AHD Social Services Coordinator (rev 060616) - Alameda Health System

SUMMARY: The AHD Social Services Coordinator assists in the planning, developing, organizing implementing, evaluating and directing social service programs under the supervision of a Medical Social Worker, in accordance with existing federal, state and local requirements, as well as hospital policies and procedures to assure that the medically related emotional and social needs of the resident are met/maintained on an individual basis.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual in the classification.

1. Participates in preadmission evaluations for patients as appropriate.

2. Performs complete and accurate psychosocial assessments on admission and throughout the residents stay identifying patient needs and developing the plan of care.

3. Understands the required elements of the MDS section relating to social services and accurately and completely records assessments in a timely manner (sections AA, AB, AC and A for new admissions.)

4. Documents interviews, evaluations, assessments and discharge or care planning activities in a timely manner as they pertain to the treatment plan. Maintains confidentiality of all patient care information and adheres to the hospital's privacy policy.

5. Actively attempts to solve minor problems as they pertain to Social Service functions and makes referrals as necessary.Protects patients from abuse and reports identified incidents.

6. Provides Social Service support to the patient and family including grief support and crisis intervention and makes appropriate referrals for behavioral issues or other acute and/or chronic disabling conditions. Demonstrates ability to explain options/resources in a clear, organized manner enabling patients and family to make informed decisions and be involved in their care.

7. Follows up on healthcare decision making documentation on admission and if not available assists patient in determining how they would like healthcare decisions to be made.

8. Attends quarterly family conferences and documents appropriately in the medical record including the plan of care as it relates to the patient's physical emotional needs. Communicates changes in patient's condition, needs and discharge plan to the healthcare team. Attends interdisciplinary team meetings to assist staff in understanding the social service needs of the patient/residents.

9. Assures appropriate referrals and coordinates resident visits both inside and outside of the facility to other allied health practitioners.Assists in obtaining referrals and services to other outside entities and any transportation requirements.

10. Participates in the discharge planning process, whether to another facility or home and assists with transfer arrangements. Provides community resource information as part of the discharge plan (i.e. Meals on Wheels, etc.)

11. Reviews monthly the use of psychotropics or restraints and works with the healthcare team to reduce their use.

12. Participates in Quality Improvement activities related to Social Services by identifying opportunities for improvement and suggesting areas for protocol or process changes.

13. Tracks and completes TAR submission requirements and submits them timely.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelors of Science in social service or gerontology or related field.

Minimum Experience: Minimum of two years or progressive social service experience; one year in a skilled nursing setting preferred.

Required Licenses/Certification:Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification – issued by the American Heart Association (AHA).

Preferred Licenses/Certification: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).