Social Service Assistant

Sweetwater Care; Delano (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Sweetwater Care is seeking a licensed social worker to assess and address the psychosocial needs of residents in a skilled nursing setting. The role emphasizes advocacy, care planning, and coordinated discharge planning to support residents and families.

You will document thoroughly, collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, and help residents navigate placement and support services while ensuring compliance with NASW ethics and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Currently licensed in the state of practice as required.
• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or Human Services from an accredited school.
• 1+ year supervised social work experience in a healthcare setting with geriatric clients.
• Minimum 2 years nursing experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility preferred.

Responsibilities

• Complete social histories and psychosocial assessments to identify needs.
• Maintain accurate documentation per regulations and center policies.
• Support residents' right to self-determination and educate on alternatives.
• Develop interdisciplinary care plans addressing psychosocial needs and goals.
• Provide therapeutic support to aid transition and adjustment in the facility.
• Educate residents and families, and refer to social service agencies when needed.
• Coordinate discharge planning and referrals for home care services.
• Collaborate with the team to protect resident rights and well-being; address abuse as required.
• Assist residents, families, and staff to promote self-advocacy and quality of life.
• Assist Social Service Director in planning, organizing, and evaluating programs.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Documentation

Resident advocacy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or Human Services

Licensed social worker (state license)

Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Responsible for identifying 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, adherence to Federal, State and Local regulations and governing agencies.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified, licensed, or registered in the state of practice, required.
• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services field, including but not limited to Sociology, Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling and Psychology from an accredited school of social work, required.
• One year of supervised social work experience in a healthcare setting working directly with geriatric individuals.
• Minimum of 2 years of nursing experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Completes social history and psychosocial assessment for each resident that identifies social, emotional, and psychological needs; Completed relevant parts of the minimum data set (MDS); Utilizes the minimum data set to guide the care plan.
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation which complies with federal/state regulations, The Company Corporate policy, and specific center practices, including, but not limited to, Advanced Directives, Minimum Data Set, Social Service History and Assessment, Raps, Care Plans, Social Service Progress Notes, Behavior Tracking, monitoring of cognitive and psychosocial changes, PASARR and Discharge Planning documentation, and psych services.
• Supports each resident's/resident's right to self-determination; Documents resident/resident refusal of services offered; Informs resident/resident of any therapeutic alternatives to the refused service; Involves others, as appropriate, to help educate the resident/resident about the alternatives.
• Participates in the development of a written, interdisciplinary plan of care for each resident that identifies the psychosocial needs/issues of the resident, the goals to be accomplished for those needs/issues, and the appropriate social worker interventions.
• Ensures or provides therapeutic interventions to assist residents in coping with their transition and adjustment to a long-term care facility, including their social, emotional, and psychological needs.
• Ensures or provides support and education to residents/family members/significant others to assist in their understanding of placement and facility issues in addition to referring them to the appropriate social service agencies when the facility does not provide the needed services.
• Coordinates the resident discharge planning process and make referrals for appropriate home care services prior to the resident's return to the community.
• 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.
• Work with residents, families, significant others and staff to provide support, information and organization for taking a more proactive role in self-advocacy to improve the quality of life/care for individual resident and those who live and work within the facility and the community.
• Assist the Social Service Director/Consultant in the planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing of the social service programs of this facility.
• Works with Director of Nursing and Administration to prepare for inspection surveys; ability to engage in interviews by inspectors, assist in immediate corrections of problems noted by surveyors, etc. Reviews and reinforces important standards previously cited.
• Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or assigned at any time with or without notice.