Social Services Aide

POSITION SUMMARY:

Works in conjunction with the Social Services Coordinator to identify and meet the medically related social and emotional needs of the residents and/or their families.

This position description is intended to identify some of the duties and responsibilities of this position. MODOC MEDICAL CENTER reserves the right to modify, supplement, delete or augment the duties and responsibilities specified in this position description, at MODOC MEDICAL CENTER’S sole and absolute discretion.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assists with all resident appointment making and needs.
2. Assists with transport arrangements to resident’s appointments and/or transports resident if needed.
3. Prepares all transport packets to assure residents have all needed paperwork before arriving to appointment.
4. Handles all resident need referral forms with the help of the Social Services Coordinator if necessary.
5. Keep all departments aware of upcoming appointments and needs required from those departments.
6. Maintains a social services file on each resident and updates it as directed.
7. Assists the resident and family during the adjustment to the facility by communicating information regarding the facility operations, rules, regulations and resident right in conjunction with the social services coordinator.
8. Follows up as directed for all concerns regarding social services needs of resident including financial, interfamily concerns, personal needs, emotional concerns and compatibility problems with roommates or facility staff in conjunction with the social services coordinator.
9. Promotes and maintains effective working relationships with each resident and his/her family and/or significant other.
10. Communicates well with other departments and department managers.
11. Provides input in the development of policies and procedures relative to social services.
12. Assists with and maintains a resource file of appropriate individual, agencies and professionals to assist in meeting resident’s needs.
13. Performs other tasks as delegated by the Social Services Coordinator or DON.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. UNIFORM: Appropriate business attire or according to the Nursing Service Dress Code.
2. HOURS: Hours are determined based on needs of the department. Shifts may be eight, ten or twelve hour shifts as agreed upon DON and CNO. This is a full time position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Sits, stands, bends, lifts, walks and moves intermittently during working hours.
2. Able to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance.  

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

1. A high school graduate or equivalent. Experience in a long term care setting preferred.
2. In individual with above average mental ability, good physical and mental health, and courteous, kind and caring disposition. 
3. Shows adaptability to varied situations, is empathetic, enthusiastic, creative and a resourceful personality.
4. Is able to communicate in English both verbally and in writing. Is able to see and hear adequately to perform functions of the job.
5. Has the ability to walk, bend and lift and has dexterity to perform the manual skills required of the job.
6. Is dependable, reliable, has good attendance and can relate well with co-workers, volunteer staff and residents.
7. Possesses good interpersonal skills, works well independently and with supervision, communicates well and is able to problem solve.
8. Fulfills responsibility to the facility by adhering to its philosophy and general policies.