Social Worker

Purpose of Your Job Position

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 in accordance with the Federal Regulations, the requirements of this State, and policies and goals of the facility. This climate shall provide residents with the highest practical level of physical, mental and psychosocial well-being and quality of life.

Delegation of Authority

As Social Worker you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties.

Job Function

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is an essential function of the position.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

In fulfilling the 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 listing of those duties in accordance with current professional Social Work practice standards.

Administrative

1. Review facility policies and procedures as part of the facility's interdisciplinary team to assure compliance with state and federal regulations. Keep informed of current federal and state regulations, as well as professional standards, and make recommendations on changes in policies and procedures to the Social Services Director ("Director") or Administrator.

2. Develop, maintain and utilize a listing of current community resources that are useful to residents and their families/significant others/responsible parties.

3. Must adhere to all HIPAA requirements.

4. Understand and meet all government requirements for Social Service documentation.

5. Document progress in meeting the psychosocial needs of residents.

6. Maintain a quality working relationship with the medical profession and other health related facilities and organizations.

7. Assist in implementing appropriate plans of action to correct identified deficiencies.

8. Participate in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies, as necessary or as may be directed.

9. Meet with administration, medical and nursing staff, as well as other related departments in planning Social Services interventions.

10. In the absence of the Director, assume the authority, responsibility, and accountability of directing the Social Service Department.

Advocacy/Resident Rights

1. Work with the interdisciplinary team and administration to promote and protect resident rights and the psychological well-being of each resident. Prevent and address resident abuse as mandated by law and professional licensure.

2. Identify community changes and opportunities such as legislation, regulations and programs that affect nursing home residents.

3. Provide information to residents/families/responsible party as to Medicare and Medicaid, and other financial assistance programs available to the resident.

4. Ensure that all residents upon admission have an accurate Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) and that the record is updated and maintained as needed with change in resident condition.

5. Communicate and coordinate assistance with Medicaid applications as needed.

6. Ensure that all new residents/family/responsible party on admission have been given resident rights.

7. Issue and ensure proper notice is given and procedure is followed including time frames, for Notices of Medicare Non Coverage, Skilled Nursing Facility Advanced Beneficiary Notice and