Social Worker

JOB SUMMARY:
To participate in the provision of a comprehensive, integrated and continuous program of care and treatment, being uniquely sensitive to the psycho-social functioning of the resident.

The position will promote the Mission of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate by supporting the care values regarding the provision of quality care, loving environment, Christian ideals and principles, respect for life and dignity of person, and preservation of our traditional ethnic customs.

QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Must be a graduate of a recognized School of Social Work with a minimum of a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Must be registered with the Manitoba College of Social Workers.

2. At least one year’s experience in Long term care preferred.

3. Possess good written and oral communication skills.

4. Possess ability to work cooperatively with all levels of staff and students. Previous experience working in a multidisciplinary team is an asset.

5. Good mental and physical health to meet the requirements of the position.

RESPONSIBLE TO:
Director of Care

RESPONSIBILITIES:
**Bed Utilization**

1. Responds to community intake calls providing direction and supportive services to individuals inquiring about the facility and placement.

2. Manages the Waiting List; provides counseling and referral services to applicants and/or family members on the Waiting List; maintains contact with community agencies in relation to status of applicants.

3. Assesses applicants on the limited Waiting List in order to determine need and appropriateness for placement.

4. Coordinates the admissions to the units; assists with the placement adjustment of the resident/family through the provision of individualized counseling and/or other methods of planned intervention.

5. Plans with residents for their discharge from the Home, where realistic and desired, and assists in the development of a discharge plan ensuring that there will be appropriate community supports.

6. Compiles admission, discharge, and transfer statistical information and submits to the WRHA Long term care program daily and Holy Family Home leadership as required.

7. Coordinates the Respite Care Program for the facility and provides Social Work services to respite participants and their families. (See Respite Manual)

**Care Planning**

1. Develops Social History and Assessments (cognitive, mood, adjustment, behavior) on all residents following admission and shares pertinent psychosocial information with the inter-disciplinary team in order to support resident/family adjustment to the facility.

2. Assess all residents for the need for Social Work services, and assist in the development of resident care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary teams following Long-term Care Standards guidelines.

3. Maintains up-to-date records of pertinent information regarding the residents’ care plans and contacts within MDS (minimum data set) and ADT (admission, discharge, transfer)

4. Completes Cognitive Assessments (MMSE, GDS) on admission, as needed.

**Communication/Support**

1. Provides Social Work services directly to residents and their families and/or groups in relation to psychosocial/emotional needs.

2. Provides families with support in the placement process recognizing and helping them to deal with feelings of guilt, remorse, anxiety, etc.

3. Respond to resident/family concerns/complaints and escalates as appropriate

4. Resident Advocacy

**Meetings**

1. Participates in inter-disciplinary team conference and actively influences the plan of care for residents; involves the resident, family/significant others in the development and evaluation of the resident’s plan of care.

2. Engages in the development of therapeutic groups for residents and families; facilitates the Resident Council meetings, and special events.

3. Participates in TAP monthly

4. Participates in Ethics committee quarterly

5. Participates in leadership meeting monthly

6. Facilitates Resident and Family Council meetings 5 x per year

7. Organizes and facilitates admission (within 8 weeks of admission) and Annual Care Conferences with the family, resident and interdisciplinary team. Ensuring all interdisciplinary team members are aware to attend and/or provide written updates to be presented at the Care Conference.

**Education**

1. Develops staff awareness and sensitivity to the psychosocial needs of residents; identify problems, encourage changes and facilitate innovation in collaboration with all team members, in order to promote a resident oriented environment.

2. Conducts and/or participates in the in-service training of staff related to the Behavior Management including social/emotional factors of illness and placement and their effects on residents and families.

3. Establishes community awareness in the Home by providing information regarding community resources and services utilizing these resources to enhance the lives of the residents.

4. Attends required meetings and