Social Worker

SOCIAL WORKER

RESPONSIBLE TO: Social Service Director

FUNCTION: Plans and participates in social service program for residents in the facility based on their needs, and contacts with community facilities and agencies that can provide economic, psychological and medical assistance.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Organize social service program to meet needs of residents.

Maintain caseload as assigned by SSD.

Interview residents referred by hospitals, nursing homes, doctors, administrator, families or interested persons.

Determine through tour and interview, the type of assistance required to meet resident's need, and if indeed we can meet those requirements at St. Luke.

Complete necessary forms and make arrangements for above assistance whenever possible and involve relatives when available and advisable.

Assist residents, if assistance is needed or required, in the purchase of clothing, television sets, etc.

When resident has been rehabilitated or in need of a higher or lower level of care, or simply wants to leave the facility, assist resident and family in relocating.

Advise and inform administration of all legislative changes and programs.

Assist resident with applications from agencies such as Home Health Care, Public Health Nursing, Department of Social Service, Meals on Wheels, etc. when a resident is discharged and such services are needed.

May assist in rehabilitation resident referrals.

Participate in in-service education.

Assist Director of Social Service as needed.

Keep brochures and other printed information necessary for prospective residents as well as current residents up to date.

Prepare new brochures as necessary.

Participate in orientation of new employees when required by SSD.

May assist residents to make arrangements for burial, if requested.

Participate in community planning related to the interests of the facility.

Keep abreast of current legislation, trends, resources, facilities related to health field.

Provide casework service to residents having financial problems.

Abide by established policies of facility and interpreting them to concerned parties.

Care and use of supplies and equipment for department.

Assist credit department in possible resources for securing payment of resident bills.

Keep professional matters confidential.

Participate in team conferences.

Participate in admitting team conferences.

Participate in MDS+ process.

Complete required documentation in resident charts.

Other related duties that may become necessary or as directed by a supervisor, Department Head and/or Administration.

 

ASSISTANCE IN PROPER PLACEMENT OF RESIDENTS:

Involve responsible relatives.

Make necessary contacts to community facilities, nursing homes, adult homes.

Recommend home health care when home conditions and situations indicate need.

Recommend alternate placement when St. Luke does not appear suitable for candidate and provide information and assistance toward proper placement.

Have current listing of available facilities to which residents may be transferred temporarily or permanently for medical or psychiatric treatment, understand procedures involved for such placement, including transfer agreements with other institutions or facilities.

Be aware of legislative changes and programs for senior citizens.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Associates degree or higher. 

New graduates are welcome to apply.

Imagination and creative ability for sympathetic approach to illness. Spirit of cooperation and pleasant personality. Must be able to exercise independent judgment where procedures cannot be stabilized.