Social Service Director Assistant

Job Posting for Social Service Director Assistant at BRIA of River Oaks

The Social Service Director Assistant at BRIA of River Oaks will work with residents in the skilled nursing facility to identify and address their psychosocial, mental, and emotional needs. They will provide, develop, and facilitate access to services that meet those needs, while adhering to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics and government regulations. The role of the assistant is to foster a climate, policies, and routines that enable residents to maximize their individuality, independence, and dignity, thereby promoting their physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being and quality of life.

Guiding Principles

Social work services in long-term care settings focus on several key areas, including:

• The social and emotional impact of physical or mental illness or disability
• The preservation and enhancement of physical and social functioning
• The promotion of conditions essential for maximum benefits from long-term health care services
• The prevention of physical and mental illness and increased disability
• The promotion and maintenance of physical and mental health and optimal quality of life

Objectives:

The Social Service Director Assistant is responsible for:

• Providing direct social services to residents and their families through professionally trained social workers
• Assisting residents and families in using and benefiting from facility and community-based social and health resources
• Strengthening communication among residents, families, and staff
• Assisting the facility in creating and maintaining a therapeutic environment that promotes residents' quality of life and independent functioning
• Promoting community involvement and developing linkages with community resources
• Participating in the assessment and planning of other long-term social and health care resources

Standards for Social Work Services in Long-Term Care Facilities

1. Ethics and Values:

Social workers in long-term care facilities must demonstrate a commitment to the values and ethics of the social work profession, emphasizing resident empowerment and self-determination. They shall use NASW's Code of Ethics (2000) as a guide to ethical decision-making.

2. Service Plan:

The long-term care facility should maintain a written plan for defining social work services. The plan should be guided by a written statement of philosophy, objectives, and policies. It should include communication and collaboration with the care plan team, collaboration with colleagues and community agencies, development and implementation of services and special programs, compliance with laws and regulations, requirements for professional development and continuing education, and maintenance of residents' medical records and reports.

3. Responsibilities of Social Work Department:

The Social Service Director shall carry the primary responsibility for social work services, including the development of organizational plans and administrative policies and procedures, and coordination of services. Responsibilities may include the development and implementation of all social health programs, oversight of documentation, establishment and administration of a social work program, quality assurance procedures, ensuring staff knowledge of residents' rights, and more.

4. Program Functions:

The social work program's functions include direct services to residents, families, and other individuals involved in residents' care. It involves advocacy, care planning, discharge planning and documentation, policy and program planning, quality improvement, staff education, community liaison, and consultation to other staff members.

5. Documentation:

Documentation of social work services provided must be recorded in the medical record. Progress notes and other social work entries should facilitate communication with physicians and other professionals involved in the resident's care.

6. Cultural Competence:

Social workers must provide social services in the context of multicultural understanding and competence. They should develop competencies that include self-awareness, knowledge, and practice skills consistent with NASW Standards for Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice.

7. Work Environment:

The social work program should have adequate budget, space, facilities, and equipment to fulfill professional and administrative needs. Offices should be readily accessible, provide privacy and confidentiality, and include standard office equipment for effective communication and documentation.

The Social Service Director Assistant will receive supervision from the Director of Social Service.