Social Services Designee

Social Services Assistant

The Social Services Assistant/Designee is responsible to assist the Service Coordinator in providing medically related social services so that each resident may attain or maintain the highest practicable level of physical, mental and psychosocial well-being.

Essential Functions Statement(s)

• Maintains accurate and timely documentation which complies with federal/state regulations, UCH Corporate Policy, and specific community practices, including, but not limited to: Minimum Data Set; Social History; Psychosocial/Mental Status Assessment; Care Plan; Social Services Progress Notes; Discharge Plan
• Treats residents with respect and dignity at all times
• Communicates immediately to the Administrator or Social Worker information concerning suspected, alleged, or actual resident abuse of a physical, verbal, mental or sexual nature committed by employees, visitor, or residents
• Ensures residents are informed of their rights and responsibilities, and any changes which may affect them
• Supports each resident's right to self determination: Documents resident refusal of services offered; Outlines for the resident possible implications of the refusal; Informs resident of any therapeutic alternatives to the refused service; Involves others, as appropriate, to help educate the resident about the alternatives
• Assists with the adjustment of the resident and family to the community
• Consults with and assists the resident and family in planning and implementing the resident's discharge
• Makes appropriate referrals to other consultants, community agencies, or departments in order to facilitate the resident's maximum use of resources, and to promote the resident's increased level of social functioning
• Assists the resident in maintenance and adequate supply of personal clothing and other personal items
• Provides assistance with the resident's admission to assure a smooth transition
• Contacts the new resident and/or family weekly for the first month after admission to ensure needs are being met and difficulties are being resolved
• Informs resident, family, or legal representative of Medicare/Medicaid program benefits and assists with application for these alternative funding programs for care/services
• Encourages resident autonomy by promoting attendance at resident council meetings
• Explains to the resident, family, or legal representative that social services are available upon request
• Participates in developing and updating department policies and procedures
• Reports observations of structural, equipment and furniture defects/malfunctioning to appropriate personnel
• Maintains confidentiality of necessary information
• Utilizes supplies and equipment properly and without waste
• Handles unusual occurrences calmly and logically to maintain continuity of business and duties
• Performs all other duties as assigned or directed

Competency Statement(s)

• Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
• Active Listening - Ability to actively attend to, convey, and understand the comments and questions of others.
• Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
• Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.
• Customer Oriented - Ability to take care of the customers' needs while following company procedures.
• Diversity Oriented - Ability to work effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or job type.
• Empathetic - Ability to appreciate and be sensitive to the feelings of others.
• Interpersonal - Ability to get along well with a variety of personalities and individuals.
• Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task.

Skills & Abilities

• Education: Bachelor's Degree (four year college or technical school) Preferred, Field of Study: Social Work or a closely-related field from an accredited educational institution
• Experience: One (1) year or more of related experience
• Computer Skills: Must be able to proficiently use a computer, the Internet, applicable software programs and basic office equipment
• Certifications & Licenses: Must participate in Continuing Education; Must be approved as "designee" where required by law; Must obtain and maintain mandatory, state/federal requirements and certifications for practice or occupation
• Other Requirements: Must be able to read, write, understand and speak the English language; Special care or dementia care employees will have additional training in the care and treatment of dementia residents as defined by Joint Commission Accreditation Standards; Must be able to work closely with residents, family members, legal representatives, and community staff; Must be able to adhere to all terms and conditions set forth in the United Church Homes Employee Handbook

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.