Social Services Assistant – Full-Time

Willow Creek Health Care Center is seeking a compassionate, organized, and dependable Full-Time Social Services Assistant to join our team. This position works closely with the Social Services Director and interdisciplinary care team to support the emotional, social, and psychosocial needs of our residents and their families.

Compensation

Pay Range: $18.50–$18.80 per hour

General Purpose

The Social Services Assistant assists in planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing the facility’s social service programs in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as established facility policies and procedures.

The goal of this position is to help ensure that each resident’s medically related emotional and social needs are identified and addressed on an individualized basis while supporting the resident’s highest practicable level of independence, well-being, and quality of life.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the Social Services Director/Consultant with planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing the facility’s social service programs.
• Collaborate with administration, nursing, medical staff, therapy, and other departments regarding resident social service needs.
• Assist with developing, administering, reviewing, and updating department policies and procedures.
• Help identify the medically related social and emotional needs of residents.
• Assist residents in achieving the highest practicable level of independence, self-care, and psychosocial well-being.
• Provide support to residents and families adjusting to illness, disability, admission to the facility, and long-term care.
• Assist residents and families with concerns related to anxiety, stress, loss of independence, physical limitations, and changes in living arrangements.
• Maintain accurate and timely Social Services progress notes and related documentation.
• Complete necessary forms, reports, assessments, and other administrative requirements.
• Assist residents and families with information regarding Medicare, Medicaid, and available financial or community assistance programs.
• Coordinate Social Services activities with nursing, therapy, dietary, activities, business office, and other departments as needed.
• Assist with discharge planning, including arranging community services, equipment, referrals, and follow-up care.
• Coordinate outpatient appointments and on-site ancillary services such as optometry, podiatry, dentistry, and psychiatric services.
• Assist in obtaining resources from community health, social service, and welfare agencies.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with community agencies and healthcare providers.
• Participate in care conferences, resident meetings, and interdisciplinary team discussions as needed.
• Assist in evaluating resident and family information to help develop appropriate social service interventions.
• Provide consultation and support to facility staff regarding resident social and emotional needs.
• Participate in orientation, training, and in-service education related to resident psychosocial needs.
• Assist with departmental planning and budgeting as directed.
• Report suspected fraud, abuse, neglect, unauthorized disclosure, or other compliance concerns according to facility policy.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all resident information, including protected health information.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Social Services Director or Administrator.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.
• Previous healthcare, skilled nursing, long-term care, or social services experience preferred.
• Experience working with seniors, residents, or families in a healthcare environment is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Compassionate and professional approach when working with residents and families.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prepare reports, correspondence, and other documentation.
• Ability to read and interpret policies, procedures, regulations, and healthcare-related information.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Basic mathematical skills, including percentages, ratios, and proportions.
• Ability to problem-solve and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Proficiency with computers and standard office equipment.

Physical Demands

The employee must be able to:

• Regularly sit, stand, walk, talk, read, and hear.
• Frequently use computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, and other office equipment.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Work at a desktop or laptop computer for extended periods.
• Assist with resident evacuation during emergency situations when necessary.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Environment

The employee works in a healthcare environment with regular interaction with residents, families, visitors, employees, healthcare professionals, and community agencies. The noise level is generally low to moderate.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Training and professional growth opportunities
• Employee rewards and recognition
• Supportive and collaborative team environment

Join Willow Creek Health Care Center and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents and their families.

Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.50–$18.80 per hour

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.