Social Worker Assistant

Social Work Assistant

The Social Work Assistant supports the Social Work Department in meeting the psychosocial, emotional, and discharge planning needs of residents within the skilled nursing facility. Under the supervision of the Director of Social Work or assigned Social Worker, the Social Work Assistant assists with resident interviews, documentation, care planning, family communication, discharge coordination, and resident advocacy in accordance with New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) regulations, federal regulations, and facility policies and procedures.

The Social Work Assistant promotes resident rights, dignity, quality of life, and person-centered care while collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to support residents and families throughout their stay.

Duties and Responsibilities

Resident Support & Psychosocial Services

• Assist with psychosocial assessments, resident interviews, and collection of social history information.
• Support residents and families with adjustment to admission, room changes, transfers, and discharge planning.
• Provide emotional support and resource guidance to residents and responsible parties.
• Assist in identifying psychosocial concerns including grief, isolation, anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns, and family dynamics, reporting findings to the Social Worker or Director of Social Work.
• Promote resident rights, dignity, choice, independence, and quality of life.
• Assist residents in accessing community resources, benefits, and supportive services.

Care Planning & Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Participate in interdisciplinary care plan meetings as assigned.
• Assist with development and implementation of person-centered care plans related to psychosocial needs.
• Communicate resident concerns, discharge barriers, and social service needs to the interdisciplinary team.
• Collaborate with Nursing, Rehabilitation, Therapeutic Recreation, Admissions, Dietary, and other departments to support resident-centered outcomes.

Discharge Planning

• Assist with discharge planning activities including coordination of services, appointments, transportation, equipment, and community referrals.
• Communicate with residents, families, hospitals, managed care plans, and community agencies regarding discharge arrangements.
• Support safe and timely discharges in accordance with facility policy and regulatory requirements.

Documentation & Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain timely, accurate, and complete documentation in the medical record in accordance with NYSDOH regulations, CMS requirements, and facility policies.
• Assist with completion of required forms, notices, and resident communications.
• Support preparation for NYSDOH surveys, audits, and quality reviews.
• Maintain confidentiality of resident information in accordance with HIPAA and facility policies.

Resident Advocacy & Quality of Life

• Address resident and family concerns and report grievances through appropriate channels.
• Assist with resident council follow-up items as assigned.
• Support initiatives that enhance resident satisfaction, engagement, and psychosocial well-being.

Administrative Support

• Maintain social service records, tracking logs, and departmental reports as assigned.
• Assist with scheduling meetings and coordinating family conferences.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Social Work or Administrator.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Gerontology, or related field preferred.

Experience

• Previous experience in healthcare, long-term care, rehabilitation, or human services preferred.
• Knowledge of skilled nursing facility operations and resident rights preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, families, staff, and external agencies.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Basic computer proficiency including electronic medical records and Microsoft Office applications.