Social Worker

Description

Position Summary The Social Worker is responsible for providing comprehensive social, emotional, educational, and therapeutic support services to residents throughout the senior living community. Working as part of the interdisciplinary care team, this position serves residents across multiple levels of care and supports individuals and families through various stages of aging, illness, transition, and adjustment. The Social Worker advocates for resident well-being, promotes quality of life, and coordinates services that support residents' physical, emotional, cognitive, and psychosocial needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct resident assessments and develop individualized programs and interventions that support resident goals, interests, and well-being.
• Monitor and evaluate residents' psychosocial status, behaviors, and adjustment, and communicate changing needs with the interdisciplinary care team.
• Lead care plan meetings and maintain accurate, timely documentation in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
• Complete social histories, electronic medical record (EMR) documentation, progress notes, and required assessments for residents in Nursing Care and Assisted Living.
• Assess prospective residents prior to admission and participate in determining the most appropriate level of care.
• Coordinate admissions to Nursing Care, including the collection and completion of required documentation and supporting records.
• Provide grief counseling and emotional support to residents, families, and other involved individuals.
• Provide individual and family counseling as needed to address adjustment, coping, and care-related concerns.
• Conduct cognitive and psychosocial assessments for incoming residents across all levels of care, including mental status evaluations and behavioral assessments.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to develop and implement interventions for residents experiencing behavioral or adjustment challenges.
• Assist with resident transfers and transitions between levels of care within the community.
• Maintain ongoing communication with families regarding changes in resident condition, care needs, and available support services.
• Obtain authorizations for specialized services and assist in identifying resident needs for personal items and resources.
• Coordinate changes in level of care and resident capacity, ensuring appropriate internal and external support systems are established.
• Perform additional duties, projects, or special assignments as directed by the Director of Social Services.

Requirements

Qualifications

Education & Licensure

• Master of Social Work (MSW) degree required.
• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) required.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in healthcare, long-term care, skilled nursing, case management, or a related setting.
• Experience working with older adults in geriatric services preferred.
• Experience in dementia care, hospice/end-of-life care, home health, or related aging services strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of social work principles, ethics, assessment methods, counseling techniques, and case management practices.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with residents, families, healthcare providers, community organizations, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Experience supporting individuals with complex medical needs, physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, and behavioral health concerns.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
• Demonstrated patience, empathy, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR) systems and standard computer applications.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to move throughout the community and visit residents in various care settings.
• Ability to participate in resident meetings, assessments, care conferences, and family consultations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced healthcare environment while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.