Social Services Assistant

Location: Lakeport Post Acute
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Social Services

Pay: $22.00 an hour

Position Summary

We are seeking a compassionate and organized Social Services Assistant to support the planning, development, and delivery of social service programs within our facility. This position assists in meeting the medically related emotional, social, and psychosocial needs of residents in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as facility policies and procedures.

The ideal candidate is empathetic, detail-oriented, and able to collaborate effectively with residents, families, staff, and community agencies to promote resident well-being and quality of life.

Essential Responsibilities

Social Services Support

• Assist the Social Services Director/Consultant in planning, developing, implementing, evaluating, and directing the facility’s social service programs.
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings with administration, nursing, medical staff, and other departments as directed.
• Assist in identifying and addressing residents’ medically related social and emotional needs.
• Support residents in achieving the highest practicable level of independence, self-care, and well-being.
• Provide medically related social services to promote residents’ physical, mental, and psychosocial health.
• Record and maintain accurate and timely social service progress notes reflecting resident responses to care plans and adjustment to facility life.
• Evaluate social and family information and assist in developing appropriate social service treatment plans.

Resident & Family Support

• Assist residents and families with emotional concerns related to illness, admission, institutionalization, disability, anxiety, stress, loss, and end-of-life issues.
• Provide information to residents and families regarding Medicare, Medicaid, and other available financial assistance programs.
• Assist with discharge planning, including coordination with agencies, referrals, services, and equipment needs.
• Assist in scheduling outpatient appointments and coordinating on-site ancillary services, including optometry, podiatry, dentistry, and psychiatric services.

Coordination & Community Resources

• Coordinate social service activities with other facility departments.
• Assist in obtaining resources from community social, health, and welfare agencies to meet resident needs.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with internal departments and external community agencies.
• Participate in community planning activities related to resident and facility needs.

Administrative & Compliance Duties

• Complete required documentation, forms, and reports accurately and timely.
• Assist in developing, administering, and reviewing departmental policies and procedures (at least annually).
• Assist in departmental budgeting activities as directed.
• Participate in orientation and in-service training related to residents’ social, emotional, and medical needs.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of resident information, including protected health information (PHI).
• Report suspected or known incidents of fraud or unauthorized disclosure of information.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations.

Preferred

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree.
• Prior healthcare or long-term care experience.
• Experience working with residents, families, or social service programs.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to work effectively with residents, families, staff, and community agencies.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with compassion and professionalism.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and adapt to changing situations.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move throughout the facility.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Prolonged use of a computer and standard office equipment.
• Ability to assist during emergency situations, including resident evacuations when necessary.

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with regular interaction throughout the facility.
• Noise level is generally low to moderate.
• Regular interac