Social Services Assistant (Full-Time)

Westgate Gardens Care Center
Pay: Starting at $18.00 per hour
Schedule: Full-Time
Location: Westgate Gardens Care Center
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 federal, state, and local regulations, as well as established facility policies and procedures. This role ensures that the medically related emotional and social needs of residents are met and maintained on an individual basis.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the Social Services Director/Consultant in planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing social service programs
• Collaborate with administration, medical, nursing, and interdisciplinary staff in planning social services
• Assist in developing, administering, coordinating, and reviewing departmental policies and procedures
• Identify and address residents' medically related social and emotional needs
• Assist residents in achieving the highest practicable level of self-care, independence, and well-being
• Provide medically related social services to support residents' physical, mental, and psychosocial health
• Complete administrative duties including documentation, reports, and required forms
• Educate residents and families regarding Medicare, Medicaid, and other available financial assistance programs
• Maintain regular social service progress notes documenting resident response and adjustment
• Assist residents and families with emotional stress related to illness, admission, disability, and long-term care placement
• Coordinate social service activities with other departments and community agencies
• Assist with discharge planning, including agency referrals, services, and equipment
• Schedule outpatient appointments and coordinate on-site ancillary services (optometry, podiatry, dentistry, psychiatric services)
• Participate in orientation and in-service training related to residents' social, emotional, and medical needs
• Assist with development of the department budget as directed
• Report suspected fraud or abuse in accordance with facility policy
• Maintain confidentiality of all resident information and report suspected unauthorized disclosures

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred but not required
• Prior healthcare or long-term care experience preferred

Language Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret policies, procedures, and regulations
• Ability to write reports and professional correspondence
• Ability to effectively communicate with residents, families, staff, and leadership

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to apply basic math concepts including fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to solve practical problems and adapt to variable situations
• Ability to interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-based instructions

Physical Demands

• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Prolonged use of desktop or laptop computer
• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, read, and hear
• Frequent use of office equipment (copier, scanner, fax, telephone, calculator)
• May assist with resident evacuation during emergency situations
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions

Work Environment

• Skilled nursing and office environment
• Noise level typically low to moderate
• Reasonable accommodations may be made as needed

Additional Information

This job description does not limit management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time. The statements above describe the general nature and level of work performed and are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Westgate Gardens Care Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable laws.