Social Services Assistant (Full-Time)
Garden City Healthcare Center - Modesto, CA
Pay Range: $19.00 - $20.00 per hour (DOE)

Garden City Healthcare Center is seeking a compassionate, organized, and motivated Social Services Assistant to join our team. The Social Services Assistant plays an important role in supporting the Social Services Department and helping meet the emotional, social, and psychosocial needs of our residents.
General Purpose

The primary purpose of this position is to assist in planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing the facility's social service programs in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, as well as established policies and procedures, to ensure that the medically related emotional and social needs of each resident are met and maintained on an individual basis.
Essential Duties

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position; however, this does not imply that these are the only duties you will be required to perform.

• Assist the Social Services Director/Consultant in planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing the facility's social service programs.
• Work with administration, medical, nursing, and interdisciplinary teams to coordinate social services for residents.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and review of social service policies and procedures.
• Assist in identifying the social and emotional needs of residents.
• Help residents achieve the highest practicable level of independence and well-being.
• Provide information to residents and families regarding Medicare, Medicaid, and other financial assistance programs.
• Complete required documentation, reports, and social service progress notes.
• Assist with discharge planning, including coordinating services, equipment, and community referrals.
• Coordinate outpatient appointments and schedule ancillary services such as optometry, podiatry, dental, and psychiatric services.
• Assist residents and families in coping with emotional stress related to illness, disability, and long-term care placement.
• Coordinate social services with other departments within the facility.
• Assist in obtaining resources from community social, health, and welfare agencies.
• Participate in care plan meetings and interdisciplinary team meetings as requested.
• Maintain strong working relationships with staff, residents, families, and outside agencies.
• Assist with orientation and in-service training programs related to residents' social and emotional needs.
• Maintain confidentiality of all resident information, including protected health information (PHI).
• Report suspected fraud, abuse, or unauthorized disclosure of information.

Supervisory Requirements

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
Qualifications
Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Services or related field preferred but not required.
• Prior healthcare or skilled nursing experience preferred.

Language Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures and government regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and maintain documentation.
• Ability to effectively communicate with residents, families, staff, and community agencies.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, or diagram instructions.

Physical Demands

• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Prolonged use of computer and office equipment.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear.
• Frequent use of office equipment including computer, copier, scanner, fax, and telephone.
• May be required to assist in evacuation of residents during emergency situations.

Work Environment

The work environment is a healthcare setting with a low to moderate noise level. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Additional Information

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Garden City Healthcare Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.