Position Summary
The Social Services Assistant supports the Social Services Department in providing psychosocial services to residents and their families. This position assists with resident admissions, family communication, discharge planning activities, documentation, community resource coordination, and departmental recordkeeping. The Social Services Assistant works collaboratively with residents, families, interdisciplinary team members, and external agencies to help ensure residents' social, emotional, and psychosocial needs are addressed in accordance with facility policies and applicable federal and state regulations.
Essential Functions
Resident and Family Support
- Assist residents and families with obtaining information regarding facility services, community resources, and support programs;
- Provide support to residents and families during admissions, transfers, and discharge processes;
- Assist with resident and family meetings as directed by the Social Services Director;
- Help address resident concerns and requests and refer issues to appropriate departments when necessary;
- Maintain professional and compassionate communication with residents, families, visitors, and staff.
Admissions and Discharge Support
- Assist with admission paperwork and resident orientation activities;
- Support discharge planning efforts by coordinating appointments, transportation, equipment, and community services as directed;
- Maintain records related to admissions, transfers, discharges, and resident referrals;
- Communicate with community agencies, healthcare providers, and external service organizations regarding resident needs.
Documentation and Compliance
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential resident records and departmental documentation;
- Assist with completion and filing of required social services documentation;
- Ensure compliance with HIPAA and all confidentiality requirements;
- Prepare reports, correspondence, and other documents as assigned;
- Assist with audits, surveys, and regulatory reviews related to social services functions.
Care Team Collaboration
- Participate in interdisciplinary meetings as assigned;
- Communicate resident psychosocial concerns to appropriate team members;
- Support implementation of care plans and resident-centered interventions;
- Collaborate with nursing, therapy, respiratory, dietary, activities, and other departments to promote resident well-being.
Administrative Support
- Answer departmental phone calls and respond to routine inquiries;
- Schedule appointments and coordinate meetings as needed;
- Maintain organized departmental files and records;
- Assist with special projects and departmental initiatives;
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education
- High school diploma or GED required;
- Associate degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Healthcare Administration, or a related field preferred.
Certification / Licensure
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification including infant, child, and adult CPR, AED use, and choking rescue.
Experience
- Prior healthcare or long-term care experience preferred but not required;
- Experience working with pediatric populations, individuals with disabilities, or medically fragile populations preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
- Ability to interact professionally and compassionately with residents and families experiencing stress or crisis;
- Strong organizational and time-management skills;
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic medical records;
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
- Ability to maintain resident confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Technical Skills
- Basic computer and mobile device skills sufficient to use electronic medical records (EMR), scheduling systems, and other facility software applications.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
- Frequent standing and walking throughout the shift (up to 12 hours);
- Frequent bending, kneeling, stooping, and reaching;
- Lift up to 25 pounds independently;
- Ability to assist with transferring or repositioning residents;
- Ability to respond quickly to resident needs or emergencies;
- Frequent repetitive motions;
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods; bend, kneel, squat, and reach frequently; respond quickly to emergencies; stocking supplies, and cleaning equipment.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Work Environment
- Work is performed primarily in office environment, resident rooms, and common areas;
- Employees may encounter emotionally distressed residents or family members;
- The position may require evening, weekend, holiday, or overtime work;
- Employees may be exposed to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, and hazardous substances.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Silver State Pediatric Skilled Nursing Facility is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, Nevada state, or local law.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required. The employer reserves the right to modify job duties as necessary. Employment is at-will unless otherwise specified by written agreement.