Social Worker - Independent Living

The Social Worker - Independent Living at Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge is responsible for supporting the psychosocial needs of residents experiencing transitions, such as cognitive and physical decline. This includes assessing needs, providing short-term counseling, and collaborating with the healthcare social worker and care coordination staff to ensure comprehensive support. You will also engage in community referrals and participate in interdisciplinary meetings to enhance resident care.

To qualify for the Social Worker - Independent Living position at Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge, candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in Social Work and hold a current Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license in Virginia. Additionally, relevant experience working with the aging population and experience in a healthcare setting are essential for success in this role.

The Social Worker - Independent Living at WCBR plays a crucial role in enhancing resident well-being by identifying psychosocial needs, providing individual and family counseling, and facilitating group work. By actively participating in interdisciplinary team meetings and engaging with families, the social worker ensures that care plans are personalized and address the unique transitions that our residents face, ultimately improving their quality of life.

As a Social Worker - Independent Living at WCBR, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off, an education program to assist with education costs, a retirement savings plan with company match, free meals while working, and access to our gym and pool. Additionally, you will receive medical, dental, and vision benefits, making it a supportive working environment.

The Social Worker - Independent Living at Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge will need to be familiar with local community resources that can support residents and their families. This can include services related to healthcare, mental health, transportation, financial assistance, and social engagement opportunities. Having knowledge about these resources enables the social worker to make appropriate referrals and provide comprehensive support.

When answering this question, provide specific examples of your past roles where you supported seniors. Highlight how your understanding of their unique needs influenced your approach and the positive outcomes achieved.

Addressing this situation requires building trust. Explain your strategies for engaging residents, such as using active listening and compassionate communication to create a comfortable environment where they feel safe to express their feelings.

Discuss your approach to developing care plans, including conducting assessments, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and incorporating input from the resident and their family to ensure a holistic view of their needs and preferences.

Outline your methods for research and networking, such as attending community meetings, engaging with local services, and using online platforms to keep abreast of new resources that can benefit residents.

When answering, share a specific scenario where you played a pivotal role during a resident's transition. Highlight your problem-solving skills and the positive impact you made on their experience.

Explain your organizational strategies for managing time efficiently while ensuring that each resident feels valued and supported. Discuss prioritization and effective communication techniques that facilitate this balance.

Share your preferred techniques and tools for family counseling, emphasizing communication styles and approaches that have been effective in fostering understanding and collaboration among family members.

Provide an example illustrating your advocacy skills, detailing the situation, actions you took, and the outcome. Focus on your commitment to resident well-being and collaboration with others to bring about changes.

Discuss your coping strategies such as mindfulness, regular breaks, and seeking support from colleagues or supervisors, emphasizing the importance of maintaining personal well-being to serve residents effectively.

Emphasize qualities such as empathy, patience, strong communication, and the ability to build rapport with residents and their families. Discuss how these attributes contribute to successful outcomes in your role.