with the West Park social work department.

ESSENTIAL & CORE FUNCTIONS:

• Develop and maintain relationships with refe1Ti11g agencies, Le., LTSR's, EACs, NSH, Correctional liaisons and Peer Support
• Assist with specific admissions procedures (consent to treatment, financial contract, psychiatric advance directive) & all other consent forms.
• Scan into the resident's active charts, helping with signatures and obtaining consent forms.
• Conduct the psychosocial history and evaluation during the first 48 hours of treatment.
• Participate in developing the initial care plan and updates.
• Conduct weekly I to 1 counseling with residents and maintain ongoing progress notes and documentation.
• Assist residents in maintaining Medicaid and other insurances as needed.
• Participate in inter-disciplinary care plan meetings as scheduled.
• Lead groups as assigned by the Program Director i.e., resident council, therapeutic groups.
• Support Behavioral Health Technician i.e., crisis management, groups.
• Complete Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment tool and documentation per Long-term care regulations
• Coordinate in-house consultations, i.e., Hospice care and podiatry.
• Assist residents with discharge planning and in developing realistic aftercare plans, including housing, therapeutic, and medical support.
• Assist residents/ families with advanced directives and psychiatric advance directive planning.
• Maintain written and timely documentation in resident charts.
• Facilitate behavior management committee meetings and attend department head and quality assurance meetings.
• Maintains a consistent schedule regarding scheduled work hours and appointments with residents, staff, and others.
• Develop and maintain a professional relationship with outside referral sources.
• Maintain a clean, organized, safe work and treatment environment.
• Recognize own limits with residents and ask for start; peer and supervisory support when needed.
• Communicate important clinical information and non-compliance issues in a timely fashion with team members.
• Complete treatment pla1ming, counseling intervention and documentation in a manner that reflects a consistent approach to individual behavior health needs.
• Adhere to strict infection control guidelines, use and disposal of gloves, hand washing, isolation precautions, etc.
• Present a well-groomed, professional image; always wear your identification badge while on duty.
• Perform all duties in compliance with WES CARE at West Park and professional licensed organization i.e., the National Association of Social Workers' (NASW) codes of ethics.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Must be a master's prepared, Social Worker with 3-5 years' working experience in Long Tenn Care (LTC) mental health, preferably with the frail older adult with serious mental illness population. Current PA license in Social Work or related field (i.e., LCSW, LSW, LPC, LAC, LFMT) and knowledge of LTC regulations preferred. Previous experience working with an interdisciplinary health care team is required. Bilingual capabilities are a plus. The Social Worker will report to the

Program Director and have clinical and treatment practices supervised and under the direction of the Program Psychiatrist and/or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.

COMPETENCIES & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Knowledge of Mental Health Population, older adults and resources throughout Philadelphia and surrounding area.
• Knowledge of HIPAA standards, wellness, trauma-informed care and de-escalation strategies and supports.
• Working knowledge of electronic medical records and other computer applications related to the work.
• Solid Computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Proficient organizational, time management, critical thinking, evaluation skills, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong empathy and advocacy skills with demonstrated age specific and cultural competence.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively on an appropriate level with residents, staff, visitors, etc.
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple members in a caseload.
• Ability to work independently and be a contributing member of a team.
• Ability to utilize, update & maintain electronic health records (E.H.R.}.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, organize, analyze, evaluate, and make sound decisions.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate and effective reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Ability to demonstrate interpersonal sensitivity and work with a diverse population with respect to cultural and social factors.
• Ability to work with vulnerable populations with respect to physical, emotional, and mental considerations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective therapeutic and working relationships.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality & exercise professional judgment on a routine basis.
• Demonstrated ability to handle difficult situations in a professional manner.
• Knowledge: Understands duties and responsibilities, has necessary skill set and technical skills. Understands company mission/values. Demonstrates knowledge of emergency policy and procedures.
• Age Specific Competencies: Knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span, assess clinical data relative to the resident's age, interpret the information needed to identify resident requirements relative their age-specific needs, and provide resident care for different age group.
• Demonstrates ability to support team decisions in clinical work with residents and represents the department and facility in a positive manner.
• Demonstrates personal integrity through punctuality, honesty, and attention to detail in all work matters.