Social Worker - Kenosha at Goodwill Industries of SE WIS in Kenosha, Wisconsin

Job Description:

The Social Worker Kenosha is responsible for providing a full range of case work services to the residents at Brookside Care Center, involving the application of professional skills in obtaining information, counseling residents and family members, acting as an advocate for residents, and assisting residents and families in utilizing all available resources.

RESPONSIBILITY LEVEL:

Position provides social services to nursing home residents and their families and is responsible for seeing that residents adapt to the nursing home environment. This position provides a full range of case work services to the residents at Brookside Care Center involving the application of professional skills in obtaining information, counseling residents and family members, acting as advocate for residents, and assists residents and families in utilizing all available resources. Position works with minimal supervision and must be able to make decisions quickly on their own behalf as well as for the resident.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

1. Complete intake of residents and gather information, develop and write social histories of residents on caseload.
2. Develop and implement a social services care plan for each resident and review quarterly.
3. Coordinate discharge of residents and treatment plans for residents returning home.
4. Work with families and counsel residents upon and following admission for problems that include adjustment to placement, separation from families, disorientation, chronic illnesses, and death.
5. Provide information to family and assist in a well informed decision making process for residents care.
6. Initialize and set-up service and treatment plans for residents.
7. Manage day-to-day activities and time management to perform necessary functions in a timely and accurate manner.
8. Attempt to involve families in the treatment through visits, explanations and staffings.
9. Serve as primary contact during State Audits and provide information as requested.
10. Record and maintain accurate records both manually and in the various database systems used.
11. Make referrals and recommendations to other agencies involved with the residents.
12. Consult with staff regarding social and emotional factors related to residents' health problems.
13. Record plans, goal, and progress on individual residents.
14. Provide in-service training to nursing home staff; attends conferences and workshops.
15. Assist and provide discharge planning services with appropriate referrals and community resources.
16. Participate in house committees such as CQI and QA.
17. Complete MDS per state/federal nursing home regulations and codes.
18. Work with guardian in meeting the needs of protectively paced individuals. Assist with completion of paperwork required by Federal/State laws.
19. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the electronic medical record.
20. In the absence of the Admission Coordinator, perform pre-admission interviews/assessments at hospital, home or other locations with prospective residents and families. Explain services of Brookside to prospective residents and families.
21. Investigate resident complaints and involve administration as necessary.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field required.
2. Social Work certification by the State of Wisconsin is preferred.
3. Two years' experience working with the elderly or handicapped preferred.
4. Experience with group facilitation and health or social service programs for the elderly populations helpful.
5. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
6. Significant experience in working with the elderly population.
7. Extensive knowledge of community resources and how to access them.
8. Possession of a valid Wisconsin Driver's License and access to an insured vehicle for use in the performance of the job.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

1. Knowledge of social and psychological factors affecting nursing home residents.
2. Knowledge of basic human growth and development, behavior, social problems, developmental disabilities, mental illness, interviewing techniques, and various rehabilitation strategies.
3. Ability to communicate effectively and establish sound working relationships with residents and their families, staff, and outside agencies.
4. Ability to observe, interpret, and respond to parties' behavior.
5. Knowledge of state/federal nursing home codes.
6. Extensive knowledge of community resources.
7. Ability to maintain confidential and accurate records and prepare reports.
8. Well-organized, self-motivated, energetic individual.
9. Ability to advocate for clients needs and negotiate appropriate and effective services.
10. Ability to maintain accurate information and an efficient record keeping system. This includes compiling data for reports and written analysis.
11. Ability to maintain confidentiality as well as a safe and professional environment.

PHYSICAL/SENSORY DEMANDS:

1. Speech and hearing are required for communication and counseling with residents, family and service providers.
2. Position requires mobility within nursing home to meet with residents and providers.
3. Vision standards required by Motor Vehicle Department to operate a vehicle.

(SEW) (KCJC)