Summary
SUMMARY: The AHD Social Services Designee at Alameda Hospital (at Park Bridge) assists in
planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing social service programs,
in accordance with existing federal, state, and local requirements, as well as hospital policies and
procedures, to assure that medically related emotional and social needs of the resident are
met/maintained on an individual basis. Performs related duties as required.
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. Performs complete and accurate psychosocial assessments
on admission and throughout the residents stay, identifying patient needs and developing the plan of care.
2. Understands the required elements of the MDS section relating to social services and accurately and
completely records assessments in a timely manner.
3. Documents interviews, evaluations, assessments, and discharge or care planning activities in a timely
manner as they pertain to the treatment plan.
4. Actively attempts to solve minor problems as they pertain to social service functions and makes referrals
as necessary.
5. Provides social service support to the patient/family, including grief support and crisis intervention, and
makes appropriate referrals to the LCSW such as behavioral issues or other acute and/or chronic disabling conditions.
6. Follows up on healthcare decision making documentation on admission and, if not available, assists patient
in determining how they would like healthcare decisions made.
7. Attend quarterly family conferences and documents appropriately in the medical record including the plan
of care as it relates to the patient's physical and emotional needs.
8. Communicates changes in patient's condition, needs, and/or discharge plan to healthcare team.
9. Attend interdisciplinary team meetings to assist staff in understanding the social service needs of the patients/residents.
10. Assures appropriate referrals and coordinates resident visits both inside and outside of the facility to other
allied health practitioners (e.g. physicians, dentist, optometrist, audiologist, and podiatrist). When services are
not provided by the payer, attempts are made to obtain services including transportation. 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.
11. Assists in obtaining referrals and services to other outside entities and any transportation requirements.
Provides community resource information as part of the discharge plan (e.g. meals on wheels).
12. Participates in the discharge planning process to another facility or home, and assists with
transfer arrangements; on a monthly basis, reviews the use of psychotropic medicine or restraints
and works with the healthcare team to reduce their use.
13. Participates in quality improvement activities related to social services by identifying opportunities
for improvement and suggesting areas for protocol or process changes.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelor's of Science in Social Service or Gerontology or related field. B.A. or certification in
related area acceptable. Five years of more will be taken into consideration.
Minimum Experience: Two years progressive social service experience, one (1) year in a skilled nursing
setting.
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