Social Service Assistant
Location: Oakwood Gardens Care Center
Starting Rate: $18.00 per hour

Position Summary:
Oakwood Gardens Care Center is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Social Service Assistant to support our Social Service Director/Consultant in providing exceptional care and services to our residents. The ideal candidate will help plan, develop, organize, implement, and evaluate social service programs designed to meet the emotional, social, and medical needs of our residents and their families.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Social Service Director/Consultant with planning, developing, and coordinating social service programs.
• Participate in meetings with administration, medical, nursing, and other related departments.
• Help develop and review departmental policies and procedures annually.
• Assist in identifying residents' medically related social and emotional needs.
• Support community planning efforts related to resident services and family needs.
• 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, forms, and progress notes accurately and timely.
• Coordinate social service activities with other facility departments and outside agencies.
• Assist residents and families in coping with emotional issues related to illness, disability, or transition to facility life.
• Help arrange outpatient appointments and on-site ancillary services (optometry, podiatry, dentistry, psychiatry, etc.).
• Assist with discharge planning, including coordinating with agencies and arranging for necessary equipment and services.
• Maintain resident confidentiality and report any suspected unauthorized disclosures.
• Participate in orientation and in-service training programs related to social and emotional resident care.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred but not required.
• Prior health care or long-term care experience preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with residents, families, staff, and outside agencies.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear.
• Frequent use of standard office equipment (computer, copier, phone, fax).
• May be required to assist in resident evacuations during emergencies.

Work Environment:

• Low to moderate noise level.
• Professional, team-oriented setting with opportunities to make a meaningful difference in residents' lives.

About Oakwood Gardens Care Center:
Oakwood Gardens Care Center is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care that promotes dignity, comfort, and independence for every resident. We are proud to maintain a supportive, collaborative environment for both residents and staff.