Position Information

POSITION SUMMARY:
To plan, organize, and develop operations of the Social Services Department in accordance with current federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations, and our established policies and procedures. To assure that the medically related emotional and social needs of the resident are met and maintained on an individual basis. Act as the point of contact for potential admissions and to secure at-home services for discharge.
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Administrative functions

1. Keep abreast of and comply with current federal and state regulations, and make recommendations regarding policies/practices to the Administrator.
2. Participate in discharge planning, development and implementation of Social Care Plans and resident assessments.
3. Meet with resident/families as necessary to address any socially related concerns they may have.
4. Assist residents with adjustment to facility by visiting, interviewing, assessing, and counseling resident.
5. Perform administrative requirements, such as completing necessary forms, reports, etc., and submit such to appropriate personnel as required.
6. Perform ancillary duties related to social and emotional well-being of residents, including ordering clothing labels, coordinating activities of seamstress, and making appointments for hairdressing as necessary.
7. Networking with community agencies, physicians, and other parties involved directly with resident care.
8. Refer resident/families to appropriate Social Service agencies when the facility does not provide the services or needs of the resident.
9. Provide information to resident/families as to Medicare/Medicaid and other financial assistance programs available to the resident.
10. Coordinate Social Services activities with other departments as necessary.
11. Interview residents or family members as necessary to obtain social history as part of admission process.
12. Participate in weekly Care Plan and Utilization Review team meetings.
13. Assure that Social Services’ progress notes are informative and descriptive of services provided, including resident’s response to services received.
14. Involve the resident/family in planning objectives and goals for the resident.
15. Act as Resident Advocate for the residents.
16. Coordinating and conducting quarterly Resident Council meetings.
17. Maintain the Awaiting Admission Log Book

• Care Plan and Assessment Functions

1. Develop preliminary and comprehensive assessments of the Social Services needs of each resident.
2. Encourage the resident to participate in the development and review of his/her plan of care.
3. Review and revise assessments as necessary, but at least quarterly.
4. Maintain a good rapport with all services involved with the care plan to ensure that a team effort is achieved in developing a comprehensive plan of care.

• Residents’ Rights

1. Maintain the confidentiality of all resident care information.
2. Act as resident advocate for the enforcement of residents’ rights.
3. Provide residents with information concerning resident rights, resident funds, living wills, Ombudsman, Care Plans etc.  Explain as necessary.

• Admissions/Discharges:

1. Serves as primary contact for families, hospital discharge planners, etc. for NF or SNF admissions. 
2. Coordinate facility admissions with appropriate facility personnel.
3. Gather necessary documentation for admissions such as Social Security/Medicare cards, 3^rd party payment information, living wills, POA authorizations, etc.
4. Complete and execute Facility Services (admission) Agreement with residents/patients or their POA (Power of Attorney).
5. Arrange for needed at-home services for any residents/patients returning home to stay. 

• All Other Assigned Duties