Health Services Social Worker - job 1 of 2

As a Health Services Social Worker at Givens Estates, your primary responsibilities will include developing personalized social assessments for residents, coordinating discharge planning processes, and advocating for residents' rights. You will provide essential community resource information to residents and their families, as well as oversee the Medicaid application process. Your role is crucial in supporting both skilled nursing and assisted living residents in addressing their psychosocial needs.

To qualify for the Health Services Social Worker position at Givens Estates, you need at least a Bachelor's degree in a human service-related field, along with a minimum of 2 years of experience working with older adults. Strong communication skills, organizational abilities, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and databases are essential for this role, as you'll be required to advocate for residents effectively and manage resources.

Health Services Social Workers at Givens Estates enjoy a comprehensive benefits package. This includes access to three major medical health insurance plans, free dental and vision coverage for full-time employees, and paid time off that you can access immediately. Additional benefits such as a 403(b) retirement plan with matching contributions, educational assistance, and an employee assistance program further enhance your employment experience.

The Health Services Social Worker at Givens Estates typically works Monday through Friday during normal business hours. While the majority of the work is done during this time, there may be on-call responsibilities some nights and weekends, allowing for flexibility in supporting residents when needed.

Givens Estates is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for both residents and employees. This is achieved by aligning actions with values that promote dignity and respect, ensuring all individuals feel welcomed and valued. Givens continually seeks innovative approaches to build a community that embraces differences and fosters belonging among its residents and staff.

When developing a social assessment for a resident, start by conducting an in-depth interview to gather their personal history, preferences, and specific psychosocial needs. It’s essential to engage with not just the residents but also their families to create a comprehensive understanding. Be sure to take notes on key areas of concern and use this information to craft an individualized care plan that addresses their unique situation.

In previous roles, my advocacy for residents' rights involved not only listening attentively to their concerns but also taking actionable steps to resolve any complaints or grievances. For instance, I once assisted a resident facing a care-related issue by facilitating communication between them and the care team, ensuring their voice was heard and their needs addressed. This advocacy fostered trust and improved their overall care experience.

Managing multiple resident cases requires strong organizational skills. I utilize digital tools to track residents’ needs, progress, and important dates for assessments or follow-up actions. Prioritizing tasks based on urgency and complexity also helps me allocate my time efficiently, ensuring that each resident receives the attention and care they need.

In such situations, my first approach would be to build rapport with the resident, offering a safe and trusting environment for them to express their feelings. Understanding their resistance is key, so I would actively listen and validate their concerns. Following that, I would collaborate with them to find a solution, perhaps involving them in their care plan development to increase their buy-in and willingness to engage.

Community resources are vital in supporting residents beyond what our facility can offer. They provide additional assistance, whether it’s financial aid, leisure activities, or specialized services. As a Health Services Social Worker, I would actively coordinate these resources, ensuring residents and families are aware of and able to access these opportunities to enhance their quality of life.

The most rewarding aspect of being a Social Worker in a health services setting is witnessing the positive impact of my work on residents’ lives. From supporting them through challenging times to celebrating their achievements in the facility, the chance to enhance their emotional and psychosocial well-being is incredibly fulfilling and motivates me every day.

One particularly challenging case involved a resident who had severe anxiety about transitioning into our skilled nursing facility. To overcome this, I developed a detailed support plan that included regular one-on-one sessions to address their fears, as well as involving family members to create a comforting presence. Gradually, we worked on building their trust and assisting with acclimatization, leading to a smoother transition.

I stay informed about the healthcare system by participating in professional development opportunities such as workshops, webinars, and relevant conferences. Additionally, I subscribe to industry publications and engage with online forums where colleagues share best practices and updates on policies that impact social work and healthcare services for aging populations.

When faced with multiple cases, I prioritize resident needs through an assessment of urgency and the impact of requested services. For example, I give preference to cases involving immediate emotional crises or healthcare needs. Utilizing task management software helps me keep organized and ensures that each resident receives timely attention according to their unique circumstances.

Essential skills for a successful Health Services Social Worker include strong communication and interpersonal skills, empathy, and excellent organizational abilities. Furthermore, understanding clinical assessments and being knowledgeable about community resources enhances the social worker's effectiveness in advocating for and supporting the residents to uphold their well-being and rights.