The Social Services Worker assesses residents' social, emotional, and financial needs to develop individualized care plans. They coordinate community resources and advocate for resident rights within a long-term care healthcare setting.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have at least a two-year associate's degree and one year of social work experience in a medical or mental health facility. The role requires the ability to handle emotional stress and lift up to 50 pounds.
Days 7:00A - 3:30P Social Services Worker Department Social Services Reports to Director of Social Work Work Location Thornapple Manor Campus Salary Range $23.76 – 26.89/hour based on experience
JOB
OVERVIEW: We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Social Services Worker to join our esteemed Thornapple Manor care team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting residents and their families by providing expert guidance, resources, and advocacy within the healthcare setting. This position requires a thorough understanding of social work principles, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive resident care. The Social Services Worker will be instrumental in assessing residents' social, emotional, and financial needs, developing individualized care plans, and connecting them with appropriate community resources. This role demands a professional who is deeply committed to improving resident outcomes and fostering a supportive environment for vulnerable populations. The ideal applicant will demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, empathy, and meticulous attention to detail. If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference through social services in a long-term care environment, we invite you to apply and become a vital part of our team focused on holistic resident well-being.
MAJOR
DUTIES
AND
Responsibilities:
Administrative
Functions: Assist the Social Services Director in planning, developing, implementing, evaluating, and directing the facility’s social services programs. Encourage residents and responsible parties to participate in the development and review of care plans and attend care plan meetings as appropriate. Assist with development and annual review of facility policies and procedures to support quality resident care and regulatory compliance. Advocate for residents and support the protection of resident rights within the facility. Report allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the Social Services Director and/or Administrator and assist with required reporting and investigations assigned. Ensure residents experiencing mental illness, grief, loss, or other psychosocial challenges have access to appropriate services, treatment, and community resources. Interview residents and families to obtain social history and identify psychosocial needs. Assist residents and families with adjustment to the facility environment and provide ongoing emotional support as needed. Organize and assist with discharge planning, social service care plans, and resident assessments. Coordinate referrals to community agencies, social service organizations, and healthcare resources to meet resident needs. Maintain positive working relationships with healthcare professionals, hospitals, community organizations, and other service providers. Participate in care conferences, interdisciplinary meetings, facility surveys, and quality assurance activities. Assist with grievance resolution and communicate resident concerns to appropriate staff members. Monitor residents’ emotional well-being and report significant concerns or changes to the interdisciplinary team. Complete and maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation in accordance with facility policies and HIPAA regulations. Assist with admissions processes and provide facility tours as requested. Participate in community planning activities related to the interests and needs of residents, families, and the facility.
Care
Plan and
Assessment
Functions: Assist in developing and reviewing resident care plans and psychosocial assessments upon admission. Encourage the resident/family to participate in development and review his/her plan of care. Review documentation and report concerns to the Director of Social Services. Review and revise care plans and assessments as necessary, but at least quarterly. Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to support resident-centered care. Participate in care conferences and interdisciplinary meetings.
SKILLS,
Experience,
AND
Education
REQUIRED: Must possess, as a minimum, a two-year associate’s degree. Minimum of one year of proven experience in a social work capacity in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or other related medical/mental health facility.
Specific
REQUIREMENTS: Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action. Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the public. Must possess leadership ability and willingness to work harmoniously with a dynamic team. Must possess a positive attitude that cultivates the health and well-being of all. Must be open to collaboration with various departments and personnel. Take accountability of duties assigned. Ensure all communication and actions are done in a respectful manner toward residents, visitors, and fellow coworkers. Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition, and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to handle residents based on whatever maturity level at which they are currently functioning. Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing activity services. Must be able to relay information concerning a resident’s condition. Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace. Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
Physical
AND
SENSORY
REQUIREMENTS: (With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices) Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday. Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position. Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of the position can be fully met. Must function independently, and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies. Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability. Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the facility. Must be able to lift, push, pull, and move a minimum of 50 pounds. Must be able to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.
WORKING
CONDITIONS: Works in office area(s) as well as throughout the Thornapple Manor campus. Moves intermittently during working hours. Is subject to frequent interruptions. Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances. Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel, and visitors. Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary. Is subject to call-back during emergency conditions (i.e. severe weather, evacuation, post disaster, etc.) Attends and participates in continuing educational programs. Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the work day, as well as to reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants. Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B virus. May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals. Qualifications
