Job Description - Social Services Assistant

Full time OR Part Time

Reports To: Social Services Director

Position Summary

The Social Services Assistant supports the Social Services Director/Consultant in planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing the social service programs of the facility. This role works closely with administration, medical and nursing staff, residents, and families to ensure residents achieve their highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist the Social Services Director/Consultant with planning, development, and evaluation of social service programs.
• Participate in departmental policy and procedure development, review annually, and recommend updates.
• Support identification and care planning for residents' social and emotional needs.
• Participate in community planning related to facility services, residents, and families.
• Provide support and interventions to assist residents with adjustment, coping, and maintaining independence.
• Ensure residents receive medically related social services to achieve or maintain the highest practicable well-being.
• Maintain documentation, including social service progress notes, care plans, and required forms/reports.
• Provide information to residents and families on Medicare/Medicaid and other financial assistance programs.
• Collaborate with staff, community agencies, and outside resources to address resident needs.
• Support residents and families with emotional concerns including illness, stress, grief, and end-of-life issues.
• Assist in discharge planning, outpatient appointments, and coordination of ancillary services (optometry, podiatry, dentistry, psychiatry, etc.).
• Build and maintain positive relationships with facility departments and community agencies.
• Participate in orientation and in-service training programs for staff regarding residents' social, emotional, and medical needs.
• Assist in departmental budgeting and resource allocation.
• Maintain confidentiality of resident information in compliance with HIPAA and facility policies.
• Report suspected fraud, abuse, or unauthorized disclosures as required.
• May assist in emergency evacuations as needed.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in social work or related field preferred.
• Prior healthcare or long-term care experience preferred.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret regulations, professional journals, and technical procedures.
• Proficiency in report writing and documentation.
• Basic math skills, including fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions.
• Strong problem-solving and reasoning abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with residents, families, and interdisciplinary teams.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, read, and hear.
• Frequent use of office equipment (copier, fax, telephone, calculator, computer).
• Must occasionally lift/move up to 25 pounds.
• Prolonged use of a desktop/laptop computer.
• May assist in resident evacuation during emergencies.

Work Environment

• Typical office environment within a healthcare facility.
• Noise level is generally low to moderate.

Additional Information

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities or duties. The organization reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time to meet operational needs.