Social Worker - Masters

Job Overview Summary :

The Social Worker will work with residents in the nursing home by identifying their psychosocial, mental and emotional needs along with providing, developing, and / or aiding in the access of services to meet those needs. Services will be provided in accordance with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics along with strict adherence to government regulations. The nursing home social worker is responsible for fostering a climate, policies and routines that enable residents to maximize their individuality, independence and dignity. This climate shall provide residents with the highest practical level of physical, mental and psychosocial well-being and quality of life.

Note : The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform some or all of the activities described below.

Functions :

In fulfilling his or her primary duties and responsibilities, the nursing home social worker shall exercise professional judgment in carrying out a variety of activities that maximize the well-being and quality of life of residents. The following is a list of those duties according to the NASW Nursing Home Social Work Practice Standards :

Administrative

• Review facility policies and procedures as part of the facility's interdisciplinary team to assure compliance with state and federal regulations
• Participate in reviewing and setting policies concerning resident care and quality of life
• Participate in developing facility social work policies
• Develop, maintain and utilize a listing of current community resources that are useful to residents and their families / significant others
• Participate in quality assurance interdisciplinary team meetings
• Understand and meet all government requirements for social service documentation
• Document progress in meeting the psychosocial needs of residents

Advocacy

Clinical

Education

Consultation

Social service consultation shall be provided by a MSW, LICSW on a planned basis with sufficient frequency to enable the social worker(s), administration and facility staff to improve the quality of life of residents by meeting their psychosocial needs. The social work consultant shall have had prior experience with elders especially regarding placement and adjustment issues in nursing facilities. In addition, the social work consultant should be familiar both with regulations about social work in nursing homes and issues that might impact resident care when working on an interdisciplinary team. The consultative services should focus on each of the following three distinct groups :

Social Worker

Review documentation and service delivery

Management Staff

Review program planning, policy development, priority setting regarding social services and the function / role of the social worker(s)

Other Facility Staff

Provide case consultation

Provide in-services

Qualifications :

Knowledge and Skills :

Required Responsibilities :

Successful demonstration of work standards, quality work product, productivity, and job knowledge are standard expectations for all company employees.

Core Competencies :