Social Services Coordinator
For over the last seventy years, The Orchards have continued the traditional values inspired by the Fox Family: respect for one another, concern for each resident's well-being, and encouragement of individual interests and enjoyment of life's pleasures. These values are a gift The Orchards staff members share every day with residents and each other.
The Social Services Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and managing social services for residents from admission through discharge. This position serves as an advocate for residents and their families by addressing psychosocial needs, coordinating care transitions, facilitating communication among the interdisciplinary team, and ensuring residents receive the resources and support needed to achieve the highest possible quality of life.
Essential Responsibilities
- Coordinate resident admissions, including receiving referrals, completing psychosocial assessments, and facilitating a smooth transition into the facility.
- Coordinate resident discharges by arranging referrals, transportation, physician orders, family meetings, and community resources to ensure safe transitions.
- Review and prioritize Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
- Review resident documentation related to psychosocial needs, behaviors, mood, and emotional well-being.
- Meet regularly with residents and family members to provide counseling, education, support, advocacy, and problem resolution.
- Advocate for resident rights while maintaining confidentiality and promoting resident-centered care.
- Collaborate with nursing, therapy, dietary, activities, and other departments to ensure coordinated care planning.
- Assist with developing, implementing, and updating individualized resident care plans.
- Participate in care conferences and communicate resident goals and discharge planning needs.
- Complete required documentation, reports, and regulatory records accurately and timely.
- Maintain knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, community resources, and financial assistance programs available to residents.
- Educate residents and families regarding available services and community resources.
- Promote effective communication between residents, families, physicians, and the interdisciplinary team.
- Participate in mandatory meetings, in-services, and continuing education.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field required.
- Current Social Work license preferred, or eligibility for licensure where applicable.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in social services, long-term care, skilled nursing, or a related healthcare setting preferred.
- Experience with resident assessments, discharge planning, care planning, and MDS processes preferred.
- Knowledge of state and federal regulations governing long-term care facilities.
- Strong communication, counseling, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to effectively communicate with residents, families, physicians, regulatory agencies, and interdisciplinary team members.
- Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR), Microsoft Office applications, and standard business software.
- Successful completion of annual state-required education, mandatory in-services, and organizational training.
- Annual Tuberculosis (TB) screening and other required health screenings.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, reach, kneel, and perform repetitive hand movements throughout the workday.
- Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 10 pounds.
- Ability to travel throughout the facility to meet with residents, families, and staff.
- Ability to maintain visual acuity necessary for documentation, resident assessments, computer work, and presentations.
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through written documentation.
Work Environment
This position is performed primarily in a skilled nursing environment with frequent interaction with residents, families, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members. Employees may be exposed to infectious diseases, airborne illnesses, bloodborne pathogens, and other healthcare-related hazards. Noise levels may vary from quiet resident rooms and private offices to busy nursing stations, therapy areas, and common resident spaces.
Additional Information
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may change to meet the needs of the organization.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
The Orchards is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.