Social Services Assistant

Key Responsibilities:

Program Planning & Implementation

• Assist in planning, developing, organizing, and implementing social service programs in accordance with federal, state, and facility standards.

• Participate in the evaluation and improvement of the facility’s social service programs.

• Help develop policies and procedures for identifying and addressing the social and emotional needs of residents.

• Contribute to community planning initiatives that relate to facility interests and resident services.

Resident & Family Support

• Support residents in achieving their highest level of independence and self-care.

• Assist with providing medically related social services that promote the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident.

• Address residents’ emotional needs, including anxieties, coping with illness or disability, and adjustment to institutional care.

• Provide support to families, helping them navigate placement, emotional stress, and care planning.

• Educate residents and families about available financial assistance programs (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid).

Collaboration & Communication

• Coordinate social service activities with other facility departments and external providers.

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with internal departments and community health, welfare, and social agencies.

• Provide consultation to facility staff and outside agencies to address resident needs effectively.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including progress notes, assessments, and treatment responses.

• Complete required forms, reports, and documentation in compliance with facility policies.

• Ensure confidentiality of all resident information, including protected health information (PHI).

• Report any suspected or known incidents of fraud, abuse, or unauthorized disclosure of PHI.

Appointments & Discharge Planning

• Assist with scheduling outpatient appointments and on-site services such as optometry, podiatry, dentistry, and psychiatry.

• Participate in discharge planning by coordinating services, equipment, and community referrals.

Training & Development

• Participate in staff orientation and in-service training programs, especially those addressing the social, emotional, and medical needs of residents.

• Assist with the development and monitoring of the department’s budget.

• Attend regular departmental meetings to support continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Experience in long-term care or healthcare setting preferred

• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

• Understanding of federal and state regulations related to social services in a healthcare setting