Job Title: Social Worker
Department: Social Services
Reports To: Administrator
Position Summary
The Social Worker is responsible for providing psychosocial support to residents and their families, promoting residents’ emotional well-being, and assisting with adjustment to long-term care placement. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and supports resident rights, care planning, discharge planning, and quality of life.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Resident & Family Support
- Conduct psychosocial assessments upon admission and as needed thereafter
- Provide counseling and emotional support to residents and families
- Assist residents with adjustment to illness, disability, and placement
- Advocate for resident rights and dignity at all times
Care Planning & Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Participate in interdisciplinary care plan meetings
- Develop and implement psychosocial care plans
- Communicate resident needs to nursing, therapy, dietary, and administration
- Monitor and update care plans based on resident condition and needs
Discharge Planning
- Coordinate safe and appropriate discharge planning
- Arrange community resources, home services, and equipment
- Educate residents and families on discharge options and post-discharge care
Compliance & Documentation
- Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in the medical record
- Ensure compliance with CMS, state, and facility policies
- Assist with grievance resolution and complaint investigations
- Support survey readiness and participate in audits as needed
Behavioral & Crisis Management
- Identify behavioral or psychosocial concerns and intervene appropriately
- Collaborate with mental health providers as needed
- Assist with crisis intervention and conflict resolution
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) required
Licensure / Certification
- Current state Social Work license or eligibility (as required by state law)
Experience
- Experience in long-term care or healthcare setting preferred
- Knowledge of geriatric populations and psychosocial needs
Skills & Competencies
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of resident rights and CMS regulations
- Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team
- Strong organizational and documentation skillsCompassionate, patient-centered approach