Social Services Coordinator

Description

Purpose

To plan, develop, organize, and direct a medically-related social services program for Elm Terrace Gardens residents in our Skilled Nursing Facility  (1) according to applicable current federal, state, and local regulations and standards and as may be directed by the Nursing Home Administrator; and (2) according to the mission of Elm Terrace Gardens to promote and maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident and to prevent the occurrence or progression of personal and social problems.

Resident Assessment & Review Functions - Duties

1 Participate as a member of the Interdisciplinary Care Team to address the Social Service sections of the MDS and care plan that has been developed.

2 Participate as a member of the Interdisciplinary Care Team to address resident and family concerns and to get information to write an adequate quarterly note.

3 Participate as a member of the Quality Assurance program, and as a member of other committees or groups as may be directed for the purpose of identifying and evaluating the physical, mental, and psychosocial needs of residents.

4 Attend Quality Assurance Committee meetings, care conferences, resident council meetings and such other sessions as directed by the Nursing Home Administrator.

5 Coordinate care conference schedules with residents and resident families or responsible parties.

6 Conduct social services assessments of new residents, reassessments of current residents, and discharge planning in accordance with documentation and time-frame requirements, including the Minimum Data Set, individual care plans, and discharge forms.

7 Assist with addressing behavioral problems through 1:1 visits and document these visits thoroughly.

8 Maintain social service records and make appropriate and specific entries in each resident's medical records.

9 Ensure that other necessary forms and reports are properly completed, and that entries and reports contain informative descriptions of services provided.

10 Complete all required documentation in a timely fashion according to federal and state guidelines and facility policy.

11 Observe and promptly report to the nursing staff changes in resident behavior or condition, especially symptoms or appearances of depression, anxiety, withdrawal, or aggression; immediately document these changes in the Social Services section of the medical chart.

12 Develop and maintain a rapport with Facility services, residents, staff, and consultants, families, and support agencies to ensure an effective program of care and quality of life for residents.

13 Assist with resident transport to and from activities.

Resident Assessment & Review - Physical & Sens Req

1 Ability to follow oral and written directions.

Essential Job Functions - Duties

1 Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, and direct the social services program of Elm Terrace Gardens by addressing the mental, emotional, and social needs of residents and their families, including assisting in the adjustment to the long-term care or skilled nursing environment and helping residents to maintain a sense of identity, purpose, and ability to cope.

2 Consult with and coordinate social services activities with administration, medical, and nursing services, and other related departments as necessary; assist staff in understanding residents' mental, emotional, and social needs.

3 Coordinate social services programs with residents and their families, staff, and community agencies through interviews, consultations, and direct involvement in the programs as appropriate.

4 Provide information to residents and their families concerning available support agencies and financial assistance programs to meet the needs of the residents.

5 Present positive endorsement of Elm Terrace Gardens, its mission, programs, policies, procedures, and administration to Elm Terrace Gardens residents, staff, visitors, and other constituencies at all times.

6 Coordinate admission of residents to the Skilled Nursing Facility with assistance from the Nursing Home Administrator and assist the Personal Care Coordinator with admissions to the Personal Care Unit; contact hospitals and other referral resources for new admissions.

7 Complete all admission paperwork of new residents and file appropriately.

8 Assist residents and families with the Medical Assistance process.

9 Assist in Medical Assistance applications, notify and schedule Options determination interviews.

10 Make referrals to hospice for residents as deemed appropriate by the Nursing Home Administrator and/or the Director of Nursing.

11 Report for work as scheduled.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer 

Requirements

Qualifications

1 Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and completed high school or obtained the equivalent of a high school education; and

2 Must possess a baccalaureate or graduate degree in an accredited social work or human services program which is also approved according to current state and federal regulation; and

3 Must have a minimum one (2) year of supervised social work experience in a health care setting working directly with individuals; preferably in Skilled Nursing and

4 Must possess the ability to speak to and be understood by residents and staff, and demonstrate the ability to read, write, and follow oral and written directions; an

5 Must possess an agreeable and helpful attitude toward senior adults.